Everyone eats.
It’s true! Although what foods people consume, when, how often, and how much varies, it’s a biological fact that humans must eat and drink to survive.
Everyone EATS (Edible Atlas Through Sequencing) is a citizen science project that uses genomics to uncover and analyze what people across the world are eating. We’ve already identified more than 800 plants and animals that humans consume, but it’s not enough. That’s where we need the help of citizen scientists like you!
Do you know what you ate yesterday?
It may seem like an easy enough question, but most people can’t remember EVERYTHING they ate within even a 24-hour period. And when you get down to specific ingredients and measurements, like ounces of chicken or liters of orange juice, it becomes even more difficult.
“Okay, I don’t remember exactly what I ate, but why does it matter?”
For healthy individuals who don’t need to track their diets, a precise record of the foods they consume isn’t necessary. But when it comes to treating patients, conducting nutritional interventions, studying community health, or even shaping public policy, accuracy is crucial—and it’s been lacking.
Where we come in
How we can work together
Like humans, plants and animals have DNA, and trace amounts of this genetic material remains even after they’ve been digested.
Using cutting-edge genomics, Everyone EATS is able to isolate and identify those plants and animals based on their residual DNA.
It’s simple. Just send us some poop!
The more samples we collect, the more accurate this “stool tool” becomes and the more helpful it will be for researchers, policy experts, doctors, dietitians, and others.
Plus, we can share an individualized dietary report, which not only breaks down the various foods someone has eaten, but also shows how their diet compares to people across the world.
Learn more about how you can help by visiting the Participate! page.
How it works
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1. Sign up online
Go to the Participate! section of our website and fill out some basic information.
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2. Receive a kit
After we’ve confirmed eligibility, we’ll mail a kit with all the items and instructions needed to collect a stool sample.
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3. Follow the instructions
The kit includes printed instructions, but we also have a short video with step-by-step directions.
Got questions?
Fill out the form below or drop us a line at everyone_eats@duke.edu!
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4. Mail it back
Once the stool sample has been collected, use the prepaid box in the kit to mail it back.
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5. Dive into diet
After 4-6 weeks, participants receive a personalized report that shows the foods they ate and how their diet compares to others.
As part of the Everyone EATS team, you’ll help us build the database of foods. This in turn helps us understand the impact of diet across a variety of settings, from patient care and nutrition to public health and policy. All it takes is a small fecal sample.
Is it gross? Yes. Is it worthwhile? 100%. Just think of yourself as an intrepid scientist going bravely where few would dare venture: the toilet.
