Bry also developed an interest in studying microbes at Cornell University. Her undergraduate adviser lent her a book with photos comparing the intestines of a mouse raised in a germ-free environment and one raised with bacteria. The normal mouse had an intestine that was five times smaller. The microbes obviously were doing something to influence these animals. In Gordon's lab, Bry studied the interaction between intestinal cells and one of the more than 400 species of microbial inhabitants.
Normal intestines contain a sugar called fucose that is a bacterial food source.
Bry identified a gene in cells of the small intestines of mice that triggers addition of the sugar to intestinal components. In animals raised in a sterile environment, the gene wasn't active. But when she fed these mice a specific type of bacteria, the gene became active and the intestinal lining was dotted with fucose. She is a very remarkable individual with a unique intellect, creativity and artistry. An additional honor came in 1996.