📢New paper out in @mSystemsJ, coauthored w/ the amazing @MeghanAzad!
Inspired by community #ecology theory and computational #microbiome methods, we propose a novel strategy for studying #humanmilk.
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/ms…
Inspired by community #ecology theory and computational #microbiome methods, we propose a novel strategy for studying #humanmilk.
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/ms…
We focused on 3 major barriers to understanding #breastmilk
1⃣Milk contains thousands of components, yet most studies analyze just one or a few
2⃣Milk changes over time, yet longitudinal studies are rare
3⃣We lack computational tools & methods to study milk as a complex SYSTEM
1⃣Milk contains thousands of components, yet most studies analyze just one or a few
2⃣Milk changes over time, yet longitudinal studies are rare
3⃣We lack computational tools & methods to study milk as a complex SYSTEM
From a #DataScience perspective, to study complex biological processes such as #humanmilk and lactation, it is essential to take an integrative and ‘multi-layer’ approach.
Nonetheless, it is computationally challenging to integrate signals from multiple modalities - especially temporal ones - in a unified model. We therefore propose leveraging methods developed to study another complex system - the #microbiome.
We showcase the wide array of parallels between #humanmilk and the microbiome and demonstrate how incorporating knowledge gleaned from community ecology and computational microbiology can serve as an anchor to advance the study of #humanmilk as a system.
We further suggest that #humanmilk is a complex adaptive system, in which low-level local interactions and selection mechanisms combine to create high-level patterns.
In the unique case of #humanmilk, it originates in the mother but its properties emerge in the infant, emphasizing the importance of the mother-milk-infant “triad” and its environment as the unit of study. 
To fully unlock the potential of this approach, we advocate to Record, Represent and Decipher the mother-milk-infant “triad” during the course of lactation.
Longitudinal, multi-layer #humanmilk studies, along with tailored computational methods, may lead to identification and characterization of milk interactions and dynamics that are associated with optimal health outcomes.
WATCH our video summary:
We’re excited to apply this multi-layered approach to #humanmilk research, and hope our paper will inspire others to do the same.
Thank you @gilbertjacka for the invitation to share our ideas in your special issue!
#transdisciplinary #DataScience #breastmilk #microbiome
Thank you @gilbertjacka for the invitation to share our ideas in your special issue!
#transdisciplinary #DataScience #breastmilk #microbiome
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