Dive Into Science Series:
The Hidden World of Lung and Gut Microorganisms
Date:
Wednesday 28th September 2022
Time:
Speakers:
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Ryan Marsh, Final Year PhD Student at Manchester Metropolitan University
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Dr Helen Gavillet, Senior Research Associate at Manchester Metropolitan University
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About
The human body contains of the trillions of microbiota (microorganisms) , a portion of which play a vital role in keeping us alive and healthy: bacteria, protists and fungi. In fact, there are more bacteria than cells in our body. From producing vitamins to defending our body from infections, microbiota have numerous roles within the body.
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Topics Covered:
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Different types of microbiota
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Roles of microbiota in the lungs and gut
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How we influence the composition of microbiota
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Research on lung microbiota and cystic fibrosis
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A must-attend for students interested in Biology, Microbiology, Medicine, healthcare or scientific research.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Ryan is a final year PhD student investigating the organisation and function of the gut microbiota in CF (cystic fibrosis). He is interested in how how the gut microbiota composition relates to associated clinical factors (e.g. antibiotic therapies (treatments) and increased dietary fat intake) that are typically different in the CF population compared to healthy control participants. The reduction in biodiversity and change in microbiota due to altered gut physiology in CF is also an area of interest.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Dr Helen Gavillet is a Senior Research Associate investigating the impact of new drugs on the health of patients with CF. Her work involves collecting samples from patients (phlegm or a swab) and analysing them for the bacteria and fungi that may be present. Her PhD was in the same area, taking samples from mild CF patients over three years to explore the dynamics of the microbiome and whether it changed over time. She also looked at the impact of antibiotics and changes in lung function to determine if they had any impact. Her background is in forensics and diabetes research.