Rice Science Cafe – Cultivating Healthy Relationships: The influence of microbiomes on our health

Rice University – Wiess School of Natural Sciences presents Rice Science Café – Cultivating Healthy Relationships: The influence of microbiomes on our health. Tuesday, July 7 at 6:30pm at Black Labrador Pub, Churchill Room, 4100 Montrose Blvd.

Featuring:
Buck Samuel, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Molecular Virology & Microbiology
Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research
Baylor College of Medicine

Everyone of us houses virtual rainforests of bacteria that outnumber the cells of our body 10:1. These microbial seeds are planted within us as babies, and as we grow so does the complexity of the community and closeness of these relationships.

This community of resident microbes (our gut microbiome) becomes a part of us and is essential for our survival. Dr. Samuel is discovering how these microbes specifically influence our health and how we actively maintain a functional microbiome.

The Rice Science Café is a meeting where for the price of a cup of coffee or tea, a glass of wine or beer, anyone can come explore and debate the latest ideas in science and technology.

A science café’s casual meeting place, plain language, and inclusive conversation create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people with no science background. A scientist gives a brief presentation on an interesting topic in their area of expertise to kick off the discussion.