Microbiome
Microbiome is the totality of microbes, their genetic elements (genomes), and environmental interactions in a defined environment. A defined environments can be the gut of a human being or a soil sample. Thus, microbiome usually includes microbiota and their complete genetic elements.
TIGR found around 1000 bacteria in human guts.
Researchers suspect\ the human gut is at least as complex as our soils or seas.
Microbiome Project objectives
Determining whether individuals share a core human microbiome
Understanding whether changes in the human microbiome can be correlated with changes in human health
Developing the new technological and bioinformatic tools needed to support these goals
Develop biomarkers to identify the bacterial population of individuals.
International Microbiome Projects
Korean Human Microbiome Project: KHMP
NIH Roadmap NIH Data Analysis & Coordination Center for HMP
Metagenome.jp: Human Metagenome Consortium Japanj
Web links
Microbiome.org