Leen Kawas is a scientist who has researched babies’ microbiomes. The microbiome is the microorganisms living in and on our bodies, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Researchers in recent years have become increasingly interested in the role of the microbiome in our health and well-being.
- About Leen Kawas
Kawas’s research has focused on the development of the microbiome in babies, particularly the role that breast milk plays in shaping the microbiome’s composition. Breast milk contains a variety of beneficial bacteria, including species of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which can help to protect babies from infections and promote healthy development.
- Microbiome Basics
While the human microbiome is often discussed in terms of the human body, there is also a large body of research on the microbiome that lives in and on us. Kawas’s research has important implications for infant health and development, as well as for maternal health. Breastfeeding has been shown to have various health benefits for both babies and mothers, and Kawas’s research suggests that one of these benefits may be a healthier microbiome. Understanding the role of the microbiome in health and disease is an area of active research, and Leen Kawas’s work is helping to shed light on this complex and fascinating topic.
- Achievements and Awards
Kawas received her Ph.D. in biological and medical sciences from the University of Utrecht. She completed her postdoctoral training at George Washington University, where she worked on a project to determine diet’s effects on gut bacteria. Kawas joined the faculty of Utah State University as a professor of Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Microbiology.
Leen Kawas has been studying the microbiome of babies and its connection to breastfeeding. This research is an excellent example of how the natural world can be used to provide a solution for humans. She discovered that the microbiome of breastfed babies has a positive effect on the microbiome of babies’ development.