Our CTO is the last author in a recently published study in Nature Communications, the most in-depth investigation to date of mother-to-infant transmission of common gut bacteria. The project that is titled MicrobeMum shows that the transfer of gut bacteria from a mother to an infant is a common phenomenon, which is strongly influenced by external factors including mode of delivery and exposure to antibiotics in labour. The findings could support the development of targeted probiotic supplements based on these bacteria, with potential benefits to boost immune systems, increase microbial infection resistance, fight disease and even aid digestion.