What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Matter: The New Science of the Microbiome
AS HEARD ON RADIO 4 START THE WEEK
From a world-leading microbiome scientist and surgeon with over two decades of experience comes Dark Matter - the definitive book on the science of the microbiome and how unlocking its potential can protect our health, our immunity and our planet.
Why are we living longer, but not happier?
The microbiome - our inner ecosystem of viruses, bacteria and other microbes - is critically important to our health and wellbeing. It is given to us by our mothers at birth, adapts with us as we age, influences our moods, determines how fast we run and even who we choose as a partner.
Yet it is only now, as we are beginning to discover the microbiome's enormous potential, that we are realising it is in grave danger, being irrevocably destroyed through the globalisation of our diets, the war on bugs and the industrialised world.
But we can look to reverse this damage. Drawing on cutting-edge research and years of clinical experience, Kinross shows how to unpack the microbiome's secrets, explaining that if we work with, not against, our microbes, we can live better, healthier lives.
From a world-leading microbiome scientist and surgeon with over two decades of experience comes Dark Matter - the definitive book on the science of the microbiome and how unlocking its potential can protect our health, our immunity and our planet.
Why are we living longer, but not happier?
The microbiome - our inner ecosystem of viruses, bacteria and other microbes - is critically important to our health and wellbeing. It is given to us by our mothers at birth, adapts with us as we age, influences our moods, determines how fast we run and even who we choose as a partner.
Yet it is only now, as we are beginning to discover the microbiome's enormous potential, that we are realising it is in grave danger, being irrevocably destroyed through the globalisation of our diets, the war on bugs and the industrialised world.
But we can look to reverse this damage. Drawing on cutting-edge research and years of clinical experience, Kinross shows how to unpack the microbiome's secrets, explaining that if we work with, not against, our microbes, we can live better, healthier lives.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2023
172 people are currently reading
1328 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 7, 2023
"Twenty-first-century living is causing our airways to close, our skin to flake, our joints to swell, our guts to bleed, our arteries to clot and our brains to seize up. The global pandemic of non-infectious diseases is, arguably, a greater threat to humanity than that caused by any communicable disease. The healthcare systems set up to treat these diseases are increasingly unsustainable. If we are to meaningfully understand how and why we’ve reached this crisis – and how to solve it – we urgently need to reappraise our relationship with our microbes..."
Dark Matter was an overall decent and interesting read, but I had some gripes. More below. I'll cover the "good" before getting to the "bad."
The scientific understanding of our microbiomes is still in its infancy. It has been said that the bacteria that make up our microbiota outnumber our own cells by roughly a 10:1 ratio. These bacteria have wide-ranging and deep impacts on virtually every aspect of our lives. They can make us depressed, make us crave certain foods, and can cause or prevent many chronic diseases and other health conditions.
Author James Kinross is a senior lecturer in colorectal surgery and consultant surgeon at Imperial College London and a visiting professor at the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. He leads a research team defining how the microbiome causes cancer and other chronic diseases of the gut. Dark Matter is his first book.
James Kinross:
Kinross writes with a lively and engaging style here, and this book won't have trouble holding the attention of even the most finicky reader. It also contains a ton of incredibly interesting content and information; both from his professional career, and the newer scientific research in this emerging field.
The audiobook version I have was also read by the author; which is a nice touch that I always appreciate. The intro mentions the human appendix; long thought by medical orthodoxy to be a superfluous organ in need of removal.
The author drops the quote at the start of this review, and continues on:
Now, I am a huge proponent of human progress, civilization, and modernity; however, all this progress has not come without its costs. In the West, our collective health is far from optimal. Kinross says this:
Ok, so now on to the "bad." Sadly, in a trend that seems to be increasing over time, a book about literal bacteria has somehow managed to cram in a ton of partisan preaching, jargon and politicking. There are many irrelevant rants about climate change and other assorted leftist rhetoric liberally peppering this book.
I don't know WTF climate change has to do with our microbiome, or even why the author seems to think that climate "change" is the biggest threat facing humanity today. He says as much many times here, for some reason. I mean, in developing countries, climate change does not even make the list of the top 100 concerns of its citizenry. They are more preoccupied with things like how to feed their children, how to not die of malaria, or even how to manage day-to-day, and where their next meal will come from. Things that the average person (like the actually privileged author) living in a WEIRD country has little to no experience with.
A large chunk of the countries on Earth (with a majority of the global population) could be accurately described as having "developing" economies. To better themselves; individually and collectively - these people need access to more (and not less) energy that is 1) cheap, 2) reliable, and 3) scaleable.
Like it or not, fossil fuels are the only thing that fits all 3 of the above criteria. If your basic unit of value is human flourishing and betterment, then having these countries employ more fossil fuels to power their escape from entropy is the best way to support that goal. See Alex Epstein's The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels for a deep dive, and Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress; as well.
There is also lots of talk here about the ever-elusive "systemic" racism in the West, "marginalization," and other assorted tidbits of leftist jargon that are somehow never defined, or directly identified.
The author even managed to shoe-horn in some bit of low-resolution garbage about trans people (somehow); in a book about microbes, no less.
