As a gastroenterology specialist and professor at McMaster University, Michael G. Surette, PhD centers his work on a variety of aspects of the human microbiome, including its development and role in early life, what happens to it with age, and how it’s related to chronic diseases such as those of the airway, as well as Crohn’s, colitis, and IBS.

On today’s episode, Dr. Surette shares fascinating insight on the research he’s conducting, what he’s learned over the years, and the future of microbiome science.

Tune in for the details on all of this and more, including:

• How the interaction between microbes changes depending on physical, functional, and/or taxonomic closeness
• Why it is difficult to define dysbiosis, and why it may never be possible
• How environmental stimuli impact the microbiome
• How to understand the relationship between the microbiome and the immune system, and why this understanding can help to explain why diseases like Crohn’s and colitis are harder to overcome than infections like C. diff

Learn more by visiting http://www.surettelab.ca/lab/.

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