Gut Microbiota
Articles tagged with Gut Microbiota
From ocean to gut: The bacteria that shape both human health and marine carbon cycling
Researchers discovered that Akkermansia bacteria, which aid human digestion, also thrive in the ocean by breaking down seaweed sugar. This finding highlights the importance of these bacteria in both human health and marine ecosystems.
Metformin’s real power may be in the gut
Head impacts associated with altered gut microbiome in football players
Researchers tracked six NCAA Division I football players over a season and found that non-concussive head impacts correlated with changes to the gut microbiome. The study suggests that even sub-symptomatic head impacts might affect the gut microbiome, both in the immediate aftermath of injury and over a longer time course.
FAU review: Obesity and Alzheimer’s linked by disease-driving metabolic pathways
A review from Florida Atlantic University links obesity to Alzheimer's disease through disruptions in metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function and gut-brain axis balance. Early detection and whole-body prevention may become possible through monitoring metabolic health.
Disease-causing pathogen rewires gut metabolism to secure nutrients for growth: Study
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis reshapes intestinal cell metabolism to support its growth, causing diseases like diarrhea and colorectal cancer. The study provides new possibilities for intervention by targeting metabolic interactions between host and microbes.
“Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are”
Researchers found that microbes actively adjust their behavior to minimize competition and conflict when living together, leading to more efficient coexistence. This discovery provides insights into how diverse microbial communities assemble and persist despite intense competition.
From gut to brain: NUS scientists engineer bacteria to treat severe liver-related brain dysfunction
Researchers from NUS engineered bacteria to restore metabolic balance across the gut, liver and brain, reducing brain toxins and preventing neurological symptoms. The approach preserves the natural diversity of the gut microbiome and has shown promising results in long-term safety studies.
Lifestyle, diet, and clinical factors shape the gut microbiome in cancer patients
A new review found that lifestyle behaviors like physical activity and diet can positively modulate the gut microbiome of cancer patients, but these effects are often influenced by non-modifiable variables. The study also highlighted the role of intrinsic patient characteristics in shaping microbial composition.
A universal toolkit for editing bacterial DNA
Researchers have developed a universal toolkit for editing bacterial DNA in 15 diverse species, including human pathogens and fast-growing biotechnology organisms. The technology uses retrons, an immune system that produces DNA, to efficiently modify genes, with varying success rates across different species.
Gut microbiota impacts resistance to bacterial pneumonia: Study
Researchers found that antibiotics disrupt gut microbiota, suppressing protective immune system pathways and increasing severity of A. baumannii pneumonia. The study highlights the gut-lung connection as a potential therapeutic target for hospital-acquired lung infections.
Secret to a healthy liver found in a young microbiome
Researchers found that restoring a young microbiome can reverse features of aging in the liver, including inflammation and DNA damage. The study suggests that a healthy gut microbiome plays a key role in preventing liver cancer.
From precision intervention to a “virtual gut”: how close are we to predicting and steering the human microbiome?
Researchers are close to building a 'virtual gut' capable of predicting responses to diet, drugs, and microbiome-based therapies. A new review outlines an analytical framework for host-microbiome multi-omics studies, covering preprocessing, feature selection, data integration, predictive modeling, and evaluation.
IBS treatment response predicted by gut microbiome in new study
Researchers found distinct gut microbiome characteristics that predicted treatment response to the low FODMAP diet and rifaximin. Patients who responded to these treatments had different microbial signatures, with increases in diversity for those on the low FODMAP diet and resilience against antibiotics for those on rifaximin.
E. coli and 'good' bacteria balanced by breastmilk in baby gut microbiomes
A new study found that breast milk helps maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria in babies' developing gut microbiomes, including E. coli and Bifidobacterium. This mutualistic relationship supports healthy infant development and may have implications for future synbiotics.
Study of gut microbes in black bears finds antibiotic-resistant bacteria
A recent study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present in the gut microbiomes of American black bears in eastern North Carolina. The researchers also discovered that these pathogens can be dispersed through bear feces, making the bears a potential indicator species for environmental changes.
