Digital Beings as an option to study gut flora evolution and adaptation

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: João Paulo Almeida de Mendonça, Leonardo da Motta de Vasconcellos Teixeira, Sato, Fernando
• Format: Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 10.09.2019
• Subjects: Bacteria; Biological evolution; Biomedical materials; Genetic algorithms; In vivo methods and tests

In this work, we introduce a computational model for the study of the host-bacteria interaction and the influence of the intestinal microbiota on the behavior and feeding pattern of an individual. The model is based on digital entities, which we've called Digital Beings (DBs), modeled using dynamic systems and genetic algorithms. We have successfully tested the use of the DBs by reproducing observation in previously made studies using rats and humans. Among these studies, we highlight those on how the bacteria in an individual's stomach could influence their eating behavior and how a controlled and continuous diet can affect the longevity of a certain population. Our results point that the Digital Beings can be used as a tool for supporting the devising of experiments and corroborating with theoretical hypotheses, reducing the number of in vivo tests.