Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Studies reveal new insights into gut microbiome impact on immunotherapy response in multiple cancers, including glioblastoma

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found distinct gut microbiome signatures associated with immunotherapy response in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The study identified a link between gut microbiome signatures and immune checkpoint blockade response in melanoma, NSCLC, and sarcoma.

Humans pass on gut microbes to wildlife living in cities

A recent study published in eLife found that wildlife living in urban environments have picked up some gut bugs from humans, leading to a 'humanization' of their microbiota. The researchers analyzed gut microbiomes in distantly related vertebrates from urban and rural areas and discovered significant differences between the two.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMay 31, 2022

UCalgary study finds probiotic supplement helps to form a mature microbiome in extremely preterm infants

A randomized clinical trial found that a specific probiotic supplement accelerated the maturation of the microbiome in extremely preterm infants, leading to reduced intestinal inflammation and improved feeding tolerance. The study also showed potential benefits for reducing the risk of food allergies in these vulnerable infants.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2022

Caesarean births not linked to increased risk of food allergy during infancy

A recent study published by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found no significant association between caesarean birth and the development of food allergies in infants. The research involved over 2,000 infants and suggested that babies born via caesarean delivery are not at a higher risk of developing food allergies.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2022

Microbes help orchestrate how the gut uses its genes

Researchers found microbes influence which genes are used for fat digestion and absorption, leading to changes in epithelial cells. The study also showed microbes promote lipid absorption and impact systemic processes like weight gain.

SourceDuke University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Houston Methodist study finds clues about concussions from the gut

Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Recurrent UTIs linked to gut microbiome, chronic inflammation

A new study reveals that recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be caused by an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can lead to chronic inflammation and increased risk of future UTIs. Antibiotics given to treat UTIs can disrupt the microbiome, making it easier for disease-causing bacteria to spread.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2022

Faecal transplants reverse hallmarks of ageing

Scientists have found that transplanting faecal microbiota from young mice into old mice can reverse hallmarks of ageing in the gut, eyes, and brain. The study suggests that gut microbes play a role in regulating some of the detrimental effects of ageing, offering a potential solution in the form of gut microbe replacement therapy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022

Does autism begin in the womb?

A study led by Kobe University researchers found that idiopathic autism is caused by epigenetic abnormalities in hematopoietic cells, leading to immune dysregulation and brain-gut axis disorders. The study used BTBR mice as a model and identified histone deacetylase HDAC1 as a common mechanism underlying these pathologies.

SourceKobe University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2022

E. coli bacteria exploits Crohn’s disease inflammation

Research finds that intestinal inflammation liberates chemicals that nourish E. coli's growth and promote inflammation, highlighting new treatment targets for Crohn's disease. The study identifies key compounds that feed E. coli, such as phospholipids and amino acids, and shows that these compounds can enhance the bacteria's virulence.

SourceCornell University·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 27, 2022

How bacteria evade bacteriophages in vivo

Scientists discovered that bacteria adapt their gene expression to evade bacteriophages in the gut environment, reducing susceptibility to infection. This finding paves the way for improved use of phages in therapeutic purposes.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2022

Chlorinated water supplies don’t disturb healthy gut microbiomes in young children

A recent study published in Nature Microbiology found that chlorine water treatment does not disrupt the normal population of beneficial bacteria in children's developing gut microbiomes. The study suggests that chlorination can actually help reduce disease incidence and limit antibiotic use while keeping microbiomes healthy.

SourceTufts University·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 14, 2022

Women who report significant antibiotic use in midlife are more likely to experience cognitive decline in later life, perhaps through gut microbiome changes, in study of almost 15,000 U.S. nurses

A study of nearly 15,000 US nurses found that significant antibiotic use in midlife is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline later in life. The researchers suggest that this may be related to changes in the gut microbiome, which can impact brain function and overall health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2022

Cutting through the clutter

A new tool called vibration of effects (VoE) has been developed to analyze the reliability of reported links between gut microbes and various diseases. The tool found that a third of reported microbe-disease associations were inconsistent, with outcomes changing depending on study design and variable inclusion.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 2, 2022

Scientists characterize the imbalanced gut bacteria of patients with myocardial infarction, angina and heart failure

Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development

Not just a sprained ankle: Scientists show musculoskeletal injury may affect gut microbiome

A recent study by researchers from Ritsumeikan University found that athletes with a history of sprained ankle showed reduced gut bacteria diversity compared to those without such a history. This suggests that musculoskeletal injury may have a negative impact on the gut microbiota, potentially leading to long-term health consequences.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResearch in Sports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Why do locusts form destructive swarms?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a specific type of bacteria, Weissella, becomes dominant in the gut microbiomes of locusts when they form swarms. This change may provide the bacteria with an evolutionary advantage, allowing them to spread and infect more locusts.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateFeb 9, 2022

Eating prunes may help protect against bone loss in older women

Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Fecal implants drive behavioral and cognitive changes in Alzheimer’s model

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have made a groundbreaking connection between the gut microbiome and cognitive decline in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Fecal implants induced significant behavioral and cognitive changes in mice, offering new avenues for treating or forestalling dementia.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Meat, MS and the microbiome

A study by UConn Health and Washington University School of Medicine found that eating more meat correlates with worse MS symptoms, altered gut bacteria, and increased immune cells. The research identified key bacteria and metabolites associated with the disease, providing new insights into its causes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

High-fiber diet associated with improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients

Patients with sufficient fiber intake had improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma. A high-fiber diet was associated with slower tumor growth and increased CD4+ T cells in pre-clinical models, supporting the potential benefits of dietary interventions on cancer treatment outcomes.