Name: Humanity at the intersection of science and archaeology
Uploaded: 2019-10-28T20:04:01Z
Duration: 14 min 25 s
Description: Today, we relate the human microbiome to what it can tell us about our own current health. In this fascinating talk, microbiologist Alisa Kazarina describes how cutting edge research at the crossroads of archaeology and microbiology can trace humanity's physical development while providing insight on how to treat contemporary diseases.

Alisa Kazarina: Humanity at the intersection of science and archaeology

Humanity at the intersection of science and archaeology

Today, we relate the human microbiome to what it can tell us about our own current health. In this fascinating talk, microbiologist Alisa Kazarina describes how cutting edge research at the crossroads of archaeology and microbiology can trace humanity's physical development while providing insight on how to treat contemporary diseases. 

Human life depends on an unseen universe: trillions of microbes living within and around us. Advances in biomolecular archaeology now let scientists recover ancient DNA from dental plaque and bones, revealing how microbial communities have changed over time. These discoveries link shifts in the human microbiome to modern diseases such as obesity and allergies. By decoding ancient pathogens and beneficial microbes, researchers uncover vital clues for understanding and improving human health today.