The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2024 have been named, including the One Health Microbiome Center at Penn State and researchers Dr. François Thomas and Dr. Helen Onyeaka.
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Researchers from UT Arlington sequenced RNA genes of pythons, discovering conserved pathways in humans that are activated uniquely by these snakes. This knowledge helps explain intestinal regeneration and metabolism changes, offering potential therapeutic targets.
A team of researchers has identified a genetic variant associated with severe ulcerative colitis, which may help predict patient outcomes and guide targeted treatment approaches. The study found that patients carrying the HLA-DRB1*01:03 variant were more likely to require major surgery within three years of diagnosis.
Researchers identified T. immunophila as a key player in breaking down the gut's protective immune barrier, leading to increased susceptibility to pathogens and delayed repair of the gut barrier. The discovery provides a promising new avenue for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's, and ulcerative colitis.
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A large study found that women with premature ovarian insufficiency are 2.6 times more likely to have an autoimmune disorder, with some conditions increasing the risk by 26 times. The study suggests a strong link between POI and severe autoimmune diseases, highlighting the need for medical professionals to be aware of this increased risk.
Researchers have identified 18 beneficial bacterial strains that suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and alleviate inflammation in mouse intestines. The strains compete with harmful bacteria for nutrients, promoting a healthier intestinal microbiome and potentially treating antibiotic-resistant gut infections.
A new study published in Science Advances has found that antibiotics disrupt the protective mucus layer in the intestine, increasing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers discovered that antibiotics damage the mucus barrier in a microbiota-independent manner, facilitating bacterial penetration and gut inflammation.
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Researchers have discovered a new class of natural antimicrobials called microcins that can target specific strains of bacteria causing cholera, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Microcins are highly selective and can potentially remove unwanted bacteria without disrupting the human gut microbiome.
A new narrow-spectrum antibiotic, FP 100, has been found to effectively eliminate Fusobacterium nucleatum without harming the oral or gut microbiomes. This breakthrough discovery holds significant implications for treating severe gum disease and preventing related systemic conditions such as colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
This study found modestly increased risks of inflammatory bowel disease and bullous skin disorders in hospitalized patients infected with the Omicron variant. Booster vaccination mitigated long-term autoimmune sequelae risk.
Researchers discovered a unique probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB1, that strengthens intestinal barrier function and protects against harmful bacteria. This strain may lead to the development of novel therapies for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions.
A team of researchers at UC Davis Health discovered a novel bioelectrical mechanism that allows Salmonella bacteria to navigate the gut lining and find vulnerable entry points. The study found that Salmonella bacteria detect electric signals in FAE, which helps them move towards openings in the gut where they can enter.
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New studies suggest a simplified, less restrictive low FODMAP diet may be effective for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The alternative 'FODMAP-simple' diet restricts only fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides without restricting other FODMAP groups. This approach may reduce symptoms and improve patient adherence to the diet.
Researchers have discovered several rare types of helper T cells associated with immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that genetic variants in bidirectional enhancer DNA are linked to specific immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers develop optogenetic system to precisely target cancer cells using light, inducing inflammatory cell death and triggering immune response. The approach aims to modulate the immune suppressive environment around cancer cells, helping T cells recognize and attack the disease.
A recent study proposes a multi-dimensional approach to map disease relationships using genomic, chemical, and clinical data. The research reveals significant distinctions from the classical International Classification of Diseases system and highlights potential links between previously separate conditions.
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A new study using Mendelian randomization found no significant causal relationship between seven lipid factors and the risk of developing IBD. The results were consistent for two subtypes of IBD, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between IBD and lipid profiles.
Engineers have developed a pill that releases microscopic robots to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice. The treatment significantly reduces IBD symptoms and promotes the healing of damaged colon tissue.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a metabolic switch in the gut that helps regulate immune tolerance and protect against harmful intestinal inflammation. This discovery could lead to new strategies for promoting remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a key biological pathway that contributes to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other autoimmune conditions. The discovery provides a potential treatment target for IBD, with existing drugs showing promise in reducing inflammation in macrophages and gut samples from patients.
