The objective of the symposium: sharing within the scientific community the most recent discoveries in the field of microbiota (formerly called intestinal flora) and, in particular, the role of those bacteria with respect to human health. This field of research is currently undergoing a formidable acceleration providing the grounds for hoping that, in the near future, there will be numerous application possibilities in the fields of health and nutrition.
This year again, the program brought together internationally reputed researchers from all over the world to present their most recent results on the microbiota itself or on its influence on the immune system (allergies, asthma), metabolism (obesity, heart disease, inflammation) on the nervous system, and in aging.
Among the numerous lessons learned, it is to be noted that:
1. there are not infinite combinations but only a few types of microbiota or enterotypes, rather like blood groups;
2. in our excessively hygienic countries, certain bacteria and even parasitic worms may be beneficial for our immune system;
3. as of very early life, our microbiota may predispose to obesity and then, throughout life, play a role in the emergence of metabolic diseases and heart disease;
4. lastly, the bacteria hosted in our gut may have an effect on anxiety and even be involved in potential behavioral modifications or the emergence of neurodegenerative disease.
Among the ranks of those attending in order to share these discoveries were researchers from the academic world and industry specialized in the fields of microbiology and immunology, and, in particular, those interested in ‘translational’* approaches.
Lastly, for the second year running, the event benefited from live Twitter feeds enabling direct information of the scientific community online and incorporation of feedback in the discussion. Researchers and scientists attending the conference posted tweets, immediate echoes of the discoveries, results and conclusions presented, as the speakers’ presentations progressed. The content of these exchanges is available at
http://www.netvibes.com/metahit#MFH_2011
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