The successful annotation of the human genome is considered one of the most significant achievements in science. With the recent advancements in genomic technologies, researchers are now able to consider our ‘second genome’ – the human microbiome.

The microbiome is the vast array of microbes and their genetic material that live on, in, and around us. These microbiota can range from deadly pathogens to the gut bacteria which allow newborn babies to digest milk. ‘Friendly’ microbiota can provide us with genetic diversity, immune-priming benefits, and assist with metabolic function. With the help of new genomic technologies, we are now beginning to tease apart the relationships that we have with our resident microbiota. It has become clear that our personal microbiome is not ‘fixed’ and that our surroundings can have a huge effect on its makeup and, consequently, on our health.

By 2030, 70% of people will live in urban areas. Urbanisation is particularly on the rise in developing nations. This is reducing people’s exposure to the natural world, and, consequently, their contact with microbiomes from natural environments. All the while, immune-related health disorders such as allergies, auto-immune and chronic inflammatory diseases are increasing. Medical researchers now have reason to believe there is a link between these trends.

This leads us to the question: Can healthier and biodiverse urban ecosystems also make us healthier people? If so, how can we best harness this relationship to build the next generation of urban green spaces. Can we develop green prescriptions?

Case study #1: Evaluating airborne microbiota at urban green spaces

Exposure to airborne bacteria depends upon vertical stratification and vegetation complexity

Jake Robinson et al. 2021

Case study #2: Evaluating whether exposure to dust microbiota can improve health

Naturally-diverse airborne environmental microbial exposures modulate the gut microbiome and may provide anxiolytic benefits in mice

Craig Liddicoat et al. 2020

Case study #3: Evaluating whether spending time outdoors can improve health via exposure to health-supporting butyrate-producing bacteria

The potential of outdoor environments to supply beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria to humans

Joel Brame et al. 2021

Biodiversity & our health