Embodied Microbiomes

This talk delves into the concept of "embodied microbiomes" using a 4E-cognition framework—an approach that integrates embodied, embedded, enactive, and extended perspectives on cognition. It explores how microbial communities within our bodies do not exist in isolation but interact closely with social, cultural, and environmental contexts. By viewing microbiomes through the lens of 4E-cognition, this presentation emphasizes how these microbial ecosystems are shaped by, and in turn shape, our behaviors, environments, and social structures. It suggests that our microbiomes are influenced by cultural practices, social interactions, and even societal inequalities, highlighting a dynamic relationship between biology and social life. This perspective offers a deeper understanding of how social factors, such as access to nutrition, exposure to diverse environments, and cultural practices, can shape microbial health and, consequently, human well-being. The talk encourages integrating these insights into research and policy to address broader social equity issues, aiming for a more holistic approach to understanding health and microbiomes.