Human microbiome research: Growing pains and future promises

by Jens Puschhof, Eran Elinav

Human microbiome research is evolving from describing associations to understanding the impact of bioactive strains on humans. Despite challenges, progress is being made to apply data-driven microbiome diagnostics and interventions, potentially leading to precision medicine breakthroughs in the next decade. The past 20 years of research has wrought huge changes in human microbiome research. This Perspective highlights the difficulties and challenges, achievements and future promises of the field.