Explore the impact of early-life antibiotic exposure on the human microbiome and its potential link to obesity in adulthood through this 27-minute conference talk by the American Society for Microbiology. Delve into the variables affecting infant microbiome development, including birth method and antibiotic use, and examine their long-term effects on metabolism and body composition using mouse models. Learn from experts Laura Cox of NYU Langone Medical Center and Elizabeth Costello of Stanford University School of Medicine as they discuss research findings, antibiotic therapy implications, microbiome recovery, and the differences between laboratory animals and human infants. Gain insights into ongoing studies, the potential of probiotics and prebiotics, and their relationship to obesity prevention.