Final answer:
The Human Microbiome Project, initiated by the NIH in 2008, aims to understand the microbial ecology of the human body to improve health outcomes. This includes studying the impact of microbiota on health, characterising microbial diversity, and exploring metagenomic analysis of unculturable microbes. The project has established a crucial reference database for human-associated microorganisms and enhances insights into the interactions between microbiota and various health aspects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Human Microbiome Project is a research initiative launched by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2008 to study the microbial ecology of the human body. The project's objectives include understanding the impact of microbiota on health, characterizing microbial diversity, and investigating the challenges of culturing many of the microbes that inhabit the human body. By using metagenomic analysis, researchers can study all microbes in the microbiome, which helps in characterizing the human microbiota in patients with different diseases. Additionally, analyzing the microbiome in individuals with specific diseases can potentially reveal new ways to fight diseases.
One important achievement of the project is the establishment of a reference database on microorganisms living in and on the human body. This repository aids in understanding why certain microorganisms exist commensally in some individuals but are deadly pathogens in others. The project also provides insights into the influence of commensal bacteria on aspects like mood, activity levels, and weight management. Ultimately, the Human Microbiome Project aims to improve our understanding of the human microbiota and apply this knowledge to improving human health.