Aaron Dy (COLLINS & DEL VECCHIO LABS)

Cell-Free Genetic Sensors to Monitor Gut Microbes

Whether viewed as pathogens or as part of a healthy microbiome, bacteria play a role in many human diseases. New technologies are needed for rapid and affordable detection of microbes in the lab or in low resource settings. My project addresses this need using genetically encoded sensors to measure both DNA and RNA from crude bacterial samples. Cell-free expression of these genetic sensors in a freeze-dried paper-based format enables affordable and portable testing. We test this platform using clinically relevant gut microbes.

Claire Duvallet (ALM LAB)

The Human Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease

Many studies have found associations between the human gut microbiome and disease. However, comparing individual studies yields conflicting or inconclusive results, and we do not have a clear consensus on the relationship between gut microbes and human health and disease. This talk will introduce my work comprehensively comparing existing gut microbiome studies, synthesizing existing knowledge to identify consistent health- and disease-associated microbes.