He says:
He also drops this quote, which seems to contradict itself as it goes, unless I am missing something. He first talks about how men suffer from certain diseases at much higher rates than women, but then goes on to tell the reader about how women are the real victims, because of "socioeconomic and gender-based social inequalities." That's right, we're competing in the Victimology Olympics now:
Which brings us around to the larger question here: What the fuck does any of this stuff have to do with microbiomes and literal bacteria??? Answer: Absolutely nothing. But the thing is that ideological possession is a hell of a drug. Just like an evangelical Christian who never shuts up about Jesus, these people just can't help themselves... God, it's all so tiresome. It would be nice to pick up a book about science without reading some low-grade Neo-Marxist garbage about victimology and racial politicking.
I really hate when authors of science books cram in their own shit-tier political takes into books where they have absolutely no business being, and my ratings will always reflect this. Fortunately, the author never went full tilt, and managed to keep a bit of a leash on his rantings. It was still irritating AF, tho.
********************
Fortunately, despite my complaints above, the book did actually contain quite a lot of interesting writing. For this reason, I would still recommend it.
3 stars.
Dark Matter was an overall decent and interesting read, but I had some gripes. More below. I'll cover the "good" before getting to the "bad."
The scientific understanding of our microbiomes is still in its infancy. It has been said that the bacteria that make up our microbiota outnumber our own cells by roughly a 10:1 ratio. These bacteria have wide-ranging and deep impacts on virtually every aspect of our lives. They can make us depressed, make us crave certain foods, and can cause or prevent many chronic diseases and other health conditions.
Author James Kinross is a senior lecturer in colorectal surgery and consultant surgeon at Imperial College London and a visiting professor at the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. He leads a research team defining how the microbiome causes cancer and other chronic diseases of the gut. Dark Matter is his first book.
James Kinross:
Kinross writes with a lively and engaging style here, and this book won't have trouble holding the attention of even the most finicky reader. It also contains a ton of incredibly interesting content and information; both from his professional career, and the newer scientific research in this emerging field.
The audiobook version I have was also read by the author; which is a nice touch that I always appreciate. The intro mentions the human appendix; long thought by medical orthodoxy to be a superfluous organ in need of removal.
The author drops the quote at the start of this review, and continues on:
"...While some of those microbes might be harming or even killing us, what about the rest? Could they be helping us heal and grow, or even think and feel? Could our microbes be in conversation with our immune system – and explain why diseases related to it are increasingly common? Or why we get cancer, what the appendix does, or even why some drugs work and others don’t? For the best part of two decades I have sampled the microbiomes of generous patients undergoing surgery in theatre number three, in my quest to find answers to these questions. I’ve also followed the work of colleagues across the world and we’ve shared our findings and ideas. The answers have been surprising, beyond what we could have imagined.
Today, I am driven by the idea that the rise in the collection of disabling chronic diseases has been caused, over just eight decades, by the radical disruption to the colonies of microorganisms that live in and around us. And that, in our quest to cure the world of infectious diseases, we’ve inadvertently created a new pandemic of non-infectious ones. This book is my way of sharing my own journey to these conclusions, and my hope is that this will start a conversation about how we can provide a different type of medicine. The true promise of microbiome science is in disease prevention."
Now, I am a huge proponent of human progress, civilization, and modernity; however, all this progress has not come without its costs. In the West, our collective health is far from optimal. Kinross says this:
"The microscopic life forms that preside over our health and wellness are increasingly frustrated with the mistreatment inflicted upon them by hyperglobalization – and they have a formidable molecular arsenal with which they are demonstrating their displeasure. The result is that although we are living longer than ever before in history, we are not living happier.
Medicine doesn’t have all the answers for this paradox. In response, some of my patients are now returning to ancient strategies for the treatment of their modern maladies…"
Ok, so now on to the "bad." Sadly, in a trend that seems to be increasing over time, a book about literal bacteria has somehow managed to cram in a ton of partisan preaching, jargon and politicking. There are many irrelevant rants about climate change and other assorted leftist rhetoric liberally peppering this book.
I don't know WTF climate change has to do with our microbiome, or even why the author seems to think that climate "change" is the biggest threat facing humanity today. He says as much many times here, for some reason. I mean, in developing countries, climate change does not even make the list of the top 100 concerns of its citizenry. They are more preoccupied with things like how to feed their children, how to not die of malaria, or even how to manage day-to-day, and where their next meal will come from. Things that the average person (like the actually privileged author) living in a WEIRD country has little to no experience with.
A large chunk of the countries on Earth (with a majority of the global population) could be accurately described as having "developing" economies. To better themselves; individually and collectively - these people need access to more (and not less) energy that is 1) cheap, 2) reliable, and 3) scaleable.
Like it or not, fossil fuels are the only thing that fits all 3 of the above criteria. If your basic unit of value is human flourishing and betterment, then having these countries employ more fossil fuels to power their escape from entropy is the best way to support that goal. See Alex Epstein's The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels for a deep dive, and Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress; as well.
There is also lots of talk here about the ever-elusive "systemic" racism in the West, "marginalization," and other assorted tidbits of leftist jargon that are somehow never defined, or directly identified.
