Patna: Scientists at Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) highlighted the vital role of microorganisms in sustaining human life and ecological balance at an event marking International Microorganism Day 2026.Experts said while pathogens can cause serious diseases, the overwhelming majority of microbes are harmless or beneficial to humans and the environment.Suhel Parvez, dean (academics), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, said less than 1% of microorganisms cause diseases, while the rest perform vital functions. “Without microbes, we cannot have curd, jalebi or even pizza,” he said, explaining their role in food production.Dilip Kumar Kesri, vice-chancellor, Magadh University, highlighted the role of microbes in nitrogen fixation. Since plants depend on them for essential nutrients and humans ultimately depend on plants for food, he said, “we cannot survive if there are no microbes.”Keynote speaker Md Kausar Neyaz, senior research scientist at Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, explained how human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. He stressed that vaccination and regular health check-ups can substantially help prevent HPV-related disease.CUSB vice-chancellor Kameshwar Nath Singh linked the discussion to the wider environmental crisis, cautioning against the relentless exploitation of natural resources and disturbance of different layers of the Earth.The programme, organised by the school of earth, biological and environmental sciences in collaboration with the Microbiologists Society of India, drew over 300 participants. Student science-model competitions and research presentations were also held.
