Understanding Your Body's Microbes with Advanced Computing
Probabilistic deep learning models and integrated biological experiments for analyzing dynamic and heterogeneous microbiomes
This project uses advanced computer models and lab experiments to better understand the trillions of tiny organisms living in and on us, called the microbiome, and how they relate to human health and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159777 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are home to a vast community of microbes, known as the microbiome, which changes over time and plays a role in many health conditions. This work uses sophisticated computer programs, including deep learning, to analyze large amounts of information about these microbes, such as how they change over time and what substances they produce. We also conduct lab experiments to explore how different parts of the microbiome, like viruses that infect bacteria, influence these communities. The goal is to develop new ways to understand the microbiome's role in health and to create new treatments, such as live bacterial therapies, for diseases like C. difficile.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant to patients with conditions influenced by their microbiome, such as recurrent C. difficile infections, or those who might benefit from future live bacterial therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to the microbiome or who are not candidates for microbiome-based therapies may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of how our microbiomes affect our health and help develop new, more effective treatments for diseases linked to these microbial communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has successfully developed computational methods and experimental approaches to understand microbiome changes and predict disease status, suggesting a strong foundation for this new effort.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerber, Georg Kurt — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gerber, Georg Kurt
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.