The Human Microbiome: Getting Personal: Each of us harbors a unique microbiome, and its characteristics play an important role in differentiating us from one another

Abstract

Through reliance on DNA sequencing and associated bioinformatics techniques, we are vastly expanding our understanding of the human microbiome. Each of us harbors a unique microbiome, and its characteristics play an important role in differentiating us from one another. Our microbes contribute to many aspects of our health and our lives, including our metabolism of food, whether we develop cancer, how we behave, and how we respond to medical treatments.