This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. What are we really?. Our bodies aren’t really self-contained machines - they’re more like ecosystems. The recent explosion of research into our body's microbial universe will change 21c treatment of metabolic, immune and psycho-emotional disorders.  What’s more, it will cast a whole new perspective on our metaphors, cultural assumptions, and the very identity of “self”, as described in this talk by cultural anthropologist Miriam Lueck Avery.

Co-Director of the Health Horizons and Global Food Outlook programs at the Institute for the Future in Palo Alto, Ca. As an anthropologist, Miriam has an overarching interest in how individual and collective choices make the future. Miriam identifies and evaluates emerging trends and innovations in health and well-being, health care, food, nutrition, and sustainability. She holds a BA in anthropology from UCBerkeley. Follow Miriam on Twitter: @myravery

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)