The author even managed to shoe-horn in some bit of low-resolution garbage about trans people (somehow); in a book about microbes, no less.
He says:
"Transgender people also face a disproportionate risk of death – double that of cisgender people – in large part because of a lack of access to adequate healthcare and high rates of violence and discrimination."[CITATION MISSING] He conveniently does not mention that something like 70-80% of self-identified trans individuals have many underlying serious psychological comorbidities, like major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar (and others). Sadly, trans-identifying people have a roughly 40% attempted suicide rate
He also drops this quote, which seems to contradict itself as it goes, unless I am missing something. He first talks about how men suffer from certain diseases at much higher rates than women, but then goes on to tell the reader about how women are the real victims, because of "socioeconomic and gender-based social inequalities." That's right, we're competing in the Victimology Olympics now:
"For example, in the developed world, women who are female at birth typically live longer than their biological male equivalents and are less likely than men to experience a heart attack, cancer (excluding those found in sex organs), alcoholism, cirrhosis, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorders (even when accounting for diagnostic bias)23, 24 or substance abuse.
Because of socioeconomic and gender-based social inequalities that exacerbate any underlying genetic variance that exists between the sexes, women also experience higher rates of obesity, stroke, gallstones, autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and eating disorders. For girls aged fifteen to nineteen, self-harm is the second leading cause of death, globally, after pregnancy.25 In the developing world, millions of women still don’t have access to basic health services and modern contraceptives. As a result, the burden of communicable diseases and perinatal and nutritional disorders remains unequally distributed between the sexes."
Which brings us around to the larger question here: What the fuck does any of this stuff have to do with microbiomes and literal bacteria??? Answer: Absolutely nothing. But the thing is that ideological possession is a hell of a drug. Just like an evangelical Christian who never shuts up about Jesus, these people just can't help themselves... God, it's all so tiresome. It would be nice to pick up a book about science without reading some low-grade Neo-Marxist garbage about victimology and racial politicking.
I really hate when authors of science books cram in their own shit-tier political takes into books where they have absolutely no business being, and my ratings will always reflect this. Fortunately, the author never went full tilt, and managed to keep a bit of a leash on his rantings. It was still irritating AF, tho.
********************
Fortunately, despite my complaints above, the book did actually contain quite a lot of interesting writing. For this reason, I would still recommend it.
3 stars.
September 21, 2024
A deep dive into the world of the microbiome. The latest frontier for health and nutrition. This exhaustive look was far more detailed than I needed and I doubt I will retain much of it beyond the key messages for individual health (exercise regularly, eat a wide variety of plant based foods, and eat fermented foods, and avoid all the bad stuff). That said, this is a fascinating read on a subject which has a profound impact on our health and wellbeing, as well as the health of the planet.
July 13, 2023
Fascinating read
Incredibly interesting and informative . Sympathetic to the plight of those who suffer from obesity . Full of information about the micro biome past, present and future.
Incredibly interesting and informative . Sympathetic to the plight of those who suffer from obesity . Full of information about the micro biome past, present and future.
December 28, 2025
My dissertation supervisor recommended I read this for inspiration.
Really enjoyed the first half but then turned into me procrastinating writing my dissertation & therefore kinda lost momentum. Some very interesting stuff & lots of evidence base (however lots of animal studies - yes I know you have to start somewhere but still)
Anyway… my goodreads target 2025 changed to finally finishing this book, and I did it with two days to spare. I am free!!!
In summary; eat a varied diet (FIBRE & inc fermented foods, red wine and spices), exercise, don’t smoke/vape and avoid antibiotics if you can.
Loveee antibiotic resistance chat and there was lots in this - (what actually what tipped me over the edge to become vegetarian).
“80% of all antibiotics consumed in the US are used in the feed of animals intended for human consumption”
Insane.
Really enjoyed the first half but then turned into me procrastinating writing my dissertation & therefore kinda lost momentum. Some very interesting stuff & lots of evidence base (however lots of animal studies - yes I know you have to start somewhere but still)
Anyway… my goodreads target 2025 changed to finally finishing this book, and I did it with two days to spare. I am free!!!
In summary; eat a varied diet (FIBRE & inc fermented foods, red wine and spices), exercise, don’t smoke/vape and avoid antibiotics if you can.
Loveee antibiotic resistance chat and there was lots in this - (what actually what tipped me over the edge to become vegetarian).
“80% of all antibiotics consumed in the US are used in the feed of animals intended for human consumption”
Insane.
February 17, 2024
3.75/5 - challenging, thought-provoking read; never really crossed my mind about the genetic material from the microorganisms within us impacting our health. Learnt what a FMT is and fascinating procedures of FMT in germ-free mice.
note to self: see my Y2 notebook for full review
note to self: see my Y2 notebook for full review
August 16, 2024
Had my microbiologists eye on this book for ages and I was in the mood for a nice hardback non fiction read, so enter: Dark Matter.
Such an interesting subject and I found this so easy to read. Dr Kinross is a fab science writer and I found I consumed the book with ease. I purposefully slowed it down a bit so I could absorb more of the information but it was binge worthy.
