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SUMMARY:Survival of the fittest… or the friendliest? Uncovering hidden d
 ependencies in gut microbial communities - Naomi van den Berg
DTSTART:20250306T130000Z
DTEND:20250306T140000Z
UID:TALK226411@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Alexander R Epstein
DESCRIPTION:The gut microbiome is more than a collection of individual bac
 teria – it is a dynamic ecosystem where survival depends on interactions
  between species. In fact\, these interactions can be more decisive for a 
 bacterium’s fate than external factors like the host’s diet or drug in
 take. In this talk\, I will explore how gut microbial communities navigate
  challenges such as nutrient scarcity and drug exposure\, often revealing 
 surprising survival patterns that defy predictions based on single-species
  behaviour. I will introduce how mathematical models can capture these eme
 rgent survival dynamics\, enabling predictions of which species thrive or 
 decline in a community context. By delving into the metabolic alliances an
 d competitive strategies of gut bacteria\, my research aims to offer insig
 hts into microbiome resilience\, pathogen resistance\, and the design of t
 argeted probiotic therapies. Whether you are fascinated by the gut-brain a
 xis\, applied mathematics\, or simply intrigued by the unseen battles (and
  friendships) within\, this lunchtime seminar aims to make the microscopic
  world come alive. 
LOCATION:Richard King room\, Darwin College
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