Maybe we could help him cut the costs by providing links to all the studies already done in the areas he has mentioned.
Also, I saw that cfids grants funds for studies for me/cfs
Since this microbiome research could end up benefiting other diseases in the long run, what if was something like Funding Science, Funding Cures: (possibly with a subheading like)
Columbia's Microbiome Initiatative
Universities don't fund much research themselves. Researchers have to get funding from outside sources. Grant writing is a major necessary skill for researchers.
Thanks very much indeed to everyone who has contributed - you've been a huge help - I see this as a joint creative effort with people's ideas sparking others off.
Watch this space... back in a couple of days or so...