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A groundbreaking IBD study aims to identify biomarkers for personalized treatment, monitoring, and prediction. Researchers will collect genomic data from 1,000 newly diagnosed patients in the UK over four years.
Between 1999 and 2020, colorectal cancer incidence grew by 500% among children ages 10-14, 333% among teens aged 15-19, and 185% among young adults ages 20-24. Researchers highlight the need for tailored approaches to screening and awareness of signs and symptoms.
Neotame has been shown to cause previously healthy gut bacteria to become diseased and invade the gut wall, potentially leading to irritable bowel syndrome and sepsis. The study also found a breakdown of the epithelial barrier, which forms part of the gut wall.
Researchers revealed the biological mechanisms by which class II HDACs activate Th17 cell differentiation, leading to inflammation. A potent inhibitor, TMP269, was found to influence Th17 cell differentiation in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis, providing potential therapeutic approach for IBD treatment.
A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that dietary adjustments, such as a low FODMAP diet and low-carbohydrate diets, resulted in significantly reduced IBS symptoms for over seven out of ten patients. In contrast, medication-based treatment showed fewer symptom improvements.
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A mysterious plasmid, pBI143, found in 90% of human intestines, could be used to identify faecal contamination and offer insights into intestinal diseases. The discovery also highlights the prevalence of 'cryptic' plasmids in human gut microbiota.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria, including Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli, are attracted to human serum, which contains the amino acid serine. This phenomenon, known as bacterial vampirism, allows the bacteria to navigate towards the source of blood in under a minute.
A study published in Genome Medicine uses digital twins to computationally treat thousands of medications in individual patients with autoimmune diseases, finding promising results in mice and human tissue samples. The technology has the potential to revolutionize precision medicine by providing tailored medication for each patient.
Researchers found that gut bacteria in newborns produce serotonin, promoting the development of immune cells called Tregs. This helps prevent allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that unique gut bacteria may supply neurotransmitters needed for critical biological functions during early development.
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Researchers at MBL have found a genetic arrangement that confers antibiotic resistance to the bacterium Bacteroides fragilis, which may help it protect itself from tetracycline. The study highlights the role of transposons in horizontal gene transfer and potential mechanisms for controlling gene expression.
The American Gastroenterological Association has proposed a 12-point plan to enhance IBD care in the US, focusing on insurer-mandated barriers such as prior authorization and step therapy. The plan aims to improve treatment access and quality for over three million Americans living with IBD.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as a safe and effective treatment for most patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT offers hope to patients suffering from debilitating C. diff, enabling them to lead happy and healthy lives.
The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease is rapidly increasing, affecting an estimated 6.8 million people worldwide. Factors such as lifestyle, gut microbial diversity, and genetics contribute to disease development. A multiomics approach using machine learning can predict treatment response and optimize therapy selection.
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A study of over 80,000 children found that high fish and vegetable intakes early in life are associated with a lower risk of inflammatory bowel disease. High sugar beverage intake, on the other hand, was linked to a higher risk.
A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.
Researchers found that mood interventions, including psychological therapy, antidepressants, and exercise, significantly reduced inflammatory biomarker levels in individuals with IBD. Interventions for mood may present an alternative treatment for IBD that is effective and low-cost.
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Researchers at University of Tsukuba discovered a correlation between hypoxia levels and clinical symptoms in UC patients. Lower oxygen saturation in the rectal mucosa was associated with greater severity of colitis, making this method a potential tool for objective measurement of disease activity.
Researchers identify microbial enzyme bilirubin reductase that converts bilirubin into urobilinogen, causing urine's yellow color. The discovery sheds light on the gut microbiome's role in ailments like jaundice and IBD.
A new consortium, co-led by Florian Rieder, MD, and Vipul Jairath, MD, will create clinical care pathways toward drug development and improve disease management for patients with Crohn's disease and permanent ileostomy. The EndO-trial Consortium aims to develop effective drugs and measure treatment outcomes using patient-reported outco...
A new study by University of California Riverside researchers found that high-fat diets affect not only obesity and colon cancer but also the immune system, brain function, and potentially COVID-19 risk. The study, which analyzed genetic changes in mice fed different types of fat, showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil ...