It was great to recap some of my knowledge but I learnt an awful lot of new things too. It wasn’t dry or too over facing and would be a great read for the scientist and non scientist alike. There is so much to learn in this lesser known field and after reading it from page to page, I truly hope it starts to have more of a presence in our modern day medicine because it has such huge potential.
Really glad I finally got round to this and added it to my shelf. It’s a sure fire reread and one I’ll revisit again in the future!
Such an interesting subject and I found this so easy to read. Dr Kinross is a fab science writer and I found I consumed the book with ease. I purposefully slowed it down a bit so I could absorb more of the information but it was binge worthy.
It was great to recap some of my knowledge but I learnt an awful lot of new things too. It wasn’t dry or too over facing and would be a great read for the scientist and non scientist alike. There is so much to learn in this lesser known field and after reading it from page to page, I truly hope it starts to have more of a presence in our modern day medicine because it has such huge potential.
Really glad I finally got round to this and added it to my shelf. It’s a sure fire reread and one I’ll revisit again in the future!
July 11, 2023
More and more we are learning about the importance of our gut, Kinross takes the even more complex science of microbiome and explains in a way that is easy to understand. Even if I can't pronounce half the medical terms.
We are going to need to understand more of the importance of microbiome to our health as the looming future of antibiotics becoming redundant is fast approaching.
We are going to need to understand more of the importance of microbiome to our health as the looming future of antibiotics becoming redundant is fast approaching.
July 12, 2023
Excellent insight into the mysteries of the gut microbiome. Fascinating throughout, on occasions a little complex to get your head around but a comprehensive wealth of well explained info around the importance of and interactions between the trillions of microbiota in the gut.
August 13, 2023
Great great book . I loved every single part of it. The author is a brilliant writer. This book is literally a masterpiece.
August 12, 2024
Fantastic - although would have been much better to read than listen to as it has a lot of specific scientific information, which my brain is typically not good at retaining. Got the gist though, and I am going to do a deep dive into some topics raised, especially those linked to hormonal health.
February 9, 2024
"Your health can be mapped onto a three-dimensional graph with the so-called GEM line - your genome, exposome, microbiome."
Dark Matter offers a unique perspective on our health through a part of us that is hidden and often-forgotten - the gut bugs. James Kinross explores a multitude of anatomic systems and the chronic diseases associated with them, then explains how tiny microbes can make us fat, anemic, drunk, horny, cranky etc.
The book connects the dots of our 20-21st century medicines and diet changes - emphasis on antibiotics' and western diet's roles in our microbiome degradation. In the end, predictions are made about the future of probiotics and FMT, and how they will revolutionise personalised therapies.
I picked up Dark Matter expecting a generic pop-sci bestseller, but the book's science is well cited and notes wherever uncertainty is present. Aka it doesn't rely on controversy to be interesting.
That said, occasional humor breaks the academic stiffness and makes the reading easier, enjoyable, and memorable.
By the end of this book you will be dropping jokes about how you can't help having another glass of wine, because your little tummy overlords demand it.
Dark Matter offers a unique perspective on our health through a part of us that is hidden and often-forgotten - the gut bugs. James Kinross explores a multitude of anatomic systems and the chronic diseases associated with them, then explains how tiny microbes can make us fat, anemic, drunk, horny, cranky etc.
The book connects the dots of our 20-21st century medicines and diet changes - emphasis on antibiotics' and western diet's roles in our microbiome degradation. In the end, predictions are made about the future of probiotics and FMT, and how they will revolutionise personalised therapies.
I picked up Dark Matter expecting a generic pop-sci bestseller, but the book's science is well cited and notes wherever uncertainty is present. Aka it doesn't rely on controversy to be interesting.
That said, occasional humor breaks the academic stiffness and makes the reading easier, enjoyable, and memorable.
By the end of this book you will be dropping jokes about how you can't help having another glass of wine, because your little tummy overlords demand it.
August 4, 2024
Well-written. I have both a science and medical background so was hoping for something a bit more meaty and less dumbed down than other similar books I’ve read. This one delivered. In fact, I’ll need to read it again to really digest (lol) the content. He writes about the microbiome with intrigue and intellect, from many fascinating angles, that is intellectually stimulating whilst remaining accessible to the lay person.
April 22, 2025
DNF.
The book can offer some interesting information and insight. However, there was a severe lack of citations, for things I've seen both proved and disproved in many studies. I realise this is aimed at people that are maybe just generally interested in the topic, but I'd expect that the doctor could at least give citations. Especially because some of his disproved ramblings would in such case not get into the book in the first place.
I can't really recommend this as a read.
The book can offer some interesting information and insight. However, there was a severe lack of citations, for things I've seen both proved and disproved in many studies. I realise this is aimed at people that are maybe just generally interested in the topic, but I'd expect that the doctor could at least give citations. Especially because some of his disproved ramblings would in such case not get into the book in the first place.
I can't really recommend this as a read.
