ISB News

All About the Human Microbiome

“Germaphobes out there, I’ve got to tell you: You’re just covered in microbes. Every inch of your body is completely coated in microorganisms”

That is how ISB microbiome researcher Dr. Sean Gibbons kicked off a recent Facebook Live Q&A.

Gibbons, who joined ISB as Washington Research Foundation Distinguished Investigator and assistant professor in June 2018 and who runs the Gibbons Lab, explained the nascent field of microbiome research.

“We’ve only really come to appreciate (the human microbiome) in the last couple of decades,” Gibbons said. “My lab studies the ecology and evolution of these microbial communities and how they work, how they assemble, who interacts with whom — we try to understand the basic ground rules underlying the communities.”

Gibbons’ discussion ranged from general questions  (What is it the human microbiome? Can we change it? What does a healthy one look like?) to factors that can affect the microbiome (Should I use Purell? Can I formula-feed my kids? What do antibiotics do to my microbiome?) to exciting and emerging developments in the field (Is there a connection between the microbiome and cancer? What is a fecal transplant? Where will microbiome research go in the next decade?).

Are you curious about the human microbiome? You can watch Gibbons’ answers to individual questions below. NOTE: If you’re watching with no sound, enable captions with the “CC” button.

What is the microbiome, and where do microbes live on our bodies?

Length: 2 minutes, 31 seconds

What does a healthy gut microbiome look like?

Length: 2 minutes 51 seconds

Can I change my microbiome?

Length: 3 minutes, 10 seconds

Should I be using Purell?

Length: 2 minutes, 33 seconds

I heard antibiotics are bad for our microbiome. Is that true, and what should I do when they are prescribed?

Length: 4 minutes, 47 seconds

What is a fecal transplant? Is it as gross as it sounds?

Length: 4 minutes, 43 seconds

Does my microbiome make me fat?

Length: 2 minutes, 20 seconds

Is there a connection between the microbiome and cancer or other diseases?

Length: 4 minutes, 21 seconds

Is it OK to formula-feed my kids?

Length: 4 minutes, 22 seconds

Where do you think microbiome research will be in the next five to 10 years?

Length: 2 minutes, 30 seconds

Recent Articles

  • Dr. Hadlock

    Dr. Jennifer Hadlock Promoted to Associate Professor

    Dr. Jennifer Hadlock – an expert in machine learning, immune-mediated inflammatory disease, and maternal/fetal health – has been promoted to associate professor. The Hadlock Lab is an interdisciplinary team that aims to accelerate translational research by integrating clinical data into systems biology at scale.

  • Spotlight on ISB Education graphic

    2022-23 School Year ISB Education Highlights

    From planning, creating and executing workshops for educators to forging new relationships to elevate students, the ISB Education team has been in high gear. Each month throughout the 2022-2023 academic year, we will highlight some of the top projects the team is working on.

  • Beyond the Scale: How Multiomics and Biological BMI Can Help Achieve Optimal Health

    ISB researchers have constructed a biological BMI that provides a more accurate representation of metabolic health and is more varied, informative and actionable than the long-used classical BMI. ISB Senior Research Scientist Dr. Noa Rappaport discussed biological BMI in a Research Roundtable presentation.