Science forum focuses on gut health

Professor Nicole Roy investigates how food and gut microbes interact to affect the eater's digestion. Photo / Supplied

A bevy of scientists is coming to Whanganui to talk about the importance of the bacteria that live in the human gut.

The five provide the next Whanganui Science Forum talk. Titled It's a Small World: Hot trends in microbiome research it's at 7.30pm on June 27, in the Davis Lecture Theatre.

The talk will cost $4 for forum members and $5 for non-members, and be followed by supper.

The bacteria and other microbes that live in the human body have been a hot topic in recent times - and most of them live in the gut. The average human gut contains more than 1kg of microbes.

The composition of that population is unique to each individual, and there can be thousands of different types of organism. Some are harmful but most are helpful, digesting food and producing vitamins.

The nature of that microbe population has a major effect on human health and well-being, both mental and physical.

The main speaker on June 27 is Dr Nicole Roy, who works across AgResearch, the Riddet Institute and Massey University. Her topic is Getting to know gut microbiota.

Joining her are Dr Eric Altermann, on whether "black box" microbes are good enough, and Dr Elizabeth Rettedal on gut microbial ecosystems.

The other two speakers are Dr Wayne Young, whose title is Mind the Gut and Dr Jane Mullaney, on Microbiota and Metabolic Health.

The forum format allows time for audience questions.