Advances in sequencing techniques and bioinformatic approaches are enabling us to better understand microbial communities that occur in a variety of habitats, including soil, marine and fresh water, as well as the bodies of plants, animals, and humans.
Human microbiome from different organs and systems has been characterized, and efforts have been made to understand how they relate to health and disease. However, studies of the interactions between human and environmental microbiome are generating new interest. We have started to understand how humans can affect environmental microbial communities by contamination, and in a bidirectional interaction how changes in environmental microbiomes might impact human health. Positive interactions can also be established by environmental recovery and re-composition of human microbiome, leading to environmental bioremediation and protection against host infections.
This research topic explores the interconnections between human and environmental microbiomes, and the potential consequences for human health and well-being. Original research articles, reviews or opinion pieces should approach one of the following:
1. Associations between microbiomes and the effects of human related contaminants on natural and built environments;
2. Microbial shifts associated with pollutants and their impact on human health;
3. Microbiome recovery and bioremediation.
Cross-disciplinary approaches would bring new and valuable perspectives and could contribute to understanding and addressing environmental issues in relation to human health.
Advances in sequencing techniques and bioinformatic approaches are enabling us to better understand microbial communities that occur in a variety of habitats, including soil, marine and fresh water, as well as the bodies of plants, animals, and humans.
Human microbiome from different organs and systems has been characterized, and efforts have been made to understand how they relate to health and disease. However, studies of the interactions between human and environmental microbiome are generating new interest. We have started to understand how humans can affect environmental microbial communities by contamination, and in a bidirectional interaction how changes in environmental microbiomes might impact human health. Positive interactions can also be established by environmental recovery and re-composition of human microbiome, leading to environmental bioremediation and protection against host infections.
This research topic explores the interconnections between human and environmental microbiomes, and the potential consequences for human health and well-being. Original research articles, reviews or opinion pieces should approach one of the following:
1. Associations between microbiomes and the effects of human related contaminants on natural and built environments;
2. Microbial shifts associated with pollutants and their impact on human health;
3. Microbiome recovery and bioremediation.
Cross-disciplinary approaches would bring new and valuable perspectives and could contribute to understanding and addressing environmental issues in relation to human health.