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The microbial anatomy of an organ

Researchers developed a 3D spatial visualization tool to understand the effects of chemicals on diseased organs in context of microbes. The tool helps advance targeted drug delivery for cystic fibrosis and other conditions where medications struggle to penetrate, revealing new insights into microbial anatomy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 19, 2017

What's the latest on gut microbiota?

A team of 106 Concordia undergraduate students co-authored a review article on human gut microbiota and its interactions with the host. The project, led by affiliate assistant professor Chiara Gamberi, aimed to improve students' writing and editing skills.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 19, 2017

Human gut microbe may lead to treatment for multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of Iowa found a human gut microbe, Prevotella histicola, that effectively suppresses immune disease in a mouse model of MS. The study suggests that this microbe may play a role in treating MS, an autoimmune disease caused by the immune system's attack on the myelin sheath.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 8, 2017

New and novel technologies successfully demonstrated in soilborne disease study

Researchers have successfully developed a new method to analyze soil microbial communities and their role in the development of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) disease in soybean. By profiling microbes, scientists found significant differences between healthy and diseased areas, suggesting that biological factors play a key role in determi...

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJul 31, 2017

The fungal microbiome contributes to alcohol-induced liver damage in mice

A study led by Bernd Schnabl found that chronic alcohol intake increases fungal populations in the intestine and levels of β-glucan in the bloodstream, leading to liver inflammation. Treating mice with anti-fungal agents prevented liver disease, supporting further research into the fungal microbiome's role in alcohol-related liver damage.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 22, 2017

Microbes seen controlling action of host's genes

Researchers have found that microbes manipulate the molecular machinery of animal cells, triggering patterns of gene expression associated with health and disease. The study suggests ancient parts of the genome and interactions with microbes are relevant to modern-day human diseases.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 17, 2017

Dental plaque DNA shows Neandertals used 'aspirin'

A team of international researchers analyzed dental plaque from four Neandertals, revealing a complex picture of their behavior, diet, and evolutionary history. The study found that Neandertals had a good knowledge of medicinal plants and used them to self-medicate, including the use of poplar trees for pain relief.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2017

Looking for a city's DNA? Try its ATMs

Researchers at New York University discovered that ATM keypads harbor a range of human skin microbes, as well as microorganisms from food and environmental sources. The study's findings suggest that ATMs can serve as a repository for understanding a city's microbial community.

SourceNew York University·JournalmSphere·DateNov 16, 2016

Microbes in your gut influence major eye disease

Research by Dr. Przemyslaw Sapieha and colleagues suggests that a diet rich in fat can alter the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and increased risk of wet AMD, a blinding form of age-related macular degeneration. The study provides new insights into the role of gut microbes in disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateNov 15, 2016

How the gut microbiome may help us prevent IBD

A recent study links a disease-associated microbial state to increased risk of developing IBD in genetically- and environmentally-susceptible individuals. Another study found that exposure to high altitude conditions triggers local acid sensing pathways leading to disease progression in IBD patients. Meanwhile, research highlights the ...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 14, 2016

Gaming for gut research

A new video game, Colony B, helps scientists analyze how microbes relate to lifestyle habits and health. The game correlates player data with survey information from the American Gut project, revealing potential links between microbial composition and human health.

Dietary compound linked to heart disease may be influenced by gut microbiome

A recent Cornell University study suggests that circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) may be a biomarker of differences in the gut microbiome rather than a cause of heart disease. Researchers found that healthy men with elevated TMAO levels after consuming eggs and beef also had high counts of firmicutes, a type of bacteria that co...

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateAug 11, 2016

Children with and without multiple sclerosis have differences in gut bacteria

A recent study reveals differences in gut bacteria between children with and without multiple sclerosis. Key findings include an association between MS and increased inflammatory bacteria, as well as decreased anti-inflammatory bacteria. The discovery may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches by identifying novel drug targets.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateMay 16, 2016