March 30, 2024
Interesting but dense. Is going to require a re-read
November 24, 2024
"Тъмна материя: Новата наука за микробиома" на Джеймс Кинрос - учен, водещ лектор по колоректална хирургия към Империал Колидж в Лондон, изучаващ човешкия микробиом.. След Човешкия геномен проект, разчел човешкия геном, вторият по значимост, според него, е Човешкия микробиомен проект финансиран от Националния здравен институт на САЩ... Въпреки всички изследвания, как човешкият микробиом съставен от ужасно много батерии, вируси, хелминти и протеи, които живеят вътре в нас и върху нас, оказва влияние върху здравето ни, остава неизвестно за науката. Всички те отделят ужасно много биомолекули, метаболити и вещества, които си взаимодействат, действат на нашите хормони, настроение, мозъчна дйсност и т.н Все пак изследванията продължават и излизат изключително интересни резултати свързани с различни болести и различията в микробиома на страдащите хора, в сравнение със здравите такива...и това независимо от географските координати, култура и начин на хранене... Например хората, развиващи определени болести, свързани с връзката черво-мозък, като болест на Крон или други са свързани с липсата или наличието на точно определена бактерия...същото се отнася и при жени, неспособни да задържат плода при инвитро процедури, липсва им определена бактерия. Връзката е толкова висока, че могат да се правят предвиждания. Връзката между микробиома и всякакви невродегенератични заболявания, затлъстяване, разстройства от ауистичния спектър, алергии и какво ли не... Единствената одобрена, за сега процедура свързана с микробиома, която е показала твърда връзка е свързана с имплант от фекалии от здрав на болен човек и тя се прилага само при хора, хванали една определена бактерия.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_m.... В Нейчър наскоро четох статия за изследвания за такъв имплант в храната на бебета, от техните майки... хранени с изкуствено мляко, родени секцио https://www.nature.com/articles/d4158...… ... за сега обаче приемът на пробиотици не е доказано да влияе на здравето ... и лекарите, които ги предписват могат да се приемат по-скоро като шарлатани...
September 8, 2023
As someone with a PhD in Biotechnology, I can confidently say that "Dark Matter: The New Science of the Microbiome" by James Kinross is a fantastic read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in health and well-being.
Science-Based and Insightful
What I particularly loved about this book is its strong scientific foundation. Kinross, a world-leading microbiome scientist and surgeon, offers a wealth of relevant insights drawn from his personal experience and over two decades in the field. The book serves as a much-needed, up-to-date summary of what is going on in this rapidly developing area of study.
A Future-Focused Perspective
I'm incredibly excited about the future of microbiome research, and this book only fuels that excitement. Kinross delves into how our inner ecosystem of viruses, bacteria, and other microbes is critically important to our health, immunity, and even our emotional well-being. The book makes a compelling case for why this subject should be taught in schools, given its far-reaching implications for public health.
A Must-Read for Young Parents
If you're a young parent, this book is particularly crucial for you. The gut microbiome plays a significant role in the health of young children, and Kinross provides actionable insights on what can be done to ensure better health for our children in the future.
Well-Written and Accessible
Despite the complexity of the subject matter, the book is extremely well-written and easy to understand. Kinross has a knack for breaking down complicated scientific concepts into digestible information, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
In summary, "Dark Matter: The New Science of the Microbiome" is an enlightening and invaluable resource that I would highly recommend. Whether you're a health professional, a young parent, or simply someone interested in the future of healthcare, this book is a must-read.
Highly Recommended!
Science-Based and Insightful
What I particularly loved about this book is its strong scientific foundation. Kinross, a world-leading microbiome scientist and surgeon, offers a wealth of relevant insights drawn from his personal experience and over two decades in the field. The book serves as a much-needed, up-to-date summary of what is going on in this rapidly developing area of study.
A Future-Focused Perspective
I'm incredibly excited about the future of microbiome research, and this book only fuels that excitement. Kinross delves into how our inner ecosystem of viruses, bacteria, and other microbes is critically important to our health, immunity, and even our emotional well-being. The book makes a compelling case for why this subject should be taught in schools, given its far-reaching implications for public health.
A Must-Read for Young Parents
If you're a young parent, this book is particularly crucial for you. The gut microbiome plays a significant role in the health of young children, and Kinross provides actionable insights on what can be done to ensure better health for our children in the future.
Well-Written and Accessible
Despite the complexity of the subject matter, the book is extremely well-written and easy to understand. Kinross has a knack for breaking down complicated scientific concepts into digestible information, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
In summary, "Dark Matter: The New Science of the Microbiome" is an enlightening and invaluable resource that I would highly recommend. Whether you're a health professional, a young parent, or simply someone interested in the future of healthcare, this book is a must-read.
Highly Recommended!
July 5, 2024
3.5 sterren, afgerond naar boven.
Om te beginnen was dit geen eenvoudig boek. De eerste hoofdstukken zijn heel technisch en ook doorheen het boek wordt er met namen van bacteriën gegooid, wat de leesbaarheid niet bevordert. Op het einde wordt het beter, maar dan vervalt het boek in een opsomming van oorzaken en remedies.
