Beneath our notice, in every handful of soil and every breath of air, exists a complex web of microbial relationships that sustains life as we know it. These microscopic organisms form alliances, compete for resources, and communicate in ways we are only beginning to understand—revealing a hidden dimension of cooperation that challenges our understanding of individuality and survival. Consider the human body itself, home to trillions of microorganisms that outnumber our own cells. These microbes don’t merely inhabit us—they actively contribute to our health by digesting nutrients, training our immune system, and even influencing our moods. The gut-brain axis, a communication network between intestinal bacteria and our neurological system, demonstrates…