These results help us understand the mechanisms driving diversity and robustness in microbial communities. We illustrate this considering why so much of microbial diversity is difficult to culture, showing it can be explained by the inherent structure of their cross-feeding networks! (5/5)

Our model reveals the presence of tipping points in microbial communities! Small changes to cross-feeding networks can trigger abrupt shifts between high- and low-diversity states. Disturbances can cause cross-feeding networks to collapse diversity loss that can be hard to reverse. (4/5)

We developed a model of microbial community cross-feeding which we analyse using methods from network science and percolation theory. This lets us elegantly link the structure of cross-feeding networks to the emergent diversity that communities can support. (3/5)

🦠 Microbial communities are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, thriving on intricate networks of resource consumption and exchange. How do cross-feeding interactions sustain this diversity? We tackle this problem using a complex networks approach. (2/5)