About the Author

Alanna Collen is a science writer with a master's degree in biology from Imperial College London and a PhD in evolutionary biology from University College London and the Zoological Society of London. She is a well-travelled zoologist, an expert in bat echolocation, and an accidental collector of tropical diseases. During her scientific career, Collen has written for the Sunday Times Magazine, as well as about wildlife for ARKive.org. She has appeared on both radio and television, including BBC Radio 4's The Tribes of Science and Saturday Live, and BBC One's adventure-wildlife show Lost Land of the Volcano. She lives in Bedfordshire, England, with her husband.

Reviews

"A fascinating look into the world of the microbiological hitchhikers that travel with us throughout our lives...Recommended for all readers, particularly those contending with the diseases listed and parents making health choices for their children that may have far-reaching consequences." -- Library Journal (starred review)"Exciting and novel...A fascinating study of the intertwined lives of microbes and humans...a manual for the new, healthy way of being dirty...Read it, and you will learn to love your microbiota." -- Newsweek"A fascinating subject to consider...A beginner's guide to microbiota...There's value in Collen's point about reconsidering what is truly healthy at a time when healthy living is so in vogue." -- Philadelphia Inquirer"Collen's evidence for how each person's microbiota, or personal community of microbes, impacts his or her health is undeniably powerful. She creates compelling connections between microbes and the "twenty-first-century illnesses" that affect all of us in some way..." -- Bustle"A welcome antidote to the simplistic 'boost your health with probiotics' books and articles posing as science...fascinating...Collen always brings the story back to the human level...Everything you wanted to know about microbes but were afraid to ask." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Collen argues convincingly that our enthusiasm for killing human bacteria is playing a leading role in ailments ranging from immune problems and obesity to autism." -- The Listener, the 100 Best Books of the 2015"Compelling...Packed with extensive research and interviews, with insights hidden like gems in the text... Adept at explaining complex topics like the workings of immune system cells, Collen is strong on biological and historical context for each point." -- Gut Microbiota Worldwatch"Collen's book satisfies on every level... 10% Human is a page-turner that will leave science-loving readers wishing for more." -- The ASCO Post"This book was a mind-changer for me, but it has a moderate tone that will appeal to skeptics and believers alike. Please, please read this book. It will make you smarter about your own health, your children's health and the sociology of human illness." -- Leeannesowel.com"Fascinating... I like 10% Human because while talking to an incredibly specific topic, it highlights the wholeness of the whole. It reminds me that no matter how specific we get with anything-it's always part of a bigger picture." -- Actionable Books