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Australian collaborative research into gut microbiome-autism link featured in GenomeWeb

Researchers from The University of Queensland & Mater Research will present their findings alongside Microba’s Dr David Wood in a webinar on examining the microbiome for new discoveries in human health.

In the largest study in the field to date, researchers used Microba’s metagenomic analysis and bioinformatic expertise to explore autism-microbiome associations in humans. The results, published in Cell in November 2021, challenge existing findings within the field.

In a webinar on 10 March AEST (9 March EST), lead researchers Chloe Yap and Dr Jake Gratten will discuss the importance of this study in understanding changes observed in the gut microbiome of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Involving more than 40 researchers across Australia, the study analysed stool samples alongside other clinical and biological measures including comprehensive diet information, from the Australian Autism Biobank and Queensland Twin Adolescent Brain Project.

By examining this unique biobank with matched high-resolution metagenomic analysis, the study found that gut microbiome changes observed in children on the autism spectrum were associated with restricted interests and a less-diverse diet.

As an author on the paper, Dr David Wood, Head of Bioinformatic Operations at Microba, will discuss Microba’s world-leading metagenomics platform and the key bioinformatic considerations in processing and interpreting metagenomic data from the microbiome including taxonomic and functional profiles across both cultured and uncultured organisms.

This highly detailed and rigorous study demonstrates how well-considered experimental design, quality data analysis, and insightful interpretations are essential for advancing microbiome research.

Microba and Illumina are sponsoring the webinar to showcase the new connections that can be revealed between the microbiome and human health. As part of an ongoing partnership to advance high-quality microbiome research, the aim is to encourage more researchers to examine the microbiome as part of their studies to enable new discoveries.

Register for the live webinar taking place on Thursday 10 March 8:00am AEST (Wednesday 09 March 5.00pm EST).