Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Measuring the microbiome: perspectives on advances in DNA-based techniques for exploring microbial life
James A Foster1, John Bunge, Jack A Gilbert
1Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844-3051, USA. foster@uidaho.edu
Abstract:
This article reviews recent advances in 'microbiome studies': molecular, statistical and graphical techniques to explore and quantify how microbial organisms affect our environments and ourselves given recent increases in sequencing technology. Microbiome studies are moving beyond mere inventories of specific ecosystems to quantifications of community diversity and descriptions of their ecological function. We review the last 24 months of progress in this sort of research, and anticipate where the next 2 years will take us. We hope that bioinformaticians will find this a helpful springboard for new collaborations with microbiologists.
Related Concept Videos
Modern Molecular Taxonomy
Applications of Molecular Taxonomy
Methods to Assess Microbial Communities
Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Methods to Assess Microbial Populations
Genomics

