Kathryn M. Stephenson and David L. Suskind: What is a fecal microbial transplant?

What is a fecal microbial transplant?

1,700 years ago, Chinese alchemist Ge Hong was renowned for his soup that could cure diarrhea-stricken patients. It had a surprising secret ingredient: feces. While it might seem unwise to consume feces, exciting new research suggests that taking poop into the body in other ways might benefit our health. Kathryn M. Stephenson & David L. Suskind share the science of fecal microbial transplantation. [Directed by Luisa Holanda, narrated by Susan Zimmerman, music by Gabriel Maia].

Long ago, a Chinese alchemist used feces in soup to treat severe diarrhea, an idea now seeing new life in modern medicine. Today, fecal microbial transplants offer hope for patients with hard-to-treat gut infections, curing over 80 percent in a single treatment. The gut microbiome—home to trillions of microbes—plays a vital role in digestion, immunity, and even mood. Research hints that restoring microbial balance could unlock future treatments for diabetes, anxiety, and more.