Analysis Of The Human Microbiome Project

The Human Microbiome Project (HMP) was an extremely expansive research project carried out by nearly 200 researchers as part of the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) program to identify all microbes/microorganisms found within the human body, both healthy and diseased. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the human microbiome project, “is designed to understand the microbial components of our genetic and metabolic landscape and how they contribute to our normal physiology and disease predisposition” (Turnbaugh, et. al, 2013). Even though the project itself has made great advances since its beginning in 2008, it has come at quite a tremendous price. In total, the research has cost an estimated $153 million dollars over a five year time period. Nature Magazine documents the sources of funding, “National Institutes of Health pledged US$115 million to identify and characterize the human microbiome, the name given to the collection of microorganisms living in and on the human body. Also last year, the European Commission and various research institutes committed €20 million (US$31 million) to similar ends” (Mullard, 2008). However, ventures such as the Human Microbiome Project provide vast amounts of crucial information, which can be considered “priceless”.

After five years of research and 242 volunteers from the US, scientists discovered more than 10,000 species of microorganisms within the human body, with special emphasis on the mouth, gut, vagina, skin, and nasal cavities. The discovery of these diverse populations of bacteria has some very serious implications on the future of medicine and science. Lal Rup of the Indian Journal of Microbiology states, “The potential benefits of t...

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...he data compiled was worth every penny. Every year the United States government spends roughly 500 billion dollars for military purposes. In comparison, the Human Microbiome Project spent 0.03% of the average United States military budget, and will have much greater global implications in the future. Over 10,000 bacteria have been discovered so far as a part of the Human Microbiome Project, and scientists have only scratched the surface of our relationship with them. In order to accomplish groundbreaking achievements and progress in science, money must be spent. Overall, the Human Microbiome Project was/is a huge success, and the possibilities may be endless if even more money had been allocated to 80+ institutions that participated. Scientific advancements are the key to a healthy and productive future, and it would be exciting to see more research in this field.