Guelph Researcher Explores Yanomami Microbiomes to Uncover Health Secrets

A researcher from the University of Guelph, David Good, is exploring the potential health benefits of the diverse microbiome found in human feces from the Yanomami community in Venezuela. Good, a PhD candidate, has personal ties to the semi-nomadic Indigenous group through his mother. His work not only aims to reveal the secrets of good health but also to foster a deeper connection with his cultural roots.

Good’s research focuses on examining the healthy bacteria present in the feces of the Yanomami people, who are known to have one of the most diverse microbiomes globally. He emphasizes that this diversity could be crucial in understanding how to combat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. “Diversity is really key here … to see if we can better understand how we can … fight against chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders,” he noted during an interview on CBC Radio’s The Morning Edition.

Reconnecting with Heritage

Good’s journey into the world of microbiome research began when he visited the Amazon rainforest to reconnect with his mother’s side of the family. As he immersed himself in the Yanomami culture—learning their language, traditions, and practices such as hunting and foraging—he discovered the field of microbiome studies. “That allowed me to understand my Yanomami heritage through a microscopic lens,” he explained. He acknowledges the unique position he occupies, being raised in Western society while also having Indigenous roots.

Good is acutely aware of the historical exploitation faced by Indigenous communities in research contexts. Many researchers have previously taken samples without equitable benefits to the communities involved. “I work on the back of the controversies of biopiracy, exploitation, extraction from previous researchers,” he stated. To prevent repeating past mistakes, Good collaborates closely with Yanomami community members to ensure that the research serves their interests and needs.

Empowering Indigenous Communities

One significant initiative stemming from Good’s research is the establishment of a learning centre aimed at equipping Yanomami community members with the skills to conduct their own scientific research. “That will allow us to train the Yanomami on how to collect samples,” Good described. This initiative aims to teach the community about microbial diversity and the implications of its loss, fostering a sense of agency in research processes.

Emma Allen-Vercoe, a professor in the University of Guelph’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and a Canada Research Chair, oversees Good’s research. She highlights the importance of Good’s approach, which contrasts sharply with traditional research methods that often overlook the agency of Indigenous peoples. According to Allen-Vercoe, “They followed all the protocols … but they didn’t really consider the agency of the people themselves. And that’s something that we need to correct.”

Allen-Vercoe believes Good’s research is vital for understanding how the microbiomes of people living in the Western world have evolved over time. The shift towards industrialization has led to significant changes in lifestyle, including reduced contact with natural food sources and increased reliance on processed foods. “All of that seems to be damaging our microbiome,” she noted. By studying the gut microbiomes of individuals untouched by industrialization, researchers hope to uncover valuable insights into the connections between gut health and overall well-being.

As Good’s research progresses, it not only seeks to illuminate the complex relationship between diet, health, and microbiomes but also aims to empower the Yanomami community, ensuring they receive equitable benefits from scientific exploration. Through collaboration and respect for Indigenous knowledge, this initiative may pave the way for a more inclusive approach to research that honors the voices of those it directly impacts.