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Reusing chicken litter shows benefits

A recent study by the American Society of Agronomy found that reusing chicken litter can deter growth of pathogens like Salmonella. Researchers discovered 'good' bacteria in used poultry litter can hinder Salmonella growth, providing new information on the relationship between litter environment and microbiome.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 10, 2020

Gut microbiome influences ALS outcomes

Researchers identified a new gut-brain connection in ALS, finding that altering the gut microbiome can prevent or improve disease symptoms in mice with a common genetic mutation. The study suggests that the gut microbiome may influence disease severity and could be a target for therapy.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

Research shows even animals benefit from social distance to prevent disease

Researchers studied 45 female colobus monkeys in Ghana to understand the impact of social groupings and distance on their gut microbiomes. They found that individuals from different groups with closer social connections had more similar gut microbiomes, suggesting microbes can be transmitted during occasional encounters.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 11, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Antibiotics may increase risk for opioid abuse

Taking antibiotics with opioids may exacerbate addiction by altering brain responses to opioids, according to research on rats depleted of their gut microbiome. The study found that a weakened microbiome intensified opioid intoxication while reducing withdrawal effects.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 27, 2020

Infants introduced early to solid foods show gut bacteria changes that may portend future health risks

A study found that infants who started on solid foods at or before three months of age showed changes in gut bacteria and bacterial byproducts, which may predispose them to being overweight later in childhood. The researchers also found a delayed impact of early solid food introduction on short-chain fatty acid concentrations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateMar 31, 2020

Diet has an impact on the multiple sclerosis disease course

Researchers found that propionic acid reduced relapse rates and disability progression in MS patients, with initial MRI studies suggesting reduced brain atrophy. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune regulation, and altering its composition may lead to innovative dietary measures to complement existing therapies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell·DateMar 11, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Two-faced bacteria

Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a previously unknown response to indole in the beneficial gut bacteria E. coli, which seems to both repel and attract bacteria. The Janus response displays sophistication and could lead to a better understanding of the complexities of the gut microbiome.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2020

What can you learn by peering into a fruit fly's gut? It turns out a lot!

A new research tool allows biologists to watch in real time the cell renewal process that keeps gut tissue healthy, as well as the interactions between bacterial species that make up the microbiome. Researchers discovered regional differences in microbiome stability that mimic the regionality of stem cell activity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 2, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Low-calorie sweeteners do not mean low risk for infants

A study by Dr. Raylene Reimer found that low-calorie sweeteners increased body fat and disrupted gut microbiota in offspring, even when consumed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The findings suggest a potential link between artificial sweeteners and obesity risk in early life.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalGut·DateJan 29, 2020

With high fiber diets, more protein may mean more bloating

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people on high fiber diets are 40% more likely to experience bloating if they consume protein-rich diets. The researchers suggest that substituting high-quality carb calories for protein calories may reduce bloating and make these diets more tolerable.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateJan 27, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Teens with obesity and PCOS have more 'unhealthy' bacteria

Research published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that teens with obesity and PCOS have an altered gut microbiome compared to those without the condition. This altered microbiome is associated with higher testosterone levels, metabolic complications, and other health risks.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 23, 2020

Harnessing biology and technology to develop new depression treatments -- update from Harvard Review

A special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry explores new treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) by examining five key areas, including gender differences, neuroscience-based interventions, the role of the microbiome, opioid-based therapies, and technology in treatment. The research aims to develop more effective treatments ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateJan 9, 2020

Lactobacillus balances gut microbiome and improves chronic-alcohol-induced liver injury

Researchers found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus can restore a balanced intestinal microbiome and counter liver damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption. The probiotic effect of the bacteria reduced inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver, indicating potential therapeutic applications for alcohol-induced liver disease.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateDec 9, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Increased use of antibiotics may predispose to Parkinson's disease

A recent study by the University of Helsinki found a significant link between increased use of antibiotics and an elevated risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that excessive antibiotic use can disrupt the gut microbial ecosystem, leading to pathological changes in the intestine years before typical symptoms appear.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalMovement Disorders·DateNov 22, 2019

Diet and gut microbiome of African megafauna

Researchers studied African megafauna diet and gut microbiome, finding correlations between diet composition and microbiome composition. Seasonal changes in diet and microbiome were observed, with some species exhibiting little variability and others showing significant differences.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Babies' gut bacteria affected by delivery method, Baby Biome project shows

A large-scale study found that vaginally born babies have different gut bacteria than those delivered by Caesarean. Researchers discovered that the mode of delivery impacted the gut microbiome, with vaginal delivery promoting mother's gut bacteria and Caesarean deliveries resulting in hospital-borne bacteria.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 2019

Developing therapeutic strategies for pregnant women with lupus

A team of researchers investigated the link between pregnancy and lupus flares, finding that gut microbiota may regulate disease severity. The study suggests that modulating the gut microbiota community could lead to improved disease management for pregnant women with lupus.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMicrobiome·DateSep 13, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Native foods are key to preserving rodent gut bacteria in captivity

