Changing the way microbes are classified can reveal similarities among mammals’ gut microbiomes, according to a new study.

The study, published in mBio, proposed an alternative method for classifying microbes that provides insight into human and environmental health.  

James O’Dwyer, an associate professor of plant biology and member of the IGB's Biocomplexity research theme, is a co-author of the study, which was funded by the NSF.