How does the microbiome that lives within us first appear, and what continues to shape it throughout life?
In this new GMFH interview, Dr. Mireia Valles-Colomergroup leader at the MELIS department of Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona, Spain) and head of the Microbiome Research Groupshares new insights into how our microbial communities are transmitted by mothers, family members and even our social contacts. Her research examines how these microbial exchanges influence both physical and mental health, and how the microbiome spreads through social interactions.
She explains this based on recent evidence our microbiome begins to establish itself during birth and continues to evolve through daily contact with the people around us. The review emphasizes that microbial exchange is not limited to early life; it continues throughout the lifespan and highlights the importance of social and ecological interactions in shaping our microbial diversity.
The conversation will also explore 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 people, pets and even foods like fermented products can also contribute microbial species – reminding us that health is an interconnected ecosystem.
Finally, she reflects on how microbiome science is evolving from associations to mechanisms, and how larger, powerful studies will be essential to translate these discoveries into clinical practice. While 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 and discover how microbes connect us – to each other, to our environment and to the health of our planet.
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