Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study reveals how bacteria assemble their envelope

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a key process for how gram-negative bacteria attach their outer membrane to the cell wall. The study found that protein PA2854 performs a chemical reaction linking the outer membrane to the cell wall, a crucial step in maintaining the bacterium's health.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 15, 2026

UCF scientists use James Webb Space Telescope to better understand solar system’s origins

Researchers analyzed Trans-Neptunian Objects using the James Webb Space Telescope, finding two distinct groups with varying surface ice methanol presence. The discovery sheds light on the formation and evolution of these distant icy worlds, revealing insights into the solar system's origins and potentially habitable exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 23, 2025

A healthy diet is key to a healthy gut microbiome

A large-scale study analyzed the gut microbiomes of over 21,500 individuals and found that vegan diets had the healthiest microbiomes, followed by vegetarians and omnivores. The researchers discovered unique microbial signatures for each dietary pattern, with vegans having more beneficial bacteria associated with fiber fermentation.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 2025

All people are unique – also in the gut

A new study found that changes in the gut environment influence the composition and activity of gut bacteria. The study involved swallowing a capsule with pH sensors through breakfast, revealing unique gut environments and travel times among individuals. This may help explain individual differences in digestion, nutrient uptake, and bo...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 2, 2024

Microbes in mouth reflect lifestyle choices

A recent study published in the journal Microbiome found that lifestyle factors, such as diet and smoking habits, significantly impact the composition of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. The research team analyzed saliva samples from individuals representing different subsistence strategies in Nepal and discovered a correlation betwee...

SourcePenn State·JournalMicrobiome·DateNov 5, 2024

Does microbiome contribute to longevity?

A new study found compositional and functional differences in the gut microbiota of Chinese long-living adults (over 90 years) compared to elderly adults (65–74 years). The researchers noted lower relative abundances of bacteria in certain genera, which may regulate biological processes like autophagy and telomere maintenance. These fi...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalOMICS A Journal of Integrative Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2024

Keeping mold out of future space stations

A new study suggests a novel way to prevent mold growth on future space stations by understanding the exposures that happen in the space environment. Repeated elevated humidity exposures can lead to rapid microbial growth and composition changes in dust, making it easier for microbes to thrive.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMicrobiome·DateSep 11, 2024

Specific bacteria in your gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity

A study published in Gut reveals that specific bacteria in the gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity, with a beneficial bacterium called Blautia showing protective effects. The research also highlights the role of microRNAs in food addiction and suggests potential new treatments involving beneficial bacteria and dietary sup...

SourceFederation of European Neuroscience Societies·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Study shows role of fathers in seeding the microbiota of newborns and confirms benefits of maternal fecal microbiota transplants

Researchers found that many bacterial strains present in infants at 3 weeks, months, and 12 months originated from the father, not the mother. This discovery highlights the importance of physical and social interactions between newborns and their fathers, as well as with other family members.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Microrespirometric validation of a two-stage process for polyhydroxyalkanoates production from peanut oil and propionate with cupriavidus necator

This study validates a two-stage process for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using peanut oil and propionate with Cupriavidus necator. The findings show that peanut oil is the most beneficial carbon source, leading to increased biomass and PHA production.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Chemical Engineering Journal·DateMay 29, 2024

Intermittent fasting shows promise in improving gut health, weight management

A new study highlights the benefits of intermittent fasting and protein-pacing on gut health, weight loss, and metabolic responses. Participants showed improved diversity of the gut microbiota, decreased symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, and increased beneficial microbes linked to a lean body type.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2024

Researchers conduct first-ever study to characterize microbiota in saliva of weaned piglets on commercial farms in Brazil

Researchers characterized the microbial composition of oral fluid, feces, and environment of nursery piglets on commercial farms in Brazil. The study found distinct oral fluid bacterial profiles differing from those in feces and environment, with potential implications for swine health and production.

Concordia researchers identify a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean

Researchers found a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean, with subtle but statistically significant changes in community structure and function. The study suggests that warming and freshening of the ocean risks strengthening the microbial loop, potentially impacting the marine food web.

SourceConcordia University·JournalISME Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Slimming significantly alters your microbiome and brain activity

A study of 25 obese Chinese individuals reveals that intermittent energy restriction (IER) alters the gut microbiome and brain activity, leading to significant weight loss and reductions in obesity-related comorbidities. The changes are coupled over time, suggesting a complex relationship between the gut microbiome and brain.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2023

Changes in soil organisms in crop rotation farmland accessed by DNA metabarcoding

The study found that soil biota and their networks are easily altered by the soil environment, cultivation history, and crops. The research team applied DNA metabarcoding to analyze changes in soil organisms associated with crop growth, revealing distinct prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities and networks.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2023

Important step toward next-generation probiotics

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new strategy for producing oxygen-tolerant probiotics, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which can improve glucose control. The combination of bacteria increased biomass and butyrate production, making it safe for human consumption.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023

Microbial predators cause seasonal fluctuations in wastewater treatment

A recent study by Nils Heck and Kenneth Dumack reveals that microbial predators like amoebae and ciliates play a significant role in shaping the bacterial community in wastewater treatment. The findings suggest that these predators, which are temperature-dependent, contribute to seasonal variations in wastewater treatment efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalWater Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Vaccine against deadly chytrid fungus primes frog microbiome for future exposure

A new study found that a vaccine against the deadly chytrid fungus in frogs can shift the composition of the microbiome, making frogs more resilient to future exposure. The researchers applied a non-lethal dosage of a metabolic product created by the chytrid fungus to tadpoles and observed a protective shift in the microbiome.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Fecal microbiota transplants: Two reviews explore what's worked, what hasn’t, and where do we go from here.

Two review articles explore the effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) in treating recurrent infections with C. difficile and chronic noncommunicable diseases like ulcerative colitis and metabolic syndrome. While FMTs have shown promise, researchers agree that more research is needed to understand factors such as patient ...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 10, 2023

The intestinal ecosystem directly affects anorexia

An international team of scientists discovered that a severe imbalance in the intestinal microbes and gut microbiome-produced metabolites may directly affect the development and retention of anorexia nervosa. The study suggests that specific gut bacteria produce less vitamin B1, leading to loss of appetite and various symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Babies’ gut microbiome not influenced by mothers’ vaginal microbiome composition

A recent study published in Frontiers found that maternal vaginal microbiome composition does not significantly influence the development of infants' stool microbiome during the first weeks and months of life. Instead, exposure to breast milk and environmental factors are believed to play a more significant role.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis studies explore key traditional and modern therapeutics

Studies elucidate key aspects of traditional Chinese compounds and modern cancer therapeutics, highlighting the efficacy of R. serra in treating colitis and identifying active components of Gan Cao in treating pneumonia. A new radiolabeled antibody-based probe for detecting PD-L1 expression in cancers also provides a novel approach to ...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Multiple sclerosis therapy improves gut flora

Researchers found that dimethyl fumarate treatment increased the proportion of beneficial gut bacteria and reduced pro-inflammatory types, which are associated with MS. The study suggests a potential connection between gut flora and clinical side effects, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalGut Microbes·DateDec 1, 2022

Intestinal microorganisms influence white blood cell levels in blood

A team of researchers discovered that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in driving granulopoiesis, a process formation of granulocytes, in mice models. The study found that alterations in the gut microbiome composition induced by neutropenia stimulate reactive granulopoiesis via interleukin 17A secreted by T cells, promoting neu...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022