Episode description

Professor Michael Fischbach, tells us that the “gut biome” – that is, the complex community of bacteria that lives in our gastrointestinal tract – is what makes digesting and extracting nutrients from those meals possible. We hope you’ll tune in.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction to Microbiome: A Primer

Host Russ Altman introduces the episode and its focus on the gut biome with guest Professor Michael Fischbach. Russ discusses the importance of bacteria & the influence of diet on maintaining a healthy microbiome, specifically yogurt

(00:04:08) The Role of Bacteria

An explanation of how bacteria are utilized by our body for digestion

(00:06:16) Antibiotics and Gut Microbiome Disruption

The repercussions of antibiotic use on the gut microbiome's composition and its effects on digestion.

(00:07:14) Bacterial Chemicals in the Body

A detailed explanation of how bacteria create chemicals that enter the bloodstream & example of one of these chemicals, of TMAO (trimethylamine N oxide) and its connection to heart disease risk. 

(00:09:48) Vegans and TMAO

Insight into a study involving vegans and their lack of TMAO production due to the absence of specific gut bacteria & its implications.

(00:12:31) Bacteria's Use of Chemicals for Survival

Dr. Fischbach explains how bacteria utilize chemicals in food due to the absence of oxygen in the gut. The concept of electrons and their role in bacterial survival.

(00:14:17) Microbial Communities

Discussion on manipulating microbial communities and the challenges associated with making precise changes. 

(00:15:22) Fecal Transplants and Community Dynamics

Insight into the success of fecal transplants in treating gut infections. Understanding the dynamics of microbial communities and their role in combating infections.

(00:18:30) Building Complex Microbial Communities

Exploring efforts to construct diverse communities and the stability of ecosystems. Early observations on the interactions between various bacterial species in complex communities

(00:21:16) Precision Fecal Transplants

Discussion on the limitations of fecal transplants and the need and potential for precision in microbial composition for treating diseases. 

(00:22:29) Microbiome Diagnostics for Disease Detection

The potential of microbiome analysis as a diagnostic tool for diseases like Crohn's, based on differences in gut community rosters. The debate around whether changes in the microbiome precede or result from diseases, as well as genetic & environmental factors.

(00:25:39) Fermented Foods and Microbiome Impact

Discussion on the potential health benefits of fermented foods and predictions about future interventions involving bacteria 

(00:26:29) Microbiome and Aging Effects

Early research on the impact of aging on the microbiome and the potential for programmed microbiome composition at different life stages.

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook