Conceptualizing Human Microbiota: From Multicelled Organ to Ecological Community
2008

Understanding Human Microbiota: A Complex Community

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Betsy Foxman, Deborah Goldberg, Courtney Murdock, Chuanwu Xi, Janet R. Gilsdorf

Primary Institution: University of Michigan

Hypothesis

How should we conceptualize the human microbiota to better understand its interactions and implications for health?

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for integrated conceptualizations of the human microbiota to improve health interventions.

Supporting Evidence

  • The human microbiota contains 10 times as many cells as the human body.
  • Diverse microorganisms are essential for maintaining health and preventing disease.
  • Different conceptualizations of microbiota lead to varying predictions and research strategies.

Takeaway

The human microbiota is like a big family of tiny organisms that help us stay healthy, and understanding how they work together is really important.

Limitations

The complexity of interactions among microbiota remains largely unexplored.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2008/613979

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