This episode features Prof. Emad El-Omar MD FRCP from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, speaking about a recent paper exploring the healthy microbiome concept, as well as the latest research on how the gut microbiome contributes to the pathophysiology of several diseases. Prof. El-Omar talked about research on H. pylori-induced disease in the stomach; it’s known that these bacteria decrease acid secretion, which shifts the gastric microbiology in a way that drives progression to cancer. Prof. El-Omar recently co-authored a review paper in Gut that addressed the definition of a healthy gut microbiome. Although a definition has not yet been established, progress is being made by studying healthy people such as centenarians around the world. The best approach may be to define a core microbiome signature that’s present across healthy phenotypes. The core is likely defined by the gut microbiome’s function, so diverse compositions may be able to support health. The paper authors emphasize that pursuing knowledge about what makes a healthy microbiome is a worthwhile pursuit, and they outline what research is necessary to make continued progress in this area. Validation and reproducibility are critical for moving toward clinical applications. Episode abbreviations and links: Review article on the healthy microbiome concept, co-authored by Prof. El-Omar: What defines a healthy gut microbiome? About Prof. Emad El-Omar MD FRCP: Professor El-Omar graduated in Medicine from Glasgow University, Scotland, and trained as a gastroenterologist. He worked as a Visiting Scholar/Scientist at Vanderbilt University, TN, and National Cancer Institute, MD, USA, and was Professor of Gastroenterology at Aberdeen University, Scotland, for 16 years before taking up the Chair of Medicine at St George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. He is the Editor in Chief of the journal Gut. His research interests include all aspects of the microbiome, inflammation driven GI cancer and IBD. He is the Director of the Microbiome Research Centre at UNSW/St George Hospital, Sydney. Sign up for our monthly newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads