***BRING A FRIEND AND YOU BOTH GET $100 off of this class! Please email slaun@bugssonline.org (Sarah) to inquire about discount code. (Sorry members this does not include you since you are already getting a super fantastic discount!)
Due to some major interest in this class we are offering it again but NOW WITH SCHOLARSHIPS! Please fill out this application! – https://goo.gl/forms/7qdY63ZUZmR7CiqT2
Go with your guts, and the billions of bacteria that are in them!
Test your own personal microbiome (or your pets) –
In this class you will be able to investigate your own gut microbiome, or the microbes of your pets, roommates, or family members. Our microbiome (the microbes living in and on our bodies) are believed to have profound effects on our immune systems, health, and susceptibility to disease. Find out what you can learn about your own health and wellness. In this class you’ll perform lab work to isolate the microbes present, sequence and identify those microbes, and then learn what the results mean for YOU personally.
In this 3 Saturday class you’ll be able to design your own experiment to compare any two samples! What samples do you want to compare? How many gut microbes you share with your dog? What about with another human? Does your gut microbiome change with your diet? What if you ate pizza for two weeks straight? (We do not endorse pizza as a sole source of nutrition!)
Isolate and process DNA from your samples. Use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the DNA of the microbes. Determine the different species of in your two samples. For those interested in programming and computational biology, the entire class will learn how to analyze the sequencing data and perform comparative analysis to uncover further information (don’t worry, this class is appropriate for beginners!).
Everyone gets two biological samples to test, here are some experimental suggestions. If none of these interest you, just ask us if you have another idea.
Some experimental suggestions:
1) Test your microbiome vs. your roommate (or friend, or family member)’s microbiome *
2) Test your microbiome vs. your pet **
3) Test your microbiome before and after a lifestyle change such as a change in diet, exercise or sleep habits
4) Test your pet microbiome before and after a change in your pet’s lifestyle
* Mandatory: you must get their consent
**Well, at least ask?
DISCLAIMER: In order to acquire these microbes for analysis you will need to take a very small, easy -to get, stool sample. The microbes will be immediately inactivated (killed) in the sample before you bring in to process at BUGSS. We DO NOT advise a drastic change in diet, sleep, or exercise so please be safe and smart in your choices. (Good Example experiment… drink a kombucha every day for 2 weeks and see what happens before and after) (Bad Example… feed your cat pizza for 2 weeks and see what happens.)
IMPORTANT: You will get further (detailed) instructions and materials once you sign up for class. Please consider the time you may need to collect your samples, especially if testing a change in diet.
ULTRA IMPORTANT: We must have at least 10 people sign up for this class BY (April 4th) in order for the class to happen. If we do not get 10 people you will be refunded your money. However, don’t let that happen! Share this class far and wide, help us spread the word so that anyone can test their own microbiome!