Hello readers! Oh, how I’ve missed posting regularly and hearing from all of you. COVID has really messed with my energy and schedule.

Occasionally an organization will reach out to ask me to help promote their study or survey. Recently I partnered with Viome Research Institute (VRI) to spread word about a study they’ll be starting soon. To be clear, this is a paid blog post, but it’s all my own words and thoughts except for the copied/pasted summary below from VRI’s website. I wholeheartedly agreed to promote this because I believe all research is crucial to finding better treatments and maybe a cure one day.

In this study, VRI will research the microbiome in folks with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), AKA Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), to hopefully better understand its connection to disease activity. Those who participate in this study can receive up to $300 in Visa gift cards!

Here’s more info from VRI:

“Viome is conducting a research study to understand the role of the microbiome in AxSpA disease activity. AxSpA refers to a group of conditions that includes Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic AS. The goal of this study is to better understand the molecular features of the microbiome that may contribute to AxSpA flares and to determine if there are specific microbes found in the microbiome that may contribute to AxSpA disease activity.”

Learn more about V-150 Study: Role of the gut microbiome in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS / AxSpA) study on VRI’s site OR you can skip right to the form they’d like you to complete if you’re interested.

Finally:

• Currently VRI is only recruiting folks in the USA for this study
• Act fast! This study begins soon.
• If you have questions, email studies@viome.com

Leave a comment for me below if you sign up! I’d love to hear about it.