How neurons sense bacteria in the gut
Researchers identify specific chemicals that trigger neural activity in nematodes when they detect certain bacteria, leading to changes in feeding behavior and avoiding harmful pathogens. The study sheds light on fundamental mechanisms of how neurons interact with bacteria, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
Gut microbiome changes may signal Parkinson's disease risk
A new study reveals that people with Parkinson's disease have a distinct gut microbiome, as do those at genetic risk but without symptoms. This could lead to early detection and potential prevention strategies.
Antibiotic resistance genes found in newborns within hours of birth, study shows
A study analyzing meconium samples from newborns found high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes, including those linked to carbapenem resistance. The findings suggest that maternal transmissions and early hospital exposure contribute to the establishment of these genes in the neonatal gut.
The gut microbiome’s neuroactive potential is linked to cognition and depression in Chilean older adults, per analysis of 153 Chilean older adults with cognition concerns
A study of 153 Chilean older adults with cognitive concerns found a link between the gut microbiome's neuroactive potential and mental health status. The research suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome may contribute to depression and cognitive decline in this population.
Functional traits, not phylogeny, drive gut microbial assembly in estuarine fish
Researchers found that gut microbial communities in estuarine fish are driven by functional traits rather than evolutionary history. The study identified three distinct enterotypes associated with dietary habits and migratory behaviors, revealing specific metabolic adaptations tailored to each host's lifestyle.
Could your housemates be changing your gut bacteria?
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that living with friends may alter your gut bacteria, with social closeness driving the exchange of anaerobic microbes. The research suggests that daily interactions at home, such as hugging and sharing food prep spaces, may encourage the transfer of beneficial gut bacteria.
A bacterium from bumblebees can produce vitamin B2 in soya drinks
Researchers at DTU have developed a new method to identify bacteria capable of producing vitamin B2 in soya drinks. A bacterium from bumblebee guts was found to thrive in plant-based dairy alternatives and produce the nutrient in high quantities.
Some common IBS treatments linked to higher risk of death
A large study led by Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University found that long-term use of antidepressants and some antidiarrheal medications may be associated with a higher risk of death. The study analyzed nearly two decades of electronic health records from over 650,000 US adults with IBS.
Novel treatment protocol developed at the University of Minnesota targets the deadliest cases of C. difficile infection
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrated that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can rapidly reverse systemic inflammation and improve survival in patients with fulminant C. difficile infection. The treatment protocol achieved a 78% 30-day survival rate among 18 critically ill patients.
The tumor microbiota: A new frontier in cancer biology
The tumor microbiota is now considered a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer development and modulating immunotherapy effectiveness. Researchers have identified ways microbes can remodel tumors' microenvironments, directly interacting with tumor tissue and immune cells.
Simple blood test could spot dementia years earlier, research shows
Researchers discovered subtle changes in the blood can reveal early signs of cognitive decline caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria. A blood test may one day transform how we detect dementia, potentially identifying people at risk years before symptoms appear.
Decoding the chemical messengers: Gut microbes talk to the whole body through metabolites
Research systematically maps how bacterial metabolites influence disease progression and immune cell functions, highlighting their dual effects on the body. The review emphasizes the need for holistic regulation of metabolite profiles to achieve precision interventions.
New blood- and microbiome-based neural networks forecast human biological age
Researchers developed two neural network models predicting human biological age based on blood biochemistry and gut microbiota. The models demonstrated high predictive accuracy and explainability, holding potential for monitoring intervention effects in clinical trials.
How an imbalanced gut microbiome worsens chronic kidney disease
Researchers found that an imbalanced gut microbiome escalates the production of metabolic byproducts, driving a feedback loop that worsens CKD. Blocking a single enzyme in the gut stopped this cycle, suggesting iNOS as a potential target for treatment.
Microbial clues uncover how wild songbirds respond to stress
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers has uncovered the impact of stress on wild songbirds, finding that even mild challenges can alter the gut microbiome, leading to changes in health indicators such as beak color and stress hormone levels.
