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Microbiome Metabolic Engineering

The Microbiome Metabolic Engineering theme seeks to understand the positive effects of the microbiome on human health and how harmful environmental factors reduce those effects.

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The University of Illinois and Mie University in Japan have collaborated on several studies of how the biome and its products affect human tissues and disease. Pictured, from left: Illinois researcher Mindy Baughma, Illinois postdoctoral researcher Janaina Cavalcante, Mie researcher Dr. Taro Yasuma, Mie professor Dr. Esteban C. Gabazza, Illinois students Jinyu Guo, Isaiah Lasisi, Sophia Nelson and Rebecca Hess and Illinois professor Isaac Cann. Photo courtesy of Isaac Cann
In a study of neonatal piglets, Illinois pathobiology professors Christopher Gaulke, left, Ying Fang and their colleagues linked influenza A viral infection to alterations of the nasal microbiome and potentially detrimental changes in brain gene expression. Vaccination of pregnant sows appeared to partially protect their offspring from these effects. Photo by Michelle Hassel
Clusters of nanoplastics (red arrows) bind to E. coli O157:H7.
Bioengineering professor Shannon Sirk
A research team led by food science and human nutrition professor Yong-Su Jin combined the special attributes of E. coli with the photosynthetic capabilities of microalgae to take in carbon dioxide and convert it to useful biological chemicals. Photo by Craig Pessman
Illinois professors Isaac Cann, left, Stephan Link and Matthew Wheeler were elected Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.