Why researchers are building a poop vault with 10,000 frozen samples
Credit: Microbiota Vault Initiative
It may sound like a headline from a science fiction novel—or clickbait—but it's absolutely real: scientists in Switzerland are deep-freezing human feces in what's being called a 'doomsday vault.
' The project aims to preserve microbial life for future generations, and over 1,000 fecal samples have already been stored, with a goal to reach 10,000 by 2029.
But why, you might ask, are scientists so interested in saving poop? The answer lies in the invisible universe living inside it.
Microbes: Small organisms, big impact
Human feces contain billions of microbes—tiny organisms that play an essential role in digestion, immunity, and overall health.
According to a commentary published Friday (June 27) in Nature Communications, scientists want to ensure these microbial communities are not lost over time. These microbes may hold the key to treating future medical conditions and responding to global health crises.
The Swiss facility doesn't stop at human waste. It also stores nearly 200 types of fermented foods, which are rich in 'gut-friendly' microbes. The team even plans to include environmental microbes, creating a comprehensive archive of microbial life that supports human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available
Original Adidas
Shop Now
Undo
Why
microbial preservation
matters
'Our microbiome is under threat,' wrote the researchers behind the project. 'Microbe loss is associated with an alarming rise in chronic diseases, such as allergic, autoimmune, and metabolic disorders.'
Human actions—such as industrial agriculture, widespread antibiotic use, and climate change—are disrupting microbiomes everywhere. From thawing permafrost to depleted farmlands, ecosystems are losing microbial diversity at a rapid pace.
Preserving samples today could allow scientists tomorrow to restore what's been lost.
Dr. Martin Blaser, director of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Rutgers University and co-author of the commentary, emphasized this urgency: 'Human activities are depleting our microbiome, and there's lots of evidence of that.'
A microbial ark for the future
Launched in 2018, the Microbiota Vault was inspired by Norway's Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which protects plant diversity from extinction.
In its initial 'launch' phase, the Microbiota Vault focused on testing the logistics of collecting and preserving microbial samples from around the world.
So far, researchers have collected 1,204 fecal samples and 190 fermented food samples from countries including Benin, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Laos, Thailand, and Switzerland. These are currently stored at −112°F (−80°C) at the University of Zurich.
Now, the initiative is entering its 'growth' phase.
The goal is to expand the collection to include thousands more samples—especially from vulnerable ecosystems—and to establish a permanent vault location, preferably in a cold climate such as Switzerland or Canada.
While there's no guarantee that reintroducing frozen microbes will successfully restore a damaged microbiome, scientists believe future technologies will make this possible.
'We believe that one day the science will improve sufficiently so that we will have really good restorative techniques,' said Blaser.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Dedicated doctors who heal with heart, extend a helping hand
Lucknow: It's 9am and the community health centre in Kakori is bustling with patients scrambling to meet the doctor. Amid the melee, superintendent Dr Awadhesh Kumar calmly picks the mic and says, "Everyone will be examined. Please stay in line." Though Monday is not his OPD day, he treats a patient with seasonal fungal infection. Posted at CHC as superintendent since 2023, Dr Kumar served at the same CHC as a medical officer for eight years. "Rural health comes with its challenges — especially during the monsoon," he says. Recalling a case when a woman pleaded for help for her husband who was severely dehydrated. Dr Kumar and his team treated him non-stop for 36 hours. When the man recovered, his wife offered Rs 200 in gratitude. "I gave her Rs 500 instead for his nutrition needs. That moment still inspires me," he says with a smile. At Kakori CHC handles 25-27 caesarean deliveries at night every month. Families of newborn girls receive small gifts as encouragement. Like Kakori, patients at public urban health centre (PUHC) express deep appreciation for the dedication of doctors at New Haiderganj, Chinhat, Sadar, Turiyaganj, and Nishatganj, who remain accessible even beyond their official OPD hours of 9am to 3pm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo At New Haiderganj primary health centre (PHC), a patient showed Dr Rajeev Singh a container of stones passed during urination. He complained of abdominal pain and white urine and feared kidney failure. Dr Singh calmed him down, prescribed painkillers, and advised a urine test and ultrasound. He told the patient that he was lucky that the stones had passed and assured him that pain should ease soon. Located in the house of a former corporator on Mohan Road, this small PHC attracts around 100 patients daily. Dr Singh attends them on Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays, while on other days, he serves patients at other PHCs. He has previously worked at the PHC when he handled 10-12 emergency cases and 25-30 cases of dog bites daily. His internship at Balrampur Hospital prepared him for managing dehydration