Episode 037 - Momo Vuyisich - the secret world of the gut microbiome
The following is a conversation with Dr. Momo Vuyisich, co-founder and chief scientific officer at Viome.
The Vision for Chronic Disease and Microbiome Science
Momo articulates a compelling vision for the future, one where chronic diseases and cancers are understood with the same clarity as acute infectious diseases. By drawing parallels to the Black Death, Momo underscores how chronic illnesses today are often seen as bad luck due to the current lack of understanding of their biochemical roots. The intriguing notion suggested is that all diseases are simply human physiology that we have yet to fully decipher.
Changing Scientific Practice
A major theme of the podcast is the idea that, to unlock the potential of existing scientific and technological resources, a paradigm shift in how science is conducted is necessary. Momo criticises the current academic and pharmaceutical landscapes for their incentive structures that prioritise publications and management over genuine breakthroughs in human health. There is a call to action for restructuring these incentives to prioritise transformative advancements.
Lessons from History: The Manhattan Project for Health
Historically significant projects like the Manhattan Project and the Apollo Programme serve as blueprints for how focused, resource-intensive initiatives can achieve unprecedented results. Momo envisions a similar concerted effort, a "Manhattan Project" for identifying the root causes of chronic diseases and cancers. This approach would entail gathering elite scientists and physicians, providing them with abundant resources, and eliminating bureaucracy to achieve revolutionary health solutions.
The Role of the Microbiome
Central to Momo’s discussion is the vital role the microbiome plays in human health. The human body is described not merely as an organism, but as a synergy of human and microbial genes. This understanding reshapes how we view health and disease, emphasising the significance of nurturing our microbiomes. From influencing immune responses to impacting chronic disease processes, the microbiome emerges as both a contributor to health and a potential culprit in disease.
Key Learnings and Future Directions
Momo shares personal insights from his journey, emphasising the power of metatranscriptomics in unlocking the mysteries of our complex biological systems. Through technological advancements, Viome, the company Momo founded, leverages AI and comprehensive data to offer personalised dietary recommendations aimed at preventing disease.
The conversation concludes with a reflection on the pillars of health—diet, exercise, sleep, and mental well-being—highlighting their fundamental roles in achieving long-lived and healthy lives akin to those in the world’s blue zones.
Key Takeaways:
Chronic Diseases Are Not Just Bad Luck: They are the result of human physiological processes we do not yet understand. By shifting scientific focus, we can unveil their biochemical roots.
Science Needs a Paradigm Shift: Redefining incentives in academia and pharma to prioritise human health improvements over publications can drive transformative advancements.
Microbiome’s Central Role: Understanding and nurturing the microbiome is crucial for health, as it significantly influences bodily functions and disease processes.
Future Health is Preventive and Personal: With technological innovation and AI, we can create personalised strategies to prevent disease before it starts, focusing on maintaining balanced microbiomes and healthy lifestyles.
The podcast serves as a powerful reminder of the potential we all hold to work towards a healthier future, where diseases are no longer a matter of luck but of strategic prevention guided by scientific progress.
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00:00:00 Intro
00:05:27 Momo’s vision
00:08:08 Is science improving human health?
00:15:58 Applying science to big health problems
00:18:11 Human genome
00:27:46 Vaccines with probiotics?
00:36:27 Is the microbiome undervalued?
00:45:59 Next-gen RNA sequencing
00:52:37 Building Viome
00:58:34 Preventing all disease through diet
01:00:41 Sialic acids
01:11:16 Food industry
01:14:24 Importance of sleep