Guelph Researcher Explores Yanomami Microbiomes to Uncover Health Secrets

A researcher from the University of Guelph is delving into the health benefits of the Yanomami community’s unique microbiome by studying human feces collected from the Amazon rainforest. David Good, a PhD candidate, is investigating the healthy bacteria found in the feces of the Yanomami, a semi-nomadic group in Venezuela known for having one of the most diverse microbiomes globally. His work not only aims to enhance understanding of microbiomes but also seeks to connect him with his heritage.

Good’s interest in this field was sparked during a trip to the Amazon, where he aimed to reconnect with his mother’s Yanomami roots. “As I was learning about the language, the culture, the way of life, hunting, gathering and foraging, I was introduced to the microbiome field. That allowed me to understand my Yanomami heritage through a microscopic lens,” he noted in an interview. He described his dual identity as “being socialized in Western society, but then also being a member through blood and family of that community.”

Addressing Historical Exploitation

Good is committed to ensuring that his research respects the rights and needs of the Yanomami people, who have been historically subject to research exploitation. “I work on the back of the controversies of biopiracy, exploitation, extraction from previous researchers,” he said. Previous studies often benefited the researchers without providing equitable returns to Indigenous communities.

To avoid repeating past mistakes, Good collaborates with community members to align his research with their needs. One initiative includes establishing a learning centre to equip Yanomami individuals with the skills to conduct their own scientific inquiries. “That will allow us to train the Yanomami on how to collect samples and understand microbial diversity loss,” he explained. This approach empowers the community and fosters a more equitable relationship between researchers and Indigenous peoples.

Understanding Microbial Diversity

Good’s research is supervised by Emma Allen-Vercoe, a professor in the University of Guelph’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and a Canada Research Chair. According to Allen-Vercoe, Good’s methodology contrasts sharply with that of previous researchers. “They followed all the protocols… but they didn’t really consider the agency of the people themselves. And that’s something that we need to correct,” she stated.

The findings from Good’s research will not only shed light on the Yanomami microbiome but may also provide insights into how modern Western lifestyles have impacted human health. Allen-Vercoe emphasized that the rapid changes brought by the industrial age — including reduced exposure to natural environments and the introduction of antibiotics — have significantly altered our gut microbiomes.

By studying the microbiomes of individuals who have not been exposed to industrialization, researchers could uncover valuable information about the relationship between gut health and overall well-being. This knowledge could potentially inform strategies to combat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, issues that have seen rising prevalence in Western populations.

Good’s work represents a critical intersection of personal and scientific discovery, highlighting the importance of ethical research practices while also exploring the profound connections between culture, health, and the microbiome. As he continues this journey in the Amazon, the potential impact of his findings could extend far beyond the rainforest, offering new avenues for understanding health in an increasingly industrialized world.