You might have heard of Lil Bub, the charming cat who first rose to fame on the internet. This petite feline, with her own website and an Instagram following that rivals some celebrities, is more than just a social media sensation. She’s also a published author, an accomplished actor, and now, an unwitting contributor to scientific discovery.
Recently, Lil Bub’s litter box made headlines for all the right reasons. Seattle-based biotech startup, Phase Genomics, collaborated with AnimalBiome and KittyBiome to delve into the gut microbiome of cats. Lil Bub generously provided a stool sample, which proved to be a treasure trove of information. Upon analysis, researchers were thrilled to identify 13 new types of bacteria.
Lil Bub’s unique physiology and her track record of championing animal welfare initiatives made her an ideal candidate for the study. Born with several rare genetic conditions, she was rescued as a kitten and has since become an ambassador for feline health. Dr. Ivan Liachko, CEO and co-founder of Phase Genomics, explains, “Lil Bub was the perfect choice to help further our understanding of the microbiome of cats, not just because of her unique biology, but because of her willingness to drive awareness around further scientific understanding of the health of cats.”
The study didn’t stop at Lil Bub. Researchers also examined the stool of a regular housecat named Danny, leading to the discovery of nine more new bacteria strains. Phase Genomics is ambitious in its goals, aiming to create a comprehensive database of gut microbiomes across various species, including humans. This database could pave the way for improved medical care and interventions.
“There is a vast body of research that connects the microbiome to the health of its host,” says Liachko. “Understanding the creatures that live inside an animal make it possible to understand the links between those microbes and the health of the animal, leading to potential diagnostics and hopefully even treatments for health conditions.”
Phase Genomics has turned to the public for help in naming these new microorganisms. You can follow them on Twitter for updates and to get involved in the naming process.