The human microbiome, particularly microbial communities living in our gut, has captured the interest of both scientists and the lay public due to its potential to change how nutrition and medical treatments work.
Patrick Veiga, PhD, Research Director of the MetaGenoPolis unit at the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE), and gut microbiome expert, has just launched the novel “Mission: Microbiome – Metchnikoff’s Legacy” in which science and suspense blend to digest the most relevant microbiome research findings in an easy-to-understand language. Joël Doré, PhD, Research Director at the INRAE and gut microbial ecologist, wrote the book’s prologue. The book is available in English, French, and will soon be released in Italian.
Through the lens of a story involving microbiologist Rafael Martins, who must save his wife Clara and the reputation of Professor Andrew Smith after falsified research result come to light, Veiga delves into the hidden work of cutting-edge microbiome research, from a blend of gut microorganisms administered in capsules to manage recurring Clostridioides difficile infections to the discovery of a gene that acts like a satiety inhibitor that is highly abundant in the American microbiome and nearly absent in the Japanese. The setting is the fascinating city of Boston.
Regarding what inspired the author to write a science thriller about the microbiome, Veiga acknowledged to GMFH editors that: “today, a lot of people know what the gut microbiome is. But most still don’t realize how much it could change medicine and nutrition. More than 100 years ago, researchers like Metchnikoff were pioneers in studying the “gut flora.” As a legacy of their work, yogurt and fermented foods became part of our diets. And today, pharmacies are full of probiotics and prebiotics.
Now imagine the legacy of today’s research: next-generation probiotics, precision medicine, and personalized nutrition. That’s hope for better health. And this book is a message of that hope”.
Given the emerging role of gut microbes in health and disease, emerging research must be clearly communicated to help the non-expert audiences interpret findings accurately and make informed health choices. Beyond immersing the reader in the scientific thriller, Veiga also separates the wheat from the chaff, separating hype from real facts in the microbiome field. The format of a good story makes microbiome science more memorable, not only for the lay public but even for scientists. The end of the book includes relevant scientific references that support the statement in each chapter, so the curious reader can check the information presented throughout the book.
The book highlights that diet and lifestyle are the most studied tools available to care for our gut microbiome. Regarding diet, a high diversity of fibers and polyphenols is essential to nourish gut microbes. This implies eating a variety of whole grains, fruits, nuts, and pulses, and not only increasing the amount of these food staples. Fermented foods like yogurt also increase the diversity of gut microbes, and scientists are figuring out how they impact the gut and immune system.
Veiga states, “Science isn’t just for scientists. The microbiome is part of our story, our health, our diet. I hope this book sparks curiosity, conversation, and maybe even new habits!”.
Watch the full interview: