Some amazing evidence now shows that the vaginal microbiome can influence the risk of a woman giving birth prematurely and influence her risk of acquiring HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. This week, I speak with Prof. Doug Kwon all about this and about the evidence for probiotic or other microbiome therapies to improve women’s health.
Even though the microbiome field is very exciting, it is also unfortunately full of plenty of myths and hyperbole. It is important that we discuss these myths. In Episode 6, I speak to the two best Microbiome Myth Busters in the world, who take us through the inaccuracies that are prevalent in discourse about human microbiomes and why these can be detrimental for science and medicine.
Gene editing tools such as CRISPR are allowing scientists and medics to get rid of devastating genetic conditions, however they can also be used on microbes, meaning they could be used to alter the human microbiome. Dr. Carlotta Ronda is investigating how to gene edit microbiomes to benefit human and environmental health
Ultra-processed foods contain lots of additives to help with their shelf life. Emulsifiers are one type of additive included within many ultra-processed foods such as mayonnaise, chocolate, ice-cream etc. However, new research suggests that these emulsifiers may have a detrimental effect on the gut lining and the gut microbiome.
Humans can survive on human milk for at least the first 6 months of life yet surprisingly little has been researcher about this human superfood. Human milk contains prebiotic sugars, antibodies and live microbes, all of which can influence the gut microbiome of babies. I speak with Dr. Meghan Azad from the University of Manitoba about her research on human milk and the infant gut microbiome.