Science Friday
You Share Your Gut Microbiome With Your Friends
Dec 12, 2024
Nicholas Christakis, a sociologist and physician from Yale, dives into the intriguing world of gut microbiomes and their unexpected ties to our social lives. He reveals how researchers studied isolated communities in Honduras to uncover the surprising ways our friendships shape our microbiome. Christakis explains how our gut bacteria can reflect our social connections, possibly influencing our health outcomes. Discover the concept of a ‘social microbiome’ and the implications of microbial sharing in modern society!
16:54
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Quick takeaways
- Research shows that microbiomes are influenced by social networks, with friends sharing 9% to 10% of microbial strains.
- The study highlights how non-communicable diseases may have a communicable aspect through shared microbial communities among social connections.
Deep dives
Social Connections and Microbiome Sharing
Research indicates that individuals share their microbiomes with friends, suggesting that social interactions go beyond emotional support. A study involving over 2,000 social connections from isolated villages revealed that people can have similar gut bacteria even if they do not live together or have no biological ties. The researchers found that partners shared approximately 14% of the same microbial strains, while friends shared about 9% to 10%. This finding implies that the microbial communities within our bodies may be influenced significantly by our social networks, highlighting a biological dimension to social connections.
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