Tell me what bacteria live in your gut and I’ll tell you who your friends are
A new study reveals that close social contacts, such as friends, influence the composition of the microbiota — the community of microorganisms living inside the body that plays a crucial role in maintaining good health
Mencius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, wrote centuries ago that “friendship is one mind in two bodies.” Modern science might add another layer: friendship is also one microbiota in two bodies. A recent study has found that the more people interact, the more similar the composition of the microorganisms in their guts becomes, even if they do not live in the same household. Published in Nature, the research also reveals that an individual’s microbiome is influenced not only by their closest social contacts but also by the connections of these contacts — in other words, the friends of their friends.
