Insights into microbiome research 2: Experimental design, sample collection, and shipment.

Conducting a robust experiment is not trivial in microbiome research, and as with any study, experimental methods, environmental factors, and analysis methods can affect results. Standards for data collection and analysis are still emerging in the field, and notably, many of the most fundamental issues that concern microbiome studies arise from statistical and experimental design issues. The most important challenge for the field is to integrate new approaches that are unique to microbiome studies, while remembering standard practices that are broadly applicable to all scientific studies. In this section, attention is focused on sample collection, storage and shipping of microbiome-related samples, and how careful, purposeful design can increase the statistical power of these studies.