The Truth Behind HumanMicrobes.org: 1.4 Million Applicants and Zero "Super-Donors"?

The quest for the "perfect poop" has reached a fever pitch. At the center of this viral phenomenon is HumanMicrobes.org, a platform that has captivated social media with a bold promise: donate your stool and earn $500 per sample, or up to $180,000 a year.

While the numbers sound like clickbait, the organization behind them claims to be on a serious medical mission. However, after screening an estimated 1.4 million applicants, the site’s founder recently revealed a shocking statistic: they have yet to find a single person who perfectly meets their "super-donor" criteria. This investigative piece explores the history of the site, the founder’s motivations, and the legal battle currently unfolding with the FDA.

The Vision of Michael Harrop: Solving a Modern Crisis

Unlike traditional medical corporations, HumanMicrobes.org was founded by Michael Harrop, an independent researcher motivated by his own struggles with chronic health issues. Harrop’s thesis is that the modern human microbiome has been "decimated" by industrialization, antibiotics, and poor diet.

The "One in a Million" Goal

The site’s recruitment strategy isn't just about finding healthy people; it’s about finding the top 0.1% of humans—specifically young, elite athletes who have never taken antibiotics. Harrop argues that only these "super-donors" have the microbial diversity necessary to treat complex conditions like:

• Neurological Disorders: Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
• Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder.

Despite the massive influx of over a million applicants following viral TikTok and YouTube videos, the site reports that 99.9% of people fail the screening, often due to minor health flaws or "low-quality" stool types.

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Operational Anomalies: Beyond the Science

Even if the science is rooted in legitimate microbiome theory, the way HumanMicrobes.org operates has sparked significant controversy.

The Mystery of the Riverside Address

Critics often point to the company’s listed address: 3870 La Sierra Avenue #1069, Riverside, CA. This location is a UPS box in a shopping center anchored by a "Halal Grill Shawarma" restaurant. While Harrop defends this as a standard practice for a decentralized "donor network," the lack of a visible laboratory or clinical facility remains a primary reason for the "scam" labels seen on forums like Reddit.

The Extreme Screening Process

The path to the $180,000 salary is notoriously difficult. Applicants are not just asked about their medical history; they must provide:

• Physical Fitness Verification: Videos of high-intensity exercise (such as treadmill runs) to prove elite athletic status.
• Stool Photos: Visual proof of the "Bristol Stool Type" to ensure the sample is of the highest quality.
• Intrusive Biometrics: Questions about whether they were born via C-section or breastfed, and even if they have ever had braces or dandruff.

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The FDA Crackdown: Why the Site is Under Fire

In February 2024, the FDA moved from observation to action, issuing a stern warning letter to HumanMicrobes.org.

The "Unapproved Drug" Conflict

The FDA’s position is clear: Fecal microbiota is a biological drug. To sell it for the treatment of diseases like Autism or Depression, a company must have a Biologics License. The FDA warned that HumanMicrobes.org is:

1. Marketing unapproved new drugs.
2. Bypassing safety protocols: By allowing donors to ship stool directly to recipients (the "DIY" model), the site risks the transmission of parasites and infectious pathogens.
3. Operating without an IND: Legitimate FMT research requires an "Investigational New Drug" application, a process Harrop has described as "onerous" and difficult to obtain for an independent network.

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User Sentiment: Hope vs. Frustration

For the recipients—people suffering from debilitating conditions—HumanMicrobes.org represents a "last hope." For the donors, it’s a high-stakes lottery.

• The Recipient Risk: Many users turn to the site because traditional medicine only offers FMT for C. diff. However, the "direct-shipping" model means these patients are taking a massive leap of faith regarding the screening and handling of the stool they receive.
• The Donor Disappointment: Millions have applied, but very few ever receive the $500 payout. Most receive a generic rejection or are met with total silence, leading to concerns about the "harvesting" of their sensitive health data and exercise videos.

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Final Verdict: Breakthrough or Biohazard?

HumanMicrobes.org sits in a legal and ethical gray area. While it highlights a genuine need for higher-quality stool donors in medical research, its methods—facilitating direct-to-patient shipping and operating out of a mailbox—put it at odds with federal safety laws.

Before you engage with the site:

• Recipients: Be aware that the FDA has officially warned of "significant safety concerns" regarding unscreened samples.
• Donors: Understand that your chances of qualifying are less than one in a million, and your personal data may be at risk.

The future of the "perfect poop" industry remains uncertain as the FDA continues its oversight of Michael Harrop’s ambitious, yet controversial, network.