Het boek bestrijkt alles wat er te weten valt over het microbioom. Hoe de prokaryden (bacteriën) er waren voor de eukaryden (zoogdier, schimmel, plant) en hoe we samen aan onze evolutie hebben doorgemaakt. De grote focus ligt bij de mens, en niet bij de bacteriën zelf.
De "nature" van de mens, bestrijkt niet alleen het genoom, maar ook het microbioom. Hier is de laatste jaren veel onderzoek naar verricht. Verwacht wordt, dat onder invloed van AI, hier nog heel veel kennis rond wordt opgebouwd en dat we ook de 'donkere materie' van onze darmen gaan ontdekken. De farmacomicrobiomica, een opkomende tak van wetenschap, richt zich ondertussen op interacties tussen microbiota en geneesmiddelen.
Het middenstuk van het boek gaat o.a. in op de hersen-bloed-barrière, de hersen-darm-as en de darm-lever-as.
De grote veranderingen in onze omgeving, zeker de laatste 70 jaar, hebben ervoor gezorgd dat het microbioom verstoord is geraakt. Het exposoom (onze omgeving), denk plastiek, verstedelijking, antibiotica, voeding .... hebben ervoor gezorgd dat ons microbieel systeem op instorten staat. Allergieën, obesitas, diabetes type 2 en tal van chronische ziektes zijn het gevolg. Ziekenhuizen zijn nu bezig met oplapwerk. Maar we moeten, en dit is de grote open deur, preventief werken. Dit kan via plantaardige en vezelrijke voeding, lichaamsbeweging, gefermenteerde voeding en minder antibiotica, alcohol, roken, stress en medicijnen (hij wijdt een stuk van het boek aan de onzekere gevolgen van Paracetamol).
Al bij al wel wat opgestoken, maar er kon wat geschaafd worden aan de leesbaarheid.
Om te beginnen was dit geen eenvoudig boek. De eerste hoofdstukken zijn heel technisch en ook doorheen het boek wordt er met namen van bacteriën gegooid, wat de leesbaarheid niet bevordert. Op het einde wordt het beter, maar dan vervalt het boek in een opsomming van oorzaken en remedies.
Het boek bestrijkt alles wat er te weten valt over het microbioom. Hoe de prokaryden (bacteriën) er waren voor de eukaryden (zoogdier, schimmel, plant) en hoe we samen aan onze evolutie hebben doorgemaakt. De grote focus ligt bij de mens, en niet bij de bacteriën zelf.
De "nature" van de mens, bestrijkt niet alleen het genoom, maar ook het microbioom. Hier is de laatste jaren veel onderzoek naar verricht. Verwacht wordt, dat onder invloed van AI, hier nog heel veel kennis rond wordt opgebouwd en dat we ook de 'donkere materie' van onze darmen gaan ontdekken. De farmacomicrobiomica, een opkomende tak van wetenschap, richt zich ondertussen op interacties tussen microbiota en geneesmiddelen.
Het middenstuk van het boek gaat o.a. in op de hersen-bloed-barrière, de hersen-darm-as en de darm-lever-as.
De grote veranderingen in onze omgeving, zeker de laatste 70 jaar, hebben ervoor gezorgd dat het microbioom verstoord is geraakt. Het exposoom (onze omgeving), denk plastiek, verstedelijking, antibiotica, voeding .... hebben ervoor gezorgd dat ons microbieel systeem op instorten staat. Allergieën, obesitas, diabetes type 2 en tal van chronische ziektes zijn het gevolg. Ziekenhuizen zijn nu bezig met oplapwerk. Maar we moeten, en dit is de grote open deur, preventief werken. Dit kan via plantaardige en vezelrijke voeding, lichaamsbeweging, gefermenteerde voeding en minder antibiotica, alcohol, roken, stress en medicijnen (hij wijdt een stuk van het boek aan de onzekere gevolgen van Paracetamol).
Al bij al wel wat opgestoken, maar er kon wat geschaafd worden aan de leesbaarheid.
November 15, 2024
One of the best science books I have read this year. Actually, scratch that. One of the best science books I have ever read.
Dr Kinross talks you through the mystery of the microbiome, what he jokingly refers to as “dark matter” due to its similarities with the physical equivalent in the universe. The microbiome is not something we fully understand and yet it is of fundamental importance for human existence.
It is a bit of a story from the origin of the universe to current human biology, explicating in a simple, accessible and entertaining way how bacteria shape our lives and our environment.
Aside from being pure interesting, it’s a book that made me rethink a lot about my current life style. Yes, I am aware that eating fruit and veggies is good for me. But in the business of everyday life, the stress of a demanding job and everything around it … Well, you make compromises. Food does not become a priority, but a necessity. Same goes for the environment that surrounds us, the relationship with recycling and plastic and all that.
This book truly made me restructure the priorities in my life.
Don’t get me wrong, this is not one of those self help books (to each its own). It’s a science-backed explanation of facts from the perspective of a medical doctor who has witnessed the consequences of poor gut health. But you can read between the lines and take the advice as it is served: unbiased.
Would highly recommend.
Dr Kinross talks you through the mystery of the microbiome, what he jokingly refers to as “dark matter” due to its similarities with the physical equivalent in the universe. The microbiome is not something we fully understand and yet it is of fundamental importance for human existence.