High-fat diet drives gut bacteria into the brain in mice
A high-fat diet allows bacteria to move from the gut to the brain in mice, according to a new study. Researchers found that a small number of bacteria translocated to the brain, likely via the vagus nerve, and that these bacteria were also detected in mouse models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism.
Island birds reveal surprising link between immunity and gut bacteria
Researchers studied the Seychelles warbler's gut bacteria, finding that immune genes influence which microbes thrive, and that this relationship affects host health and survival. The study suggests a two-way relationship between immune genes and gut bacteria, with potential benefits for human health and disease prevention.
The gut can drive age-associated memory loss
Researchers discovered that the aging gastrointestinal tract produces specific molecules that blunt the activity of a key gut-brain neuronal pathway, leading to age-related cognitive decline. Stimulating specific gut sensory neurons and targeting the vagus nerve can restore youthful cognitive function in old mice, suggesting that brain...
Researchers make probiotic safer for immunocompromised patients
Researchers genetically modified a probiotic yeast to reduce its virulence in immunocompromised patients. The modified yeast was found to be less likely to cause infection, with improved survival rates in animal models.
Gut microbes rewrite the rules of cancer immunotherapy
Emerging research reveals the gut microbiota plays a decisive role in shaping treatment outcomes for cancer immunotherapy. Beneficial bacteria enhance anti-tumor immunity by producing immune-active metabolites and activating key immune cells.
Gut microbiome connected with heart disease precursor
Recent studies identify distinct gut microbial communities in people with dyslipidemia, suggesting a connection between the gut microbiome and heart disease precursor. The researchers found higher levels of Bacteroides caccae and lower levels of bacteria linked to metabolic stability. Future research aims to restore functional balance ...
Study reveals how gut bacteria and diet can reprogram fat to burn more energy
Researchers found that specific gut bacteria can sense diet and translate information into signals that tell fat cells to burn energy. A low-protein diet activated precise gut microbes that promote beige fat production, leading to improved glucose control and lower cholesterol levels.
From gut to lung: A microbial signal that strengthens early immune defense
Researchers discover that butyric acid, a gut microbiota-derived metabolite, enhances the activity of natural killer cells expressing CX3CR1, restoring immune cell migration and cytokine production. This gut-lung immune axis may be harnessed to improve outcomes in severe bacterial infections.
Fecal transplants from older mice significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in younger mice
A new study reveals that fecal transplants from older female mice significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in young mice. The transplants show a direct link between the gut microbiome and ovarian health, with potential implications for fertility and overall health as women age.
Scientists develop new gut health measure that tracks disease
Researchers at Rutgers University created a new metric called the Ecological Network Balance Index to track how gut bacterial communities shift between health and disease. The index consistently separated healthy individuals from patients with multiple diseases, including colorectal cancer.
Immune cells link lactation to long-lasting health
Recent studies show that T cells support milk production and have lasting effects on maternal health and infant immunity. The review highlights emerging evidence of the crucial role of immune cells in lactation, which can inform strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Trust your gut to heal your brain
Researchers at Houston Methodist found that short-term antibiotic treatment significantly reduced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration following traumatic brain injury by altering the gut microbiome. Beneficial bacteria Parasutterella excrementihominis and Lactobacillus johnsonii drove cell repair, while reducing harmful gut bacteria.
People’s gut bacteria worse in areas with higher social deprivation
Research found that people living in deprived areas have less diverse gut microbiomes, leading to increased inflammation and poorer metabolic health. The study identified 12 bacterial species associated with deprivation, including those negatively linked to anxiety and diabetes.
University of Houston scientist helps rethink microbial future of space travel
A global team of scientists, led by University of Houston microbiologist Madhan Tirumalai, has identified the critical role of biofilms in human space exploration. Biofilms could influence astronaut health, drug delivery and space agriculture, while also posing risks to astronaut health.
Discovery linking gut bacteria to cancer treatment wins the Bial Award in Biomedicine and earns €350,000 prize
A study in Science reveals that a healthy gut microbiota enhances immunotherapy's efficacy against cancer, while antibiotics reduce diversity and may impair treatment. Analysis found specific bacterial species associated with better clinical outcomes.
