Dr. Ana Maldonado-Contreras featured on Voices Podcast!

iCAP faculty member and gut microbiome expert Ana Maldonado-Contreras, PhD, was featured on a recent episode of the Voices of UMass Chan podcast. 

Dr. Maldonado-Contreras is an Assistant Professor of Microbiology & Physiological Systems. She, along with Dr. Heidi Leftwich, Associate professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, discuss:

• The importance of gut bacteria in immune system function and the development of a healthy microbiome in newborns
  

• Research into how SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts people who are pregnant and breastfeeding

• The role of the microbiome in diseases that have a genetic component

• Details on how gut bacteria help provide signals for the immune system, regulate inflammation, and impact health in adults and children, including during pregnancy
  

• Research on how food and drinks can manipulate the gut microbiome

 listen here