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As a teenager growing up in Nigeria, Helen Onyeaka was obsessed with microorganisms.

"On the one hand, we must save a patient. On the other – we mustn't breed new microorganisms that will have antimicrobial resistance."

Our body isn't just human — it's home to trillions of microorganisms found in or on us.

For instance, biologists can use the new structures to speed up evolution in so-called "bioreactors," devices with a controlled environment, used to cultivate microorganisms for research or in industry such as biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.

Once there, microorganisms can turn methane into carbon dioxide, potentially triggering ocean acidification events.