It is a bit of a story from the origin of the universe to current human biology, explicating in a simple, accessible and entertaining way how bacteria shape our lives and our environment.
Aside from being pure interesting, it’s a book that made me rethink a lot about my current life style. Yes, I am aware that eating fruit and veggies is good for me. But in the business of everyday life, the stress of a demanding job and everything around it … Well, you make compromises. Food does not become a priority, but a necessity. Same goes for the environment that surrounds us, the relationship with recycling and plastic and all that.
This book truly made me restructure the priorities in my life.
Don’t get me wrong, this is not one of those self help books (to each its own). It’s a science-backed explanation of facts from the perspective of a medical doctor who has witnessed the consequences of poor gut health. But you can read between the lines and take the advice as it is served: unbiased.
Would highly recommend.
April 19, 2024
Ergens tussen 4 en 5 , soms was het wat door kauwen ,
Een boek over de werking van het darm bioom , al die bacteriën en andere micro-organismen die dat zitten hebben een plan ( in leven blijven ) met hulp of ten koste van iets anders , …
Wat hun doel , werking , nut , enz is , is nog een lange weg van onderzoek ze zijn met heel veel en met hun onderlinge samenhang lopen de verschillende uitkomsten wel heel ver om precieze voorspellingen te maken , de schrijver/ dokter heeft ook wat adviezen om gezond te worden / blijven hoewel er veel (omgevings ) geluk mee gemoeid is ,
Ook een advies van deze lezer : Alle problemen komen door teveel / te weinig van iets ( of de gedachte van iets te weinig of teveel te hebben ). Probeer wat tussen de vage grenzen van deze te , te zoeken om gezond en gelukkig te zijn / worden. , …. Simpel gezegd, bijna onmogelijk uit te voeren ,
5 sterren , wat is het doel van het micro bioom. En tot wat is het allemaal in staat om het doel te bereiken het zijn levende organismen , wat is hun doel en hun capaciteiten ?
Een boek over de werking van het darm bioom , al die bacteriën en andere micro-organismen die dat zitten hebben een plan ( in leven blijven ) met hulp of ten koste van iets anders , …
Wat hun doel , werking , nut , enz is , is nog een lange weg van onderzoek ze zijn met heel veel en met hun onderlinge samenhang lopen de verschillende uitkomsten wel heel ver om precieze voorspellingen te maken , de schrijver/ dokter heeft ook wat adviezen om gezond te worden / blijven hoewel er veel (omgevings ) geluk mee gemoeid is ,
Ook een advies van deze lezer : Alle problemen komen door teveel / te weinig van iets ( of de gedachte van iets te weinig of teveel te hebben ). Probeer wat tussen de vage grenzen van deze te , te zoeken om gezond en gelukkig te zijn / worden. , …. Simpel gezegd, bijna onmogelijk uit te voeren ,
5 sterren , wat is het doel van het micro bioom. En tot wat is het allemaal in staat om het doel te bereiken het zijn levende organismen , wat is hun doel en hun capaciteiten ?
November 9, 2024
this was very romantic, unironically, all I'm thinking about is how we all share our microbes, especially with those we love when we hug, kiss, or have lunch together, making each other healthy, both physically and mentally, just by sharing our microscopic diversity.
I really enjoyed listening to this book, it was quite enlightening. I knew the microbiome was essential, but this has highlighted how it is important but also crucial to life, and not just the livelihoods of our guts, skin, hair, gardens and forests. It never occurred to me how much modern first-world country lifestyles affect our microbiome, with so many plastics, pollutants, processed foods and antibiotics. It surprised me as well how political conflicts like wars, and climate change have such severe on the microbiome, and how little medical and political services care for them. I hope this changes in the future, for now, I'll limit myself to recommending this book and making lifestyles changes for my self and my dear microbes.
I really enjoyed listening to this book, it was quite enlightening. I knew the microbiome was essential, but this has highlighted how it is important but also crucial to life, and not just the livelihoods of our guts, skin, hair, gardens and forests. It never occurred to me how much modern first-world country lifestyles affect our microbiome, with so many plastics, pollutants, processed foods and antibiotics. It surprised me as well how political conflicts like wars, and climate change have such severe on the microbiome, and how little medical and political services care for them. I hope this changes in the future, for now, I'll limit myself to recommending this book and making lifestyles changes for my self and my dear microbes.
June 3, 2024
Dark Matter is an engaging book that intrigues and interests; it does genuinely feel like Dr Kinross is working in a field that could well change, perhaps even save, humanity and our environment,
It is tilted towards the Science community rather than the average reader, with an impressive bibliography and set of references, complete with indexing that enables quick and easy reference to any area in the subject. It does however become a little overly heavy and technical in the latter half of the book, and I suspect few people would manage to read it fully to the end. The constant scattering of terms such as microbiome, eco-biome, exposome, proteome, and holobionts can leave you dizzy, but understanding is held up to some extent by an excellent glossary at the end of the book.
Despite this, it does feel like an important subject, and his enthusiasm, combined with a light, generally accessible writing style, make it on the whole a very interesting and impressive read.
