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Powerful antibiotics and widespread sanitation practices have expanded lifespans across the industrialized world.
But they have also come at a cost. Our microbiomes, or the trillions of microbes collectively working in our bodies to help regulate our immune system and food digestion, have lost much of its health-promoting bacteria because of our modern lifestyles and sanitation practices.
Scientists across the world are now looking to the planet’s few remaining pre-industrialized societies to see what industrialized guts have lost–and in doing so, could fundamentally change the way scientists think about germs. Thomas Morton heads to the Central African Republic to see this emerging field of microbiome science.
Why are researchers turning to Central Africa as a potential source for better gut bacteria?
The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. Having a healthy and diverse gut microbiome can help with digestion, nutrient absorption, and even mental health. However, factors such as a poor diet, antibiotics, and stress can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to an array of health problems.
Central Africa, a region that has been historically overlooked in scientific research, is now being looked at as a potential source for better gut bacteria. With its diverse ecosystem, ranging from tropical rainforests to savannas, Central Africa is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. These species have co-evolved with the local human populations, and scientists believe that they may have co-evolved with the gut microbiomes of these populations as well.
Researchers from various institutions, such as the University of California, San Francisco, and the Institut Pasteur de Bangui in the Central African Republic, have embarked on a quest to identify and study the gut microbiomes of these populations. By studying the gut microbiomes of individuals in Central Africa, they hope to uncover new strains of bacteria that could provide health benefits to individuals around the world.
One potential benefit of these new strains of bacteria is their ability to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are known to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve gut health. SCFAs are produced naturally by certain gut bacteria, but they can also be produced by consuming certain foods, such as high-fiber diets.
These researchers have found that the gut microbiomes of individuals in Central Africa are substantially different from those of individuals in Western countries. For instance, these populations have a higher number of Prevotella bacteria, a strain that has been linked to improved immunity and lower rates of obesity. Additionally, these populations have a higher diversity of gut bacteria that produce SCFAs.
However, the hunt for better gut bacteria in Central Africa is not without its challenges. The remote location of many of these populations, as well as political instability and lack of infrastructure, make it difficult for researchers to collect and analyze samples. Additionally, there are ethical concerns around the exploitation of indigenous populations for scientific research.
Despite these challenges, researchers remain optimistic about the potential benefits of studying the gut microbiomes of Central African populations. By identifying new strains of bacteria and understanding the co-evolution of these species with humans, scientists hope to develop new approaches and therapies for a variety of health problems associated with disruptions in the gut microbiome.
Overall, the search for better gut bacteria in Central Africa highlights the need for increased investment in scientific research in these regions. By understanding the unique biodiversity of these areas and working collaboratively with indigenous populations, scientists can uncover new solutions to some of our most pressing health problems.
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