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Related Concept Videos

Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

128
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,...
128
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

50
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...
50
Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

80
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...
80
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

49
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
49
Human Virome01:26

Human Virome

42
The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible...
42
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

47
The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
47

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Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
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Ancient human microbiomes.

Christina Warinner1, Camilla Speller2, Matthew J Collins2

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, 101 David L. Boren Blvd., Norman, OK 73019, USA.

Journal of Human Evolution
|January 7, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The human microbiome influences health and behavior, but its ancestral state is unknown. Paleomicrobiology research on ancient samples reveals insights into human microbial ecology and health.

Keywords:
Ancient DNACoproliteDental calculusFecesMetagenomicsMetaproteomics

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Area of Science:

  • Paleomicrobiology
  • Microbial Ecology
  • Human Evolution

Background:

  • The human microbiome, a vast microbial community, significantly impacts health and behavior.
  • Understanding the microbiome's origin, evolution, and ecology is crucial but limited.
  • Modern lifestyles have likely altered our relationship with microbes, yet ancestral states remain poorly characterized.

Observation:

  • High-throughput sequencing enables paleomicrobiology, facilitating the study of ancient human microbiomes.
  • Research on ancient dental calculus and coprolites provides direct evidence of past microbial communities.
  • Investigating ancient microbiomes offers a unique window into human history and adaptation.

Findings:

  • Ancient microbiome research is reshaping our understanding of historical diseases.
  • Archaeological evidence from ancient microbiomes can inform current medical understanding of health and nutrition.
  • The study reveals shifts in microbial ecology over human history.

Implications:

  • This research provides a foundation for characterizing changes in the human microbiome.
  • Insights from ancient microbiomes can guide future health and nutrition strategies.
  • Paleomicrobiology bridges archaeology and medicine, offering novel perspectives on human well-being.