It is tilted towards the Science community rather than the average reader, with an impressive bibliography and set of references, complete with indexing that enables quick and easy reference to any area in the subject. It does however become a little overly heavy and technical in the latter half of the book, and I suspect few people would manage to read it fully to the end. The constant scattering of terms such as microbiome, eco-biome, exposome, proteome, and holobionts can leave you dizzy, but understanding is held up to some extent by an excellent glossary at the end of the book.
Despite this, it does feel like an important subject, and his enthusiasm, combined with a light, generally accessible writing style, make it on the whole a very interesting and impressive read.
June 8, 2025
Fascinating! This book doesn't pretend to know how to fix everything that might be wrong with you or offers you the magic bullet. It does however give you an overview of a variety of scientific studies that indicate the importance of the microbiome and it's potential in preventative healthcare. A great read if you like fun facts and the mysteries of our bodies. ❤️
I also liked the analogies made to climate change. There is no point in fixing the inside if the world is on fire and both require systematic change and not just personal action (of course he uses more sciency language to make this point but it is the gist).
Overall a great read and I will keep annoying my family and friends with little facts about the microbiome for many months to come.
I also liked the analogies made to climate change. There is no point in fixing the inside if the world is on fire and both require systematic change and not just personal action (of course he uses more sciency language to make this point but it is the gist).
Overall a great read and I will keep annoying my family and friends with little facts about the microbiome for many months to come.
June 21, 2025
Where to begin with the Dark Matter... maybe, thank you, to Dr James Kinross. The journey into this novel is scientific, informational, educational, and absolutely wonderful.
After listening to a book on fasting and the mention of Microbiome, I needed to know more about this subject, and well now, I have gained invaluable knowledge into the World we all inhabit.
This research and summary by Dr Kinross will stay with me forever through life. Not only to assist in my own health choices, but that of the family, loved ones, and the Earth. This book isn't a once and done kind of book, nope! I will listen again and learn something new each time. I'm blown away by the information that was shared.
Thank you again Dr Kinross for your years of research and for this book.
After listening to a book on fasting and the mention of Microbiome, I needed to know more about this subject, and well now, I have gained invaluable knowledge into the World we all inhabit.
This research and summary by Dr Kinross will stay with me forever through life. Not only to assist in my own health choices, but that of the family, loved ones, and the Earth. This book isn't a once and done kind of book, nope! I will listen again and learn something new each time. I'm blown away by the information that was shared.
Thank you again Dr Kinross for your years of research and for this book.
July 21, 2025
Inzichtgevend boek. De schrijver heeft een visie, en dat is aantrekkelijk lezen. Die visie gaat hier en daar wel een tunnel in, en door de vele aspecten aan dit verhaal de revue te laten passeren is het soms lastig door te bomen het bos te zien. Echter, onder de streep een steengoed verhaal over de interactie tussen onze omgeving (beïnvloedbaar en niet-beïnvloedbaar) en onszelf. Met aan het einde een even hoopgevende als onheilspellende boodschap.
March 31, 2025
Changes the way we have seen microbes all this while. Germophobes may have to rewire themselves.
Seems micro-organisms are essential to our survival as much as many of them are deadly.
This book was only an introduction to microbiome-ics, we are yet to get to how best we can use them for therapy.
Seems micro-organisms are essential to our survival as much as many of them are deadly.
This book was only an introduction to microbiome-ics, we are yet to get to how best we can use them for therapy.
October 24, 2025
This book is brilliant, diving in to the nitty gritty of microbiology and exploring how exactly different events from conception to even conflict are woven to create a unique microbiome in all of us. Kinross clearly has a passion for this stuff and now I'm going to research more of what he was talking about
January 6, 2024
The breadth of impact of the microbiome in our lives is mindblowing. The book can be a bit too technical sometimes. I’d rather have it as a physical book than the e-book I got as I think it is a book worth checking again in the future.
January 8, 2024
A fascinating book
This is a captivating and skillfully written exploration of our industrious microbiome. The author's extensive experience in this field, marked by years of dedicated work and research, shines through. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this insightful book.
This is a captivating and skillfully written exploration of our industrious microbiome. The author's extensive experience in this field, marked by years of dedicated work and research, shines through. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this insightful book.
April 2, 2025
Nie spodziewałam się książki tak dogłębnej i drobiazgowej (w dobrym tego słowa znaczeniu). Niemalże każda strona zawiera ciekawe / mało znane (dla mnie) informacje.
Zdecydowanie nie jest to książka na jedno posiedzenie, czy jedno przeczytanie - z pewnością będę do niej powracać.
Zdecydowanie nie jest to książka na jedno posiedzenie, czy jedno przeczytanie - z pewnością będę do niej powracać.
May 11, 2025
Amazing book on the science of microbiome
Too teachnical, but provided good insights on what goes on in our gut and how it can affect every aspect of our life. Also, throws light in the scientific advancements in this field.
Too teachnical, but provided good insights on what goes on in our gut and how it can affect every aspect of our life. Also, throws light in the scientific advancements in this field.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews