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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of the Natural Microbiota of the Model Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: August 17, 2022
Nature-derived microbiota exposure as a novel immunomodulatory approach
Noora Nurminen1, Jake Lin1,2, Mira Grönroos3
1Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
Aim:
Current attempts to modulate the human microbiota and immune responses are based on probiotics or human-derived bacterial transplants. We investigated microbial modulation by soil and plant-based material.
Materials & Methods:
We performed a pilot study in which healthy adults were exposed to the varied microbial community of a soil- and plant-based material.
Results:
The method was safe and feasible; exposure was associated with an increase in gut microbial diversity.
Conclusion:
If these findings are reproduced in larger studies nature-derived microbial exposure strategies could be further developed for testing their efficacy in the treatment and prevention of immune-mediated diseases.
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