Spit for Science and Gut Feelings Spot Talks

Museums Victoria is creating a world first live microbe map …. and we’re inviting you to spit for science!

Are you a cat or a dog person? A coffee drinker? Vegan? We want to know because recent research shows the mix of helpful microorganisms in your gut is affected by your lifestyle choices… but how? And Melbourne is the allergy capital of the world, do we have a unique microbe fingerprint that’s talking to our immune systems?

To investigate these questions and more we are creating a digital microbe map of Victoria, and taking a sample from one end of the gut, the mouth.

Here, microbes in saliva donated by you/visitors are being analysed by the University of Melbourne for this cutting-edge research. In the process, Melbourne Museum is creating a digital installation—growing with new data each month. Results so far are already on display at the front of the Gut Feelings exhibition.

The sample is a snapshot in time so the experience is not diagnostic, no individual data will be displayed or given to you—we want to consider gut health as a community. The museum display also focuses on variables within your control, empowering you to consider how your choices effect your gut (and so body/mind) health. You can improve your microbiome in as little as 24hrs simply by relaxing or eating well today.

Come and spit for science and meet the science experts who created the incredible GUT FEELINGS EXHIBITION in the space all day for spot talks and a celebration of all things guts.

Drop in – free with Museum entry.