and hypotension without referrals. During the pandemic, his PHC was the first among small centres to start vaccinations. The number of patients grew from 20 to nearly 100 a day, who reported common ailments like kidney stones, hypertension, and diabetes. Infrastructure, however, remains limited, with only 2-3 rooms and two inpatient beds. "We need at least one or two more rooms," he says. At Chinhat CHC, Dr Anju Duggal is gently counselling a young pregnant woman on the importance of newborn screening. "Timely detection can save a child's life," she says. At 56, Dr Duggal leads child health efforts under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), screening children from birth to 18 years for 32 conditions — from birth defects to developmental delays. "We work with schools, Anganwadis, and ASHAs to ensure every child gets free care, including surgeries, if needed," she says. She credits strong infrastructure and teamwork at the CHC for their success. "Even during emergencies, I feel safe and supported," she says. For her, every child recovered is a story of hope. "It's an emotional moment for us when we help a child overcome a birth defect." Around 11am, there is a steady stream of women seeking healthcare at Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Sadar. Dr Kirti Saxena is listening patiently to a woman in her sixties —not just about her diabetes and hypertension, but also her personal struggles. "This often happens. Many women come with vague complaints like headaches or palpitations. These are often signs of stress. We counsel around 40-45 such patients every month," she says. "Many women feel safer talking here than at home. They discuss domestic issues, even abuse. That's why we focus on mental health and family counselling along with medicines," Dr Saxena says. At 1pm, a similar scene unfolds at the urban primary health centre in Nishatganj where Dr Prachi Singh is attending to a 86-year-old Parkinson's patient. "Most of my patients are elderly and live nearby. They avoid big hospitals. Some come daily or call often — they've become like family," she says. When she joined in April 2023, footfall was just 2-3 patients per day. "I held health camps and spread awareness. Now, we get 40-50 patients daily," she says. Speaking about helping an anaemic woman who couldn't afford private care, she recalls: "My team arranged medicines and tests for her. Sometimes that extra step means the difference between treatment and abandonment." At 3pm, at CHC in Turiyaganj, Dr Geetanjali Singh is conducting a cervical cancer awareness session. Speaking to women, she explains the symptoms, importance of screening, and HPV vaccine. "Most women here are from low-income backgrounds. They need guidance, not just treatment. We often get serious cases and try to support them emotionally and financially," she says.
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Raj health dept raises scrub typhus alert as monsoon arrives
Jaipur: With the onset of monsoon in Rajasthan, the state health department issued an alert Monday over the potential rise in scrub typhus cases, a zoonotic disease transmitted by chigger mites that thrive in green bushes and scrubby vegetation. The department has urged the animal husbandry department to take preventive measures to curb mite breeding among animals. "During monsoon and post-monsoon, we witness a sudden spike in scrub typhus cases. We have requested the animal husbandry department to conduct spraying on animals to prevent chigger breeding," a senior health official said. Scrub typhus, caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, spreads to humans through the bite of infected mites, commonly known as chiggers. The disease, which emerged in Rajasthan around 2010, has become a seasonal concern, especially during monsoon when vegetation increases. Symptoms of scrub typhus closely resemble other seasonal illnesses, making clinical diagnosis difficult. A distinctive black spot at the bite site may appear, but laboratory testing is essential for accurate diagnosis. If not treated promptly, the disease can turn fatal. While primarily associated with animal hosts, scrub typhus poses a serious health risk to humans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Play this for 1 minute and see why everyone is crazy about it. Play Game Undo Jaipur: With the onset of monsoon in Rajasthan, the state health department issued an alert Monday over the potential rise in scrub typhus cases, a zoonotic disease transmitted by chigger mites that thrive in green bushes and scrubby vegetation. The department has urged the animal husbandry department to take preventive measures to curb mite breeding among animals. "During monsoon and post-monsoon, we witness a sudden spike in scrub typhus cases. We have requested the animal husbandry department to conduct spraying on animals to prevent chigger breeding," a senior health official said. Scrub typhus, caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, spreads to humans through the bite of infected mites, commonly known as chiggers. The disease, which emerged in Rajasthan around 2010, has become a seasonal concern, especially during monsoon when vegetation increases. Symptoms of scrub typhus closely resemble other seasonal illnesses, making clinical diagnosis difficult. A distinctive black spot at the bite site may appear, but laboratory testing is essential for accurate diagnosis. If not treated promptly, the disease can turn fatal. While primarily associated with animal hosts, scrub typhus poses a serious health risk to humans.