Scientists at University of California San Diego develop a new approach to microbiome research, identifying hundreds of molecules never seen before in the human body. They found a strong association between these molecules and inflammatory bowel disease, potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Researchers have developed a new method, SECRE, to identify genetic regulators of cytokine secretion in autoimmune diseases. The technique has been validated on cells known to play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and shows promising results for treating conditions with few therapeutic options.
Researchers at MUSC and Cincinnati Children's have developed a novel colon organoid model with naturally occurring immune cells. The model has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for colon-related diseases such as cancer and IBD by providing a more complete human organoid system that can be used to model inflammation in the colon.
Researchers found that rare gene variants associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less prevalent in African Americans, suggesting a different genetic contribution to the disease. The study highlights the importance of considering genetic diversity and admixture in IBD research.
Researchers have developed a novel PET radiotracer that enables early detection of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with high spatial and molecular specificity. The imaging tool targets the IBD biomarker IL12/23p40, providing detailed information for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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Researchers discovered subtle changes in minerals, cells, and inflammation markers in people with inflammatory bowel disease up to 8 years before diagnosis. These findings suggest an opportunity for preventative action or early treatment to improve quality of life.
Recent advances in IBD pathophysiology and treatment development have led to the emergence of new therapies for moderate-to-severe IBD. These novel medications show promising efficacy results for patients who have previously failed to respond to multiple drugs, offering a glimmer of hope for improved management.
Research at the University of Gothenburg found that even low-active IBD patients have a higher risk of serious infections due to microscopic intestinal inflammation. Achieving a fully healed intestinal mucosa may reduce this risk, contributing to lower morbidity and mortality in IBD patients.
A recent study found a compelling link between vitamin B12 deficiency and chronic inflammation, which can lead to various health problems. The research revealed an inverse relationship between vitamin B12 levels and inflammatory markers in humans and mice, suggesting that higher vitamin B12 levels may lower inflammatory markers.
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Researchers have characterised a specialised type of immune cell that plays a key role in protecting and repairing the healthy human gut. Depletion of these cells is linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) progression, with potential implications for treatment options.
Researchers have developed a less invasive test for inflammatory bowel disease by analyzing the sugar molecules attached to antibodies. The study found distinct patterns of glycans on immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies between patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which could lead to a simple blood-based diagnostic test.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that statin treatment was associated with a lower risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis. After a follow-up period of 5.6 years, the study showed that 70 statin users had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared to 90 non-statin users.
Scientists at CeMM and Max Perutz Labs have reclassified approximately 200 rare immune system disorders using a network-based approach. The study reveals strong similarities between rare diseases and autoimmune conditions, enabling the prediction of treatment efficacy and personalized approaches for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers developed a platform that allows engineered biosensor bacteria to safely pass through the gastrointestinal tract in animal models. The platform enables real-time monitoring of gut health and can be used to diagnose and monitor various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. It has the potential to revolutionize pati...
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A new study reveals that the receptor PIEZO2 in sensory neurons plays a crucial role in controlling gut motility and transit time. This finding has significant implications for understanding gastrointestinal disorders and developing therapeutic applications.
Researchers found that a diet high in soybean oil decreases beneficial bacteria and increases harmful bacteria, leading to increased inflammation and susceptibility to colitis. Olive oil, with lower amounts of linoleic acid, is considered a healthier alternative.
A study published in Neurology found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to have a stroke than those without the disease. The study revealed an association between IBD and an increased risk of stroke, with people with IBD being 13% more likely to experience a stroke up to 25 years after diagnosis.
A new study suggests that high-sugar diets can exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms by disrupting the colon's lining renewal process. The research found that a high-sugar diet led to impaired cell division and altered metabolic pathways in mice, resulting in faster gut damage.
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A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that pro-inflammatory cell types dominate the intestinal mucosa of children with inflammatory bowel disease, while protective cells are underrepresented. The results provide new insights into the immunology of IBD and may lead to the development of more effective treatments.
A recent study found that exposure to antibiotics before age 5 triples the risk of pediatric IBD, while a Western diet high in sugars and ultra-processed foods increases the risk, and lower socioeconomic status provides protection. Conversely, having more siblings, being exposed to pets, and consuming vegetables reduce the risk.