Researchers discovered that providing native foods to captive rodents preserves their gut microbiome diversity, whereas artificial diets lead to significant changes. The study found that feeding woodrats with prickly pear cactus maintained around 90% of their original microbiome diversity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateSep 8, 2019

Microbes may play a role in heart attack onset

A study found that bacteria in coronary plaques were pro-inflammatory, whereas gut bacteria were diverse and varied. Patients with acute coronary syndrome had different gut microbiota compared to those with stable angina. The research suggests a possible role for microbes in plaque destabilization and heart attack onset.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 31, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Poo transplants to help save koalas

Researchers found that faecal inoculations changed the koalas' microbiomes, allowing them to eat messmate. This could affect all aspects of their ecology, including nutrition and habitat selection. The study provides a proof of concept for using encapsulated faecal material to introduce new microbes in koalas' guts.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAnimal Microbiome·DateAug 20, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Designing a diet to repair the gut after childhood malnutrition

Researchers created a diet that can help restore digestive tracts damaged by acute childhood malnutrition, supporting growth and functioning. Protein-rich plant foods like chickpeas, bananas, and peanut flours were found to support microbial transition and increase protein biomarkers related to child development.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 11, 2019

Computational tool predicts how gut microbiome changes over time

A new computational modeling method, MTV-LMM, predicts how the gut microbiome will change over time by analyzing snapshots of microbes found in a person's gut. This could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as insights into other types of temporal microbiome processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 27, 2019

Morphine tolerance and gut microbiome

Researchers found that gut microbiota influences morphine tolerance, with tolerant mice lacking Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillaeae. Probiotics restored these depleted communities, reducing morphine tolerance in mice pretreated with probiotics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Anxiety might be alleviated by regulating gut bacteria

A recent review of studies found that regulating intestinal microbiota through probiotics and non-probiotic interventions can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms in people. Probiotic supplements were only effective in about half of the studies, while non-probiotic interventions showed a 86% rate of effectiveness.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGeneral Psychiatry·DateMay 20, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Common food additive found to affect gut microbiota

A new study found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in over 900 food products, can affect the gut microbiota and potentially trigger diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. The research suggests that better regulation of E171 consumption is needed to ensure safe use.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 13, 2019

Diet, microbiome, and stress

Researchers found that a diet enriched with ω-3 PUFAs and vitamin A can normalize gut microbiome composition and hippocampal protein levels, leading to improved emotional and memory performance in stressed rats. The study also suggests long-term links between diet and cognitive function.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Could eating garlic reduce aging-related memory problems?

A recent study has found that garlic can protect memory by improving gut health, which is associated with age-related memory problems. The researchers observed that mice receiving the garlic compound showed better long- and short-term memory than those not receiving the treatment.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 8, 2019

Global microbial signatures for colorectal cancer established

Researchers have established disease-specific microbiome changes that are globally robust, despite differences in environment, diet, and lifestyle. These findings provide a basis for future non-invasive cancer screening and may enable new research into the causal role of gut microbes in colorectal cancer development.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 1, 2019

Movement toward a poop test for liver cirrhosis

Researchers at UC San Diego identified unique bacterial features in the stool of people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and their twins, allowing for 92% accurate diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. The test also showed promise in detecting previously undiagnosed cases with 87% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Probiotic bacteria evolve inside mice's GI tracts

A new study found that probiotic bacteria can evolve and change inside the mouse's gut, making them less effective and sometimes harmful. The researchers discovered that the bacteria's DNA changes and they develop new capabilities after living in the mice's intestines for a few weeks.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 26, 2019

Fountain of youth for heart health may lie in the gut

Research suggests that an aging microbiome may be the key to understanding vascular decline and cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that suppressing the microbiome in old mice restored vascular health to that of young mice, highlighting the potential for gut-friendly diets and supplements.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMar 19, 2019

WVU researchers explore stroke's effects on microbiome

A recent study by WVU researchers found that stroke patients' microbiomes may still be out of balance a month after the stroke has passed. The team discovered changes in the structure of their guts, including less prominent beneficial bacteria and increased inflammation.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateMar 12, 2019

How the microbiota controls neutrophil activity

The microbiota controls neutrophil activity by producing Serum Amyloid A (Saa), a host protein that restricts aberrant activation while enhancing migration to wounds. Saa reduces bactericidal activity and expression of pro-inflammatory genes in neutrophils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 7, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Balancing the gut

A study by researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin has identified a molecule, c-Maf, that regulates the balance between the immune system and gut microbiota. This finding may lead to new therapies for chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 26, 2019

Get fit for a fit gut

Research suggests that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with greater gut microbiota diversity, independent of body fat percentage. The study found that exercise at a high intensity improved gut microbiota diversity in cancer survivors.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateFeb 14, 2019