The microbes, small living organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, are in plants, the environment, and in our body, where they form the microbiome. These microorganisms are essential for human health Since they help digestion, reinforce the immune system and protect against pathogens.
But to study the microbiome and its benefits on the body it is important to have as many healthy microbes and preserve them in a world collection similar to the Svalbard World Bank (Norway)the bunker where seeds from all over the world are stored to safeguard the biodiversity of crop species in case of a global catastrophe.
An international team of 25 scientists involved in the initiative has just published an article in the journal Nature Communications in which it presents an ethical framework to guarantee the future of this deposit.
The initiative of the microbiota deposit represents a proactive effort to protect and preserve the microbial life that is essential for the health of our planet and its inhabitants, ”says María Gloria Domínguez-Bello, president of the initiative and professor of Environmental and Biological Sciences of the University of Rutgers (United States).
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A threatened community
Plants, food and environment also have microbiomas that are essential. For example, soil microbes help plants grow through the cycle of nutrients, and fermented foods, such as yogurt, contain beneficial bacteria that favor intestinal health.
Environmental microbiomas, such as those of Arctic permafrostThey are basic to control greenhouse gas emissions.
But according to Domínguez-Bello’s research, microbiomas are increasingly threatened by human activity that alters their natural balance.
In humans, excessive use of antibiotics, caesarean sections and formula milk food can reduce the diversity of intestinal microbes, which increases the risk of allergies, autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders.
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And in food, excessive use of preservatives and additives can damage beneficial microbes.
The microbioma is under a great threat that, in many ways, is analogous to climate change, ”warns Martin Blaser, a member of the Board of Directors of the Initiative, director of the Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine Center for Rutger and co -author of the article.
“Human activities are exhausting our microbiome, and there are many evidence of it.”
In plants, INSUSTANABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICESsuch as the intensive use of pesticides, they can destroy soil microbiomes, essential for the cycle of nutrients and the health of plants, says Blaser.
And environmental microbiomes are affected by pollution, climate change and habitat destruction, which can cause the loss of microbes that regulate greenhouse gas emissions and maintain ecosystem stability.
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Ethical norms and principles
The idea of the initiative is to support efforts to identify healthy microbes, store and freeze them before they disappear.
In the pilot phase, already completed, scientists have collected more than 2,000 fecal samples and fermented food samples from several countries. In addition, at that time, the initiative went from having a few scientists from a few countries to more than a hundred 32 countries.
Microbial samples are temporarily stored in cryogenic conditions at the Institute of Medical Microbiology of the University of Zurich, but in the next phase of the initiative a permanent headquarters will be sought to house the battleship chamber of samples (possible locations are considered in Switzerland, Canada and other places with cold climates).
In addition, in that same phase, called ‘Growth phase 1’which will last until 2029, scientists will expand the 10,000 samples collection, will actively seek government financing beyond current philanthropic support.
The ethical framework of the initiative described in the document is designed to ensure that the preservation of microbial diversity is carried out just, respectful and inclusive.
Some fundamental principles are the sovereignty of depositors, equitable collaboration and ethical governance so that the original collectors retain the property and control of their microbial samples.
In addition, the initiative will emphasize the importance of respecting local knowledge and ensuring that the benefits are shared fairly, and priority will be given to ethical considerations, including the rights of indigenous communities and the need for transparent and inclusive decision -making processes.
And although qualifying technologies are still missing to make the most of the collection, scientists who work in the initiative expect that in the future the samples can be used to develop new medical treatments, improve agricultural practices and restore damaged ecosystems.
We believe that one day science will improve enough to have really good restoration techniques, ”concludes Blaser.
(With EFE information)
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