The human microbiome plays a role in processes as diverse as body
composition, immune function, and mental health. Katherine Pollard
studies these microbes to learn how they influence health and disease.
[Photo: Chris Goodfellow]
composition, immune function, and mental health. Katherine Pollard
studies these microbes to learn how they influence health and disease.
[Photo: Chris Goodfellow]
Cellularly and genetically, we are more “other” than human.
The human microbiome—the diverse array of bacteria, yeast,
parasites, and other single-celled organisms that live in
and on our bodies—is comprised of more microbes than there
are stars in the galaxy, and the genes encoded in microbiome
DNA vastly outnumber our own genes.
The human microbiome—the diverse array of bacteria, yeast,
parasites, and other single-celled organisms that live in
and on our bodies—is comprised of more microbes than there
are stars in the galaxy, and the genes encoded in microbiome
DNA vastly outnumber our own genes.
Our microbiome is as unique to us as a fingerprint and plays
a role in processes as diverse as body composition, immune
function, and mental health. Our diet, external environment,
antibiotic use, personal hygiene, where and how we were born,
and proximity to animals all affect the microbiome, which can
change from month to month or even from morning to night.
Yet despite the importance of the microbiome, we are just
beginning to uncover which microorganisms reside in our bodies
and determine what functions they perform./.../
a role in processes as diverse as body composition, immune
function, and mental health. Our diet, external environment,
antibiotic use, personal hygiene, where and how we were born,
and proximity to animals all affect the microbiome, which can
change from month to month or even from morning to night.
Yet despite the importance of the microbiome, we are just
beginning to uncover which microorganisms reside in our bodies
and determine what functions they perform./.../
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