Q&A in Clinical Chemistry

Moderator:
Elizabeth A. Platz

Experts:
Cindy M. Liu
Dominique S. Michaud
Noel T. Mueller
Jacques Ravel

Research on the characterization and measurement of the human microbiome in health and disease is exploding. The field is fast moving with evolving methods of measurement of microbial composition, diversity, and abundance, and with the development of strategies to modulate the human microbiome to improve health.

A previous Q&A in Clinical Chemistry focused on diagnostic and monitoring applications and methods.

In this Q&A, a panel of 4 experts in microbiology, microbial ecology, and epidemiology provide (a) their perspectives on research questions and key findings about the role of the microbiome in men’s health, and (b) their expectations for the near-term and future translation of technologies to measure and modulate the microbiome for clinical and population application to enhance men’s health and well-being.

The target audience for this Q&A comprises scientists who do not study the microbiome, those who study the microbiome but not in the context of men’s health, and young investigators who would like to study the microbiome especially with the goal of improving men’s health and well-being. […]