Written by Kelsey Kolar

Another week and more DNA extractions! Aside from extractions, I have started into my research paper and readings focused on the project, JPI. JPI is one of the two projects that Dr. Miguel Gueimonde and the IPLA-CSIC team are working on that access microbiota colonization and responses. JPI entails samples from children of 0 to 24 months, these are the pellets I am currently extracting. This project focuses on how intrapartum antibiotic treatment, delivery method, feeding method, time of birth, gender, and infant antibiotic treatment affect the microbiota. Previous research has found that antibiotic and delivery mode directly affect the type and abundance of naturally healthy and desirable bacteria from early-colonization. Once all 140 samples are extracted, we will be able to send them for sequencing and run qPCR to conclude the genus and species of bacteria present. This sequencing data will show us how the factors listed are altering microbial development in comparison to the naturally healthy microbiota of an infant. (The healthy standard is an infant that is carried full-term, breastfed, vaginally delivered, and without the treatment of antibiotics).

Outside of the lab, I have taken my third week in Spain to visit Salamanca. Salamanca is the third oldest town in Spain and is filled with gorgeous views, lively people, and beautiful architecture!