Carol Hughes is back for the second a mini-series on the Microbiome. Carol’s journey began being commissioned by the Welsh Government to research plant compounds, in particular natural occurring steroids. Carol explains how this naturally moved into researching animals microbiomes as part of her parent company Phytorigins. It was this research that brought Carol into focusing on the Microbiome. With technology advancing particularly with Artificial Intelligence. We discuss how working with leaders in the field at Aberystwyth University, how her team has conducted the first in-depth observation of different ‘biomes: cats, horses, and of course, dogs. We talk about her first study relating to obesity in dogs, and the bacteria - in fact a natural plant steroid that stimulates a pathway to the brain that could help reducing a tendency for obesity. Highlighting that you are what you eat, we explore how the microbiome responds to different hormones, and the lack of them, and the fact that it's a very delicate eco-system that relies on so many factors. Carol believes the microbiome shows everything in your dog, when you know how to read the picture presented. What she has discovered is that dogs in the UK are not well, and that their’ biomes are more compromised that cats and horses. Her research can highlight why spaying and neutering can affect the biome, and how antibiotic resistance is very obvious, along with other bacteria that are missing, painting a sad picture.For more information visit their website or FacebookIf you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content. If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo RidgeFor more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsAdvertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com