The Global Microbiome

This talk delves into the critical intersection of microbiome research and public health, emphasizing the need to integrate sociocultural perspectives into the study of human microbial ecology. It explores how many studies addressing global health issues like malnutrition often miss the underlying social, political, and economic conditions that shape microbial populations. By considering factors such as race, gender, poverty, and infrastructure, the presentation calls for interdisciplinary collaboration between anthropology and microbiology to better understand and address how these conditions influence microbiome diversity and health outcomes. This approach aims to create more effective and equitable public health strategies by recognizing the broader social contexts that impact human microbiomes.