How studying yeast in the gut could lead to new, better drugs
Researchers identified genes that are activated when yeast cells are in the gut, suggesting a roadmap for engineering more efficient drug-delivery vehicles. The study found that yeast cells were digesting more lipids than carbohydrates in the gut, highlighting potential modifications to improve efficiency.
New study reveals early healthy eating shapes lifelong brain health
A new study reveals that a high-fat, high-sugar diet during early life can lead to long-lasting changes in feeding behavior and disrupt brain pathways involved in appetite control. However, targeting the gut microbiota with specific strains of beneficial bacteria or prebiotic fibers may help mitigate these effects.
Personalized predictions of probiotic and prebiotic therapy success by computer models
A new study uses metabolic modeling to predict which probiotics will successfully establish themselves in a person's gut and how prebiotics affect short-chain fatty acid production. The findings demonstrate the utility of these models for personalized probiotic and prebiotic interventions.
Scientists discover “bacterial constipation,” a new disease caused by gut-drying bacteria
Two gut bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, work together to destroy intestinal mucus, leading to dry and immobile stool. This discovery explains why standard treatments often fail for millions with chronic constipation, including those with Parkinson's disease.
Missing microbes in UK infant gut and probiotics highlighted by global microbiome atlas
A global atlas mapping two key gut bacteria has uncovered a treasure trove of bacterial strains adapted to the infant gut, not found in commercial probiotic products. The study reveals region-specific strains that have naturally evolved to thrive in a baby's microbiome, shaped by regional diets and environments.
Weight-loss wonder pills prompt scrutiny of key ingredient
A new study finds salcaprozate sodium may have adverse biological effects on the gut and beyond, including shifts in potentially harmful gut bacteria and elevated inflammatory markers. The research highlights an important gap in understanding the long-term impact of repeated SNAC exposure.
Eleven genetic variants affect gut microbiome
Researchers identified 11 genetic regions influencing gut bacteria and roles they play, including connections to gluten intolerance, haemorrhoids, and cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed genetic data from over 28,000 individuals, providing insights into the complex relationship between genes and gut microbiome.
Children with Crohn’s have distinct gut bacteria from kids with other digestive disorders
A study by NYU researchers found that children with Crohn’s disease have a unique microbiome signature, characterized by more pro-inflammatory and less protective bacteria. This could lead to personalized treatments for pediatric Crohn’s disease.
How food shortages reprogram the immune system’s response to infection
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that food shortages trigger a coordinated system to uphold immune function while conserving energy. Calorie-restricted mice fought off infection using very little glucose, thanks to glucocorticoids, which reorganized immune cells and their energy usage.
Scientists create ‘smart underwear’ to measure human flatulence
Researchers developed wearable devices that track hydrogen levels in flatus to better understand gut microbial metabolism. The Human Flatus Atlas project aims to establish normal ranges for flatulence production, helping to identify excessive gas complaints and inform dietary interventions.
Taxiing through the gut: Formic acid in the microbiome
Blautia luti produces formic acid as an electron taxi, bypassing the energetically costly production of hydrogen. The bacterium detoxifies formic acid via a special metabolic pathway, linked to sugar breakdown and acetic acid production.
Gut microbe–derived butyrate activates immune cells to enhance vaccine efficacy
A study published in Microbiome found that gut microbiome-derived butyrate activates immune cells to enhance vaccine efficacy by promoting T follicular helper (Tfh) cell activity and mucosal antibody production. This discovery highlights the crucial role of gut environment regulation in controlling infections and enhancing vaccine resp...
Gut bacteria may tip the balance between feeding tumors and fueling immunity
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria can deplete amino acids, affecting tumor growth or activating immune cells. Tailoring diets and microbiome strategies may enhance anti-tumor activity and support personalized therapy.
Vaping zebrafish suggest E-cigarette exposure disrupts gut microbial networks and neurobehavior
A study published in Science of The Total Environment found that e-cigarette exposure alters gut microbiota composition and affects neurobehavior in zebrafish. The researchers observed disruptions in the gut microbiome, with reduced microbial network stability and altered community composition, suggesting potential health risks.