How does the microbiome that lives within us first appear, and what keeps shaping it throughout life?
In this new GMFH interview, Dr. Mireia Vallès-Colomer, group leader at the MELIS Department of the University Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona, Spain) and head of the Microbiome Research Group, shares new insights into how our microbial communities are transmitted from mothers, family members, and even our social contacts. Her research explores how these microbial exchanges influence both physical and mental health, as well as how the microbiome spreads through social interactions.
Drawing on recent evidence, she explains that our microbiome begins to establish during birth and continues to evolve through daily contact with those around us. The review highlights that microbial exchange is not limited to early life; it continues across the lifespan, emphasizing the importance of social and environmental interactions in shaping our microbial diversity.
The conversation also delves into the One Health approach, which broadens the view of health beyond humans to include animals and the environment. Dr. Vallès-Colomer notes that while most of our gut microbes come from other humans, pets and even foods such as fermented products can also contribute microbial species — reminding us that health is an interconnected ecosystem.
Finally, she reflects on how microbiome science is progressing from associations to mechanisms, and how larger, well-powered studies will be essential to translate these discoveries into clinical practice. Although there is still a gap between research and real-world applications, she expresses optimism that the field is moving closer to meaningful interventions for human health.
🎥 Watch the full interview below to learn how microbes connect us — to each other, to our environment, and to the health of our planet.