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jurassic World Rebirth release date, review: Hit or flop?
Jurassic World Rebirth release date is nearing and the initial review of the film is out. 'Jurassic World Rebirth' captures the awe and majesty of the overgrown lizards that's been lacking for so many of the movies, which became just an endless cat-and-mouse in the dark between scared humans against T-Rexes or raptors. 'Jurassic World Rebirth' lets in the daylight. Credit goes to screenwriter David Koepp, who penned the original 'Jurassic Park,' and director Gareth Edwards, who knows a thing or two about giant reptiles as director of 2014's 'Godzilla'. Together with director of photographer John Mathieson, they've returned the franchise to its winning roots. 'Jurassic World Rebirth' has nods to the past even as it cuts a new future with new characters. It's a sort of heist movie with monsters that's set on the original decaying island research facility for the original, abandoned Jurassic Park. Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali — both very unshowy and suggesting a sort of sibling chemistry — play security and extraction specialists — OK, mercenaries — hired to get what everyone wants from dinosaurs in these movies: DNA. In return, there's $10 million, AP reported. Jurassic World Rebirth Plot, Cast The movie is set five years after 'Jurassic World Dominion' and some three decades after dinosaurs were reanimated. They've lost their public fascination — a subtle nod perhaps to the films in the franchise — and have struggled with the climate, gathering at the equator. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now The Big Pharma company ParkerGenix has come up with a blockbuster idea: Take DNA from three colossal Cretaceous-period creatures — the flying Quetzalcoatlus, the aquatic Mosasaurus and the land-based Titanosaurus — to cure cardiac disease. The dinos have to be alive when the DNA is extracted. The three-part quest at the heart of 'Jurassic World Rebirth' is interrupted by a family — a dad, his two daughters and a sketchy boyfriend — in a 45-foot sailboat that is capsized and need rescuing. They bring a dose of not-always-working humor and humanity to the extraction team, which also includes a too-easily-telegraphing baddie played by Rupert Friend — 'I'm too smart to die' — and a museum-based paleontologist played by Jonathan Bailey. Live Events The filmmakers include clever nods to other blockbusters — 'Indiana Jones,' 'Star Wars,' 'Jaws' and 'ET' — and thrillingly create a dinos-hunting-in-a-convenience-store sequence like a tribute to the original film's dinos-hunting-in-a-kitchen sequence. The shots overall are beautifully composed, from silhouettes on a boat in twilight to almost feeling the burn of the ropes as actors rappel down a 500-foot cliff face. The creatures here are made glorious — from a dozing T-Rex along a river bed to the ones twisting in the sea, pure muscle and heft. A highlight is a pair of long-tailed Titanosaurus entwining their necks as John Williams' familiar score plays, two lovers with thick, knotted skin utterly oblivious to the pesky humans who want some DNA. In many ways, the folks behind 'Jurassic World Rebirth' are trying to do the same thing as their mercenaries: Going back to the source code to recapture the magic of Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster original. They've thrillingly succeeded. Jurassic World Rebirth Release Date "Jurassic World Rebirth", a Universal Pictures release that opens in theaters on Wednesday, is rated PG-13 for "intense sequences of violence/action, bloody images, some suggestive references, language and a drug reference." Running time: 133 minutes. FAQs Q1. When will 'Jurassic World Rebirth' release? A1. "Jurassic World Rebirth" will be released in theaters on Wednesday. Q2. What is running time of 'Jurassic World Rebirth'? A2. 'Jurassic World Rebirth' has a running time of 133 minutes.
