Probiotics and the Human Microbiome (Biotechnology and Society)

[[Media:Probiotics_Human_Microbiome_Pre-Discussion_Questions.pdf| Download Pre-Discussion Questions (PDF)]]
We will concentrate on discussing two examples where probiotic microbes could be used to modify the normal human microbiome, to prevent cavities and to "cure" obesity and related health conditions.

Required Reading
// Introduction to the human microbiome and probiotics. View on ted.com // Overview of recent microbiome studies. Article at NYT Human Microbiome Infographic // Review paper describing the initial development of a probiotic bacterial strain to prevent cavities. // News and Views describing two studies of the relationship between obesity and the gut microbiota. // Research study linking microbial diversity in the gut to obesity associated diseases.
 * 1) Eisen2012 Jonathan Eisen TED Talk. "Meet your mIcrobes." April 2012 (15 min).
 * 1) Zimmer2012 Zimmer, C. Tending the Body’s Microbial Garden. New York Times June 18, 2012.
 * 1) Hillman2002 pmid=12369203
 * 1) Fang2013 pmid=23985869
 * 1) LeChatelier2013 pmid=23985870

Stakeholders

 * Government regulatory agencies
 * Healthcare
 * Consumers
 * Industry Groups

Additional Resources
// Article on TIME.com
 * 1) Greenwood2013 Greenwood, V. "You Are Your Bacteria: How the Gut Microbiome Influences Health." TIME.com Aug. 29, 2013
 * The NIH Human Microbiome Project
 * Microwarriors: The Power of Probiotics - movie trailer
 * Oragenics SMaRT Replacement Therapy
 * USProbiotics.org