The gut microbiome’s early development is essential for infant health, but does it follow the same path worldwide? A new study reveals that despite geographical and cultural differences, infants undergo similar microbial changes in their intestines. Understanding the universal patterns of early gut microbiome succession offers a promising avenue for improving infant health worldwide.

The human microbiome has captured the interest of researchers and the lay public. Patrick Veiga's new novel, Mission: Microbiome – Metchnikoff’s Legacy, explores how gut microbiome research could pave the way for better planetary health, from the first probiotics to groundbreaking innovations poised to transform the future of medicine and nutrition.

Emerging studies support the relationship between the human gut microbiome and organ function outside the gut. Find out more about the knowns and unknowns on how the gut communicates with other parts of the body, involving the gut, the brain, the lungs, the skin, and even the heart, and why it matters to your health.