Understanding how microbes interact in the body
Evolutionary dynamics of dense, spatially structured, and antagonistic microbial populations
This project explores how tiny living things, called microbes, interact and change over time when they live closely together, like in our bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097223 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are home to many microbes that live in communities, such as in our gut and on our skin. These microbes often fight each other using toxins, which can protect us from harmful invaders. This research looks at how these microbial communities evolve and interact when they are packed together in a small space. We use experiments with yeast and mathematical models to understand these complex relationships. The goal is to learn more about how these interactions affect the health of our microbiomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not involve direct patient participation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us better understand how microbial communities in our bodies function, potentially leading to new ways to manage infections or improve gut health.
How similar studies have performed: While some prior work has shown how spatial structure affects microbial evolution, this project aims to fill a gap by quantitatively exploring these dynamics in more detail.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Giometto, Andrea — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Giometto, Andrea
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.