Human-built environments, such as the spaces we live in, can influence our health through microbiomes—communities of microbes like bacteria and viruses. People have long been unconsciously influencing microbes through the way we design our built environments. With the right knowledge, we can intentionally shape these microbial communities to support better health—an idea currently explored by Filipino researchers in a recent study.

Ang Mindoro ay nagsisilbing tahanan ng natatanging kasaganahan ng endemic mammalian wildlife na hindi matatagpuan saanman sa mundo. Kabilang dito ang sikat na tamaraw, ang Mindoro warty pig, at ang hamak na Mindoro shrew. Ngayon, may tatlo pang species ang idinagdag sa listahan, salamat sa bagong tuklas na mga Philippine forest mice—lahat kabilang sa genus ng Apomys.

Mindoro is home to a unique bounty of endemic mammalian wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. This includes the famous tamaraw, the Mindoro warty pig, and the humble Mindoro shrew. Now, three more species are added to the list, thanks to the recent discovery of Philippine forest mice—all belonging to the Apomys genus.