The microbiome living within any individual’s gut may be just as crucial to that person’s genome in determining the trajectory of their physical and mental health. Similarly, the microbiomes found in soils, corals, and waterways may play a pivotal role in the overall health of an ecosystem, including carbon cycling, algal bloom production, and disease defense. By understanding the microbiomes that make up our bodies and earth, we may develop early warning systems for disease and develop less-invasive means of alleviating ailments and cultivating healthy ecosystems. Inversely, environmental pollutants, like nanoplastics and other harmful chemicals, may be negatively impacting these microbial communities. 

Our staff is currently researching these subjects and seeking to meet scientists studying related topics. 

What we’ve been reading on the subject: (1) “The Good Gut” by Justin and Erica Sonnenburg and (2)  “Disease Suppressive Soils – Beyond Food Production: A Critical Review (Jayaraman, S., Naorem, A., Lal, R. et al. Disease-Suppressive Soils—Beyond Food Production: a Critical Review. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 21, 1437–1465 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-021-00451-x).