
What Is The Human Microbiome Project? A Visual Explanation
The National Institutes of Health’s Human Microbiome Project began in 2008, studying 250 healthy people’s microbiome (the microbiome counterpart to the Human Genome Project). The first phase of the project completed in 2012 with the primary goal to identify and develop a reference set of the complete human microbiome based on the 250 healthy people’s samples. The microbiome is made up of trillions of microbes in and around your body, and everything you put on and in your body plus your environmental interactions (pollution in the air, for example) can affect it.
The second phase of the project is underway and due to complete in 2015, and is looking at the relationship between microbiome and “diseases of interest”, which would include autoimmune conditions. The NIH project is one of seven international microbiome research efforts to understand the human microbiome.
The full link for all five microbiome infographics provides an excellent overview for those of us non-scientists. Continued thanks to talented scientific artist Perrin Ireland for helping us understand the most promising research into cause and maybe even someday a cure for autoimmune conditions.



About the Author
Katie Cleary is founder of AutoimmuneMom.com. She lives with three autoimmune conditions, her husband, kids and mini labradoodle dog in Austin, Texas.
This blog post was originally published by AutoimmuneMom.com, written by XXX, and first published on Jun 5, 2014.
This post contains the opinions of the author. Autoimmune Association is not a medical practice and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is your responsibility to seek diagnosis, treatment, and advice from qualified providers based on your condition and particular circumstances. Autoimmune Association does not endorse nor recommend any products, practices, treatment methods, tests, physicians, service providers, procedures, clinical trials, opinions or information available on this website. Your use of the website is subject to our Privacy Policy.
Join our email list
Receive the latest blog articles, news, and more right to your inbox!
Related articles you might be interested in

Addison’s Disease & Celiac Mom Story: “The Autoimmune Snowball”

Addison’s Disease: Overview of Antibodies & Genetic Links

Addison’s Disease and Pregnancy
Find more resources on autoimmunity
Learn more about autoimmunity, diagnosis tips, how to find a physician, and more.