The internationalization of human microbiome research
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Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Ana Maria Porras1, Ilana Lauren Brito1
1Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States.
Abstract:
The human microbiome has now been linked with myriad diseases, yet most of this research has been conducted on American and European populations that make up only 1/6th of the world's population. With growing recognition that human microbiomes differ tremendously across global populations, it is especially important to understand how these compositional differences impact health outcomes. Recent advances in infectious disease and malnutrition research have demonstrated the potential for microbiome-based strategies to address the biggest challenges in global health. This review highlights major advances toward understanding microbiome diversity across the world and its contributions to disease, and outlines key questions, challenges, and opportunities to broaden the scope of and promote inclusivity within microbiome research.
Insights
The human microbiome
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Global health
- Human genetics
Background:
- Most human microbiome research focuses on limited populations, neglecting global diversity.
- Human microbiome composition varies significantly across different global populations.
- Microbiome research is increasingly linked to various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in understanding global human microbiome diversity.
- To explore the impact of microbiome differences on health outcomes worldwide.
- To identify challenges and opportunities for inclusive microbiome research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microbiome studies across diverse global populations.
- Analysis of the link between microbiome composition and disease prevalence.
- Identification of key research questions and strategies for inclusivity.
Main Results:
- Human microbiome diversity is vast and significantly impacts global health.
- Microbiome-based strategies show potential for addressing infectious diseases and malnutrition.
- Significant gaps exist in research scope and inclusivity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding global microbiome diversity is crucial for addressing health disparities.
- Inclusive microbiome research is essential for developing effective global health strategies.
- Future research should prioritize diverse populations to unlock microbiome's full potential.
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