"People are changing their microbiomes just by spending more time in nature."
— Genomics scientist Bridget Chalifour, Ph.D.
Study Overview
Researchers at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science investigated associations between green space exposure, mental well-being, and the nasal microbiome. The study, presented at ASM Microbe 2026 in Washington, D.C., involved 111 museum visitors who provided nasal swabs and completed surveys about mental well-being, time spent outdoors, and pet ownership.
Key Findings
- Participants living near more vegetation had greater microbial diversity in their nasal microbiome.
- Some microbes associated with more time outdoors were also linked to better mental health scores.
- Time spent outdoors had a stronger association with a healthy nasal microbiome than green space exposure.
- People who spent more time outdoors reported lower depressive scores, regardless of surrounding greenness.
Methodology
Researchers used 16S rRNA sequencing to catalog nasal microbiomes and satellite data to map green spaces near participants' addresses.
Statement
Genomics scientist Bridget Chalifour, Ph.D., who led the study, stated: "People are changing their microbiomes just by spending more time in nature."