Microbiome

The term microbiome refers to the bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms that inhabit our bodies as well as every corner of the planet. Scientists at UChicago, including the Duchossois Family Institute, are researching the role that bacteria play in our health—and how to translate their discoveris into potential new treatment options.

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Inside the Lab

Light Lab: Understanding the gut microbiome to treat disease

Step inside Asst. Prof. Sam Light’s lab to learn how scientists are mapping the incredible network of microbes living inside your gut—and how they can affect health or disease.

Fecal transplants can have unintended side effects, study finds Artist rendition of differently shaped microbes floating on dark background

Fecal transplants can have unintended side effects, study finds

UChicago research shows current practices may have long-lasting consequences for the digestive tract

In mice, diet works better than fecal transplants to repair gut microbiome Illustration of gut microbiome

In mice, diet works better than fecal transplants to repair gut microbiome

UChicago study shows microbiome struggles to restore itself on a Western diet after antibiotics

What role does the gut microbiome play in why more women develop Alzheimer’s disease? Artist's illustration of a neuron with long tendrils in black and white with small hints of color in the tendrils

What role does the gut microbiome play in why more women develop Alzheimer’s disease?

Two new University of Chicago studies investigate roles of gut microbiome, estrogen in differing disease rates

Gut microbiome can help predict outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 A patient receives medical care from a ventilator

Gut microbiome can help predict outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19

This UChicago Medicine study suggests that microbiota health presents an opportunity to prevent deaths

Prof. Cathryn Nagler honored for outstanding contributions to immunology Media citation, Crain's Chicago Business, Cathryn Nagler

Prof. Cathryn Nagler honored for outstanding contributions to immunology

One scientist’s quest to map the trillions of microbes in the Great Lakes Promontory Point

One scientist’s quest to map the trillions of microbes in the Great Lakes

How gut bacteria from infants could prevent food allergy Thumbnail

How gut bacteria from infants could prevent food allergy

What can we learn from studying microbes under our feet Thumbnail

What can we learn from studying microbes under our feet

The Jordan Peterson All-Meat Diet Meat

The Jordan Peterson All-Meat Diet

<p>Prof. Jack Gilbert explains damaging effects of an all-meat diet</p>


Could Viruses Attacking The Microbiome Be Responsible For Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Virus

Could Viruses Attacking The Microbiome Be Responsible For Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

<p>Prof. David Rubin discusses new study suggesting a relationship between the human microbiome and inflammatory bowel disease</p>