Join Dr. Siobhan McCormack as she welcomes one of the top early-life microbiome scientists in the field, Professor Chris Stewart. Discover the origins of your gut microbiome, the biological superpowers of breast milk, and how lab-grown "organoids" are uncovering surprising ways to protect preterm babies.

What We Cover:

• The Genesis of You: How birth mode and early feeding shape our microbial foundations.
• Inside the Stewart Lab: Using lab-grown human "organoids" to study host-microbe interactions in real-time.
• The Magic of HMOs: Why mothers produce complex sugars (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) that feed gut microbes instead of the baby.
• The "Good" Clostridium: Groundbreaking research on a specific Clostridium perfringens strain that thrives on HMOs to protect preterm infants from gut diseases.
• Probiotics & Preemies: Navigating FDA regulations and the future of personalized medicine in neonatal care.

About

Professor Stewart leads human microbiome research at Newcastle University. His lab combines computational biology with innovative wet-lab human organoid models to study global health issues, focusing primarily on the early-life gut microbiome and protecting vulnerable infants.

Connect with the Stewart Lab:

• Newcastle University Profile
• Google Scholar
• Twitter
• Newcastle Neonatal Nutrition and NEC Research (N4)

Scientific References & Further Reading:

• Stewart CJ, et al. (2018). Temporal development of the gut microbiome in early childhood from the TEDDY study. Nature, 562(7728):583–8.
• Chapman JA, et al. (2026). Clostridia from preterm infants metabolize human milk oligosaccharides to suppress pathobionts and modulate intestinal function in organoids. Nat Microbiol, 1–20.
• Masi AC, et al. (2021). Human milk oligosaccharide DSLNT and gut microbiome in preterm infants predicts necrotising enterocolitis. Gut, 70(12):2273–82.
• Beck LC, et al. (2022). Strain-specific impacts of probiotics are a significant driver of gut microbiome development in very preterm infants. Nat Microbiol, 7(10):1525–35.
• UNICEF UK: Breastfeeding in the UK

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Join Dr. Siobhan McCormack and the "fibre-fabulous" Dr. Emily Leeming, a former superyacht chef turned King's College London microbiome scientist and registered dietitian. Discover why fibre is the overlooked "Cinderella nutrient," how it fuels your gut microbiome, and practical, delicious ways to hit your 30-gram daily target without the bloat.

What We Cover:

1. The Chef-to-Scientist Pipeline: Dr. Leeming's journey from the high seas to gut health research.
2. The "Blue Poo" Study: What transit time actually is and what it reveals about your digestion.
3. Disease Prevention: How feeding your gut microbiome protects against colorectal cancer and heart disease.
4. Simple Food Combos: Chef-approved tips to easily sneak more whole grains, nuts, and beans into your busy day.

About

Dr. Leeming is a scientist at King's College London, a dietitian, and part of the Harvard-led PROSPECT team investigating early colorectal cancer. She is the bestselling author and writes the popular Second Brain newsletter for over 30,000 subscribers.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain by Dr. Emily Leeming
2. Fiber Power by Dr. Emily Leeming (Releasing May 21st)
3. Gut by Giulia Enders
4. The Psychobiotic Revolution by Scott C. Anderson, John F. Cryan, and Ted Dinan

Scientific References Discussed:

1. O’Keefe SJD, et al. (2015). Fat, fibre and cancer risk in African Americans and rural Africans. Nature Communications.
2. Asnicar F, Leeming ER, et al. (2021). "Blue Poo: Impact of Gut Transit Time on the Gut Microbiome Using a Novel Marker." Gut.
3. Burkitt D, Trowell H. (1975). Refined Carbohydrate Foods and Disease.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser welcomes back Dr. Anastasia Theodosiou and introduces Baroness Natalie Bennett to discuss the Consumer Products (Control of Biocides) Bill. They unpack the hidden dangers of unregulated antimicrobial chemicals found in everyday items, from toothpaste to treated textiles, and the urgent need to protect our microbiomes from this "chemical cocktail". The trio discusses the critical distinction between medical antibiotics and consumer biocides, advocating for a shift from a "war on microbes" to a system that prioritizes planetary and human health.

Key Topics:

1. Defining biocides and distinguishing them from regulated medical antibiotics
2. The concept of "microbiotoxicity" and the impact of disinfectants on oral and gut health
3. The environmental consequences of biocide runoff and the rise of antimicrobial resistance
4. Why we need systemic regulation rather than relying solely on individual consumer choices

You can find out more about the Women's Environmental Network at https://www.wen.org.uk/

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.