The Human Microbiome in Health and Disease

Frederic Bushman

Humans are far more than merely the sum total of all the cells that form the organs and tissues. The digestive tract is also home to a vast colony of bacteria of all varieties, as well as the myriad viruses that prey upon them. Because the types of bacteria carried inside the body vary from person to person, so does this viral population, known as the virome. By closely following and analyzing the virome of one individual over two-and-a-half years, a research team led by professor Frederic Bushman has uncovered some important new insights on how a viral population can change and evolve - and why the virome of one person can vary so greatly from that of another. The evolution and variety of the virome can affect susceptibility and resistance to disease among individuals, along with variable effectiveness of drugs.

Bushman, a professor of Microbiology, received his doctorate in Cellular and Developmental Biology at Harvard University in 1988. He has over 200 publications in prestigious journals including Nature and Science.

The luncheon will begin at 12 PM at the University Club.