For the past hundred years, scientists have believed that humans develop in a womb that remains sterile and completely isolated from the collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that make us sick when we emerge into the outside world.
That theory was largely based on the fact that it was very difficult to grow live microorganisms collected from this part of the body in the lab—so scientists assumed there were none in the womb. However, there have been several important recentfindings in this area of research.
Kent Willis, an assistant professor of neonatology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, discovered that microorganisms are likely present inside the womb during normal development. In an article for The Conversation he discusses his findings, which suggest that fungal DNA and possibly live fungi may cross the placenta from mother to fetus as a normal part of pregnancy. Read the full article on The Conversation.
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CONTACT:
Lindsey Owen (865-974-6375, lowen8@utk.edu)