microbiome

[mahy-kroh-bahy-ohm]

noun

Microbiology.

1. the totality of microorganisms and their collective genetic material present in or on the human body or in another environment.

   The wide diversity of species that make up the microbiome is hard to fathom.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microbiome¹

Coined 2001 by Joshua Lederberg, American molecular biologist; micro(be) + biome

Example Sentences

Many people turn to fermented drinks like kombucha which promises to boost the microbiome and, by extension, the immune system.

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Recent research suggests that the gut microbiome may promote CAD through a variety of biological pathways, influencing inflammation and metabolism in ways that impact the arteries.

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A growing body of scientific research is finding that fermented foods benefit health, improving the functioning of the gut microbiome and reducing markers of inflammation.

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By using AI to navigate the vast and intricate world of gut microbes, researchers are moving closer to unlocking the microbiome's potential to transform personalized medicine.

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Because cockroaches consume a wide range of materials, they host a diverse gut microbiome.

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When To Use

What is a microbiome?

A microbiome is a full collection of microorganisms and the genetic material of a living being or a specific environment.The term microbiome is most often used in reference to the human microbiome, and people will often discuss the microbiome without specifying that they mean the human variety. However, every living being has a microbiome.The microbiome includes all of the cells that make up a living body and all of the microorganisms that exist within it that promote healthy life processes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. For example, there are hundreds of millions of bacteria and other organisms within the body that promote digestion, protect against pathogens and disease, and extract toxins from the body. All negative or outside organisms that enter the body also effectively become a part of the microbiome and will be considered when evaluating someone’s condition or health.Some of the first bacteria identified as living inside the bodies of healthy humans were E. coli, which aids digestion in the large intestine, and Veillonella parvula, which converts some harmful acids in the mouth into less harmful ones. In 2007, the scientific community launched a project called the Human Microbiome Project in order to learn more about these microorganisms. Example: The human microbiome includes so much more than bacteria and viruses.