In the third series of the Microbiome Matters podcast, we explore the modifiable and non-modifiable factors which affect the gut. Our podcasters are all experts in their fields and share with us their explanation of how to recognise conditions and their suggestions for management.
In episode 1, we are joined by Dr Ruairi Robertson, a current postdoctoral research fellow at The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London. His research examines the influence of the gut microbiome in early life growth and infection within mother-infant cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa. He will be talking to us about the role of early life exposures on the gut microbiota.
In episode 2, Alastair McKee is a PhD student at the Quadram Institute. His most notable work has been identifying the effects of antibiotics on the progression of breast cancer in mice, the results of which have recently been published in iScience. In this episode, he will be talking to us about the effect of medications on the gut microbiota.
In episode 3, we are joined by Dr Rabia Topan, a Gastroenterology registrar in London. She has a special interest in neurogastroenterology. Her research is examining the role of lifestyle factors in disorders of gut-brain interaction. In this episode, she will be talking to us about the link between stress, anxiety and the gut microbiota.
In episode 4, we are joined by Dr Kevin Barrett, a General Practitioner in Hertfordshire and chair of the Primary Care Society of Gastroenterology. He is particularly keen to find ways to improve the early diagnosis and subsequent support for people with all forms of gastrointestinal disease. He took up running in his 40s as a way to relieve stress and has so far completed several marathons and an ultra, and has plans for more in 2022. In this episode, he will be talking to us about the role of exercise on gut microbiota and gut health.
In episode 5, we are joined by Dr Carina Carbia, a postdoctoral researcher working at John Cryan lab – a world leader in microbiome research – at the University College of Cork. Her research is focused on the crucial developmental period of adolescence and understanding how chronic alcohol consumption disrupts ongoing maturation in the young brain and alters the gut microbiota. In this episode, she will be talking to us about the effects of alcohol and binge drinking on the gut microbiota.