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Engaging with the Research Community at the One Health Microbiome Conference

As BIOME9’s Lead Microbiologist, I recently attended the UK’s One Health Microbiome Conference hosted by the Microbiome Innovations Centre at the University of Liverpool. The conference brought together scientists, industry professionals, and academics to explore the latest developments in microbiome science across animal, human, plant, and environmental health. Representing BIOME9, I was excited to share our research, connect with like-minded professionals, and gain insights that could benefit our work with canine microbiomes.

January 20, 2025 • 3 min read

Bushra Schuitemaker

Lead Microbiologist

The Importance of One Health in Microbiome Research
“One Health” represents an integrated approach to health that connects the well-being of animals, humans, and plants. The microbiome plays a central role in this concept, as microbial communities impact immunity, metabolism, and disease resistance across species. By attending this conference, I gained a unique opportunity to bridge BIOME9’s expertise with ongoing microbiome research, opening doors for future applications in canine health.

Highlights from Key Presentations
The two-day event featured fascinating talks from leading researchers, each exploring how microbiome science is being used to address pressing health issues.

Professor Paul Ross (APC Microbiome, Ireland) presented on microbiome-based antimicrobials, specifically how targeted bacteriocins—proteins that inhibit certain bacteria—can reduce antibiotic reliance. Bacillus velensis, a bacterium used in our supplements, produces a bacteriocin called thuricin, which targets Clostridium difficile without disrupting other gut bacteria. Such targeted action demonstrates the power of microbiome manipulation in creating health benefits with minimal collateral impact.
Dr. Simon McArthur (Queen Mary University, London) discussed how microbe-derived metabolites like TMAO influence brain function, showing that these metabolites support brain health, reduce anxiety, and offer neuroprotection in experimental models. The implications for canine neurology are promising, especially in managing epilepsy and age-related or stress-induced conditions.
Dr. Karen Scott (University of Aberdeen) spoke on butyrate-producing bacteria like Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, key players in large-intestine health. These bacteria produce SCFAs essential for gut lining health, highlighting the importance of cross-feeding interactions within the gut microbiome.

Applications in Animal Health and Agriculture
The event also shed light on the broader implications of microbiome research in animal health:

Dr. Peter Graystock (Imperial College London) shared research on the microbiomes of pollinators and how these bacterial communities enable resistance to pesticides. This serves as a fascinating model for understanding resilience in smaller ecosystems and how bacterial diversity can protect hosts from environmental stressors.
Dr. Robert Habgood (Folium Science) introduced the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for microbiome modulation in animals, demonstrating how gene-editing techniques can target specific bacterial strains in food production animals to reduce pathogens like Salmonella, opening doors for similar advancements in companion animal care.

Key Takeaways for BIOME9’s Mission
Attending conferences like One Health allows BIOME9 to stay on the leading edge of microbiome science. With shared insights and innovative applications in microbiome modulation, we are inspired to refine our strategies in canine health. Hearing from pioneers in human and agricultural microbiome science offers pathways to more holistic approaches for our canine clients, expanding our understanding and application of microbiome-based interventions.

Opportunities for Collaboration and Growth
This event provided a unique opportunity to engage with biotech startups, including those in human microbiome applications like skincare and dietary solutions. Though canine health presents unique challenges, the principles from human research are often translatable, particularly given the shared environments between humans and dogs. As microbiome science progresses, collaboration across disciplines will be essential in advancing our mission at BIOME9.

Looking Ahead
BIOME9’s participation in conferences is part of our commitment to research and innovation. By staying connected to advancements in microbiome science, we continue to bring the latest knowledge and techniques to canine health.

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Frequently asked questions

The microbiome is the name given to the collection of microbes, mostly bacteria, but also fungi and protozoa, that exist within your dog’s gut. It is a diverse and complex microbial community which can directly affect health and wellbeing. We know that 90% of a human’s body cells are microbes, with only 10% being human cells – it’s just that human cells are markedly larger than the microbes. It’s similar for our four-legged friends. Testing the microbiome gives us an idea of exactly which bacteria are present in your dog’s gut and this can help indicate existing or future health problems.
A healthy diversity within the microbiome has been found to be an accurate indicator of overall health and wellbeing. If your dog appears healthy, but has an imbalance in their microbiome, then this could be an indicator of a potential future health issue. If your dog has any existing health complaints, then improving the health of their microbiome can help to improve immune system health and overall wellbeing, as well as improving disease symptoms.
Testing and treatment have the potential to help with a whole range of different health complaints. The immune system is very closely associated with the gut, so any imbalance in the microbiome can influence immune system health, overall vitality and wellbeing. Our supplement recommendations are also tailored to your individual dog, with specific ranges designed to help with gastrointestinal inflammation, joint problems, allergies and skin complaints, to name a few.
All you need to do is order a kit online and fill in our questionnaire about your dog and their general health. We will then send the kit out to you by post. You then just need to collect a sample and return it to us, again by post. Once the test is performed, we will email the results directly to you.
You do not need to get your vet’s permission to test, or talk to them about performing the test beforehand. We do recommend that you pass on a copy of your test results to your regular vets, as it may help them in understanding your pet’s current health, and any future complaints they may have.