TURNS out, we’re not all human.
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We’re a hybrid species, thanks to the trillions of microbes that live in and on our bodies.
Microbiologist Gal Winter explained the science that makes us extra-special.
“It’s fairly recent that we learned the human body would have more microbial cells than human cells, that’s shocking, about 100 times more.
“It’s crazy if you think about it, because we all know we have cells in our bodies, we all have DNA and that’s what makes us who we are in some ways.
“As it is we have 100 times more microbial DNA than human DNA – that makes us a super organism, we are a hybrid.”
The Pint of Science event aims to make science accessible to the masses.
But what exactly do microbes control in our everyday lives?
“The answer is just about everything,” Ms Winter said.
Scientists have found a link between the microbes in the gut, and chemical reactions in the brain.
Depression, autism, mental disorders and general wellbeing are connected with certain types of microbes.
When Ms Winter started her studies, her interest area was in food.
“I was interested in how you process food, how you get food to taste a certain way,” she said.
“When I enrolled in university I wanted to know how it’s done – how you can change it, that’s when I learned about the power of microbes.
“It’s a huge part of our lives, most of our memories are connected to food, cheese, wine, beer, bread – most of this stuff is made with microbial fermentation.”
In the pharmaceutical world, insulin was previously created in the gut of a cow.
“It was very expensive and not very pure – it had many, many issues,” Ms Winter said.
“Now they can create the same product using microbial processes.”
Ms Winter said she is excited to share the positives to microbes.
“I learned about the power of microbes, you come to work with it and you fall in love with it, because you can do so much with it,” she said.
HOW CAN MICROBES BENEFIT US?
The fatter you are, the more of a hormone that can make people skinny you have.
At least that’s the way researcher Rob Hart explains the science behind microbes and appetite.
“The particular hormone I’m looking at is produced by fat, so if you are obese you have more of this hormone,” Mr Hart said.
“What it does is it gets to the brain and suppresses appetite – because it lets your brain know you have enough of a type of energy already.
“In obese people, they seem to be insensitive to that signal, so they need to produce more of it to get the signal that tells the brain there’s enough energy already.”
And, what better place to learn about appetite and obesity than the pub?
A Pint of Science is taking research to the everyday patron in Armidale, explaining the often difficult to understand.
A treatment like this can take more than 10 years to be tested on humans.
“Otherwise there are other options which might not be so nice, like fecal transplants,” Mr Hart said.
WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE
ARMIDALE’S brightest minds will share their scientific research over a pint with patrons at the Wicklow.
Local Pint of Science coordinator Dane Lyddiard said the festival was a great way to inspire, spark conversation and connect Australians with scientists and their research.
This year’s Armidale event will feature scientists from the University of New England, University of Sydney, NSW DPI and CSIRO.
Speakers:
- Dr Gal Winter and Dr Rob Hart from UNE talking microbes and appetite.
- Dr Elizabeth New from USyd talking about seeing the invisible with fluorescence.
- Dr Guy Ballard from UNE/DPI giving the low-down on dingoes.
- Plus local upcoming researchers from UNE presenting on topics ranging from biomedical science to chemistry to rural sciences.
The event will take place on May 15 to 17 at the Wicklow in Armidale.
The cost of tickets is $5.
For more information visit pintofscience.com.au