### Innovative Nutritional Research at Duke University Researchers at Duke University are pioneering a new way to study nutrition by analyzing DNA found in human feces. This method allows scientists to accurately determine what people have eaten by sequencing the DNA of plant and animal species present in stool samples. This approach is more reliable than traditional dietary surveys, as it eliminates the issues of recall bias and underreporting. ### How It Works 1. **Sample Collection**: Participants collect stool samples using a plastic cup and send them to the lab. 2. **DNA Extraction**: In the lab, scientists extract DNA from the samples, focusing on plant DNA using a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 3. **Data Analysis**: The extracted DNA is then analyzed to identify the different species of plants and animals consumed. ### Applications - **Personalized Nutrition**: This technology can help design personalized diets for patients, particularly those with diet-linked diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. - **Research**: It provides accurate data for nutritional studies, helping researchers understand the link between diet and health outcomes. - **Clinical Settings**: Doctors can use this information to make better dietary recommendations for their patients. ### Future Directions The research team is also exploring how ultraprocessed foods impact health and how diet diversity might be affected by factors like climate change. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize nutritional science and improve public health.