Gut microbes followed migrating humans across continents, new study suggests

Gut bacteria reveal ancient ties to human migrations across continents, genetic analysis suggests

As waves of humans left Africa tens of thousands of years ago, eventually populating the entire planet, they were joined on their world-conquering ride by the trillions of microorganisms that compose the gut microbiome.

Gut microbes followed migrating humans across continents, new study suggests

New research looks at the surprising similarities in the gut microbiomes of hunter-gathers in Tanzania and horticulturalists in Bolivia, and asks: What role do these bacteria play in human health?

Gut microbes that trace ancient human journeys

Nature, Published online: 07 October 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02969-5The Indigenous African Hadza and South American Tsimane share gut microorganisms that shed light on human dispersals and microbial losses in industrialized societies.

Gut microbes followed migrating humans across continents, new study suggests : NPR

A Tsimane extended family gets ready for the morning, while a large pot of manioc roots cooks in preparation to make shocdye, a local fermented brew. Michael Gurven hide caption toggle caption i Michael Gurven The Hadza people are hunter-gatherers who have roamed northern Tanzania for thousands of years. The indigenous Tsimane people forage, fish […]