We have a groundbreaking discussion with Prof Philip Hugenholtz co-founder of Microba, a company specialising in Metagenomic Stool Testing using DNA based sequencing to analyse the microbiome. We cover the history and application of DNA based sequencing to classify and identify micro-organisms, using the technology to improve health outcomes on a personalised level, the future prospects for precision medicine, IBD, what a healthy microbiome looks like and much more.     Bio:    Professor Hugenholtz is a microbiologist who has made contributions in the field of culture-independent analysis of microorganisms. He discovered and characterised numerous previously unrecognised major bacterial and archaeal lineages each with greater evolutionary divergence than animals and plants combined. He has participated in the development and application of metagenomics, the genome-based characterisation of microbiomes, which has revolutionised our understanding of microbial ecology and evolution. He has made several discoveries in environmental and clinical microbiology sometimes overturning decades of misdirected culture-based studies.   Topics discussed:   Phil’s Origin story Microbial Classification and Morphology  The Development of DNA based sequencing technology Carl Woese- 16s rRNA - ribosomal RNA sequencing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Woese Did we evolve from ancient Archaea? Norm Pace- Application of 16s rRNA sequencing in Ecology  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_R._Pace  Culture indépendant analytical techniques Craig Venter- Metagenomic Sequencing  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Venter Blueprints for identifying bacteria Development of Sequencing Technology Discovery of Microbes Growing Microbes on plates What is the Greengenes reference database 16s rRNA genes identification vs Whole Genome shotgun sequencing (Metagenomics) Metagenomics, Big Data and health patterns The limitation of 16s rRNA technology- conserved genes Whole Genome Sequencing Resolution ITS gene and Fungal Classification Virus and Parasite Classification  The Metagenomic workflow GTDB Database for Whole-genome sequencing Predicting IBD, IBS, Crohns Predicting response to drug response- Depression, Cancer The Gut Microbiome as an early warning system The future of Microbiome What does a healthy cohort’s gut microbiome look like? Discovery of new species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Anti Inflammatory genes and properties  The uniqueness of the gut microbiome Characterising IBD The impact of the immune system Opportunistic Pathogens- Clostridium difficile, Bilophila wadsworthia, Desulfovibrio, Helicobacter pylori  Gut Metabolite production by microbes- e.g GABA  (a neurotransmitter linked to depression) via KEGG The future of Gut Microbiome Testing Metabolomics Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Algorithms for health predictions Diet as a key driver of the microbiome Personalised Diet based on a microbiome profile Prebiotics and Probiotics and Precise Medicine Fibre and Butyrate Balance Phil’s top gut health tip Microbiome changes and improved mental health via diet and exercise      Brought to you by:   Nourishme Organics- The Gut Health Superstore   Check out the Microba Metagenomic Stool Testing and Nutritional Consulting Package for Personalised advice on how to optimise your gut health based on your unique microbiome   https://www.nourishmeorganics.com.au/products/gut-explorer-pro-metagenomic-stool-testing-personalised-nutrition-consultation   Use code guthealthgurus for 10% off     Connect with Prof Phil Hugenholtz   Website- https://www.microba.com/       Connect with Kriben Govender:    Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/kribengee/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/kribengovender/ Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/c/Nourishmeorganics?sub_confirmation=1 Gut Health Gurus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nour