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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
The Skin Microbiota01:27

The Skin Microbiota

The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
11:22

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

The microbiome explored: recent insights and future challenges.

Martin Blaser1, Peer Bork, Claire Fraser

  • 1Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York 10016, USA. Martin.Blaser@med.nyu.edu

Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|February 5, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The human microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms, significantly impacts health and disease. Recent research highlights its crucial roles in immunity and metabolism, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
11:22

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Microbial Communities in Nature and Laboratory - Interview
29:13

Microbial Communities in Nature and Laboratory - Interview

Published on: May 28, 2007

Bioreactor Assembly for Continuous Culture of Complex Fecal Communities
09:37

Bioreactor Assembly for Continuous Culture of Complex Fecal Communities

Published on: April 25, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Human physiology
  • Metagenomics

Background:

  • Commensal microorganisms play vital roles beyond passive existence.
  • The microbiome influences host immunity and metabolism.
  • Microbiota are implicated in various disease states.

Approach:

  • Large-scale, consortium-driven metagenomic projects.
  • Expert discussions on surprising findings in microbiome research.
  • Outlining future research directions.

Key Points:

  • Microorganisms are integral to host physiology.
  • The microbiome impacts immune responses and metabolic processes.
  • Understanding the microbiota is key to addressing diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the microbiota's roles.
  • Developing viable therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome is a future goal.
  • Commensal microorganisms are critical determinants of human health and disease.