Yeah, the idea that our body is a unique microbiome is fascinating. There's a pretty interesting study about the diversity of bacteria in the bellybutton alone. The fact that one individual was found to have extremophiles living in their bellybutton is quite mind-boggling. I'm interested to see what kinds of effects our interactions with microbes are causing, especially since there's a pretty limited understanding right now. An in-depth study focused on human health was launched in 2008, but we're probably still a ways out from seeing any major results. I'm looking forward to what kinds of discoveries can be made as our monitoring methods and relevant tech improves.
That is a brilliant thesis/grant proposal. Few if any consciously scrub out their belly button but we all dig some lint out of their on a regular basis and can all relate to the topic. Love it!