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Parasites and the microbiome

Researchers found that parasite infection was strongly associated with the overall composition of the microbiome, which could accurately predict a person's country and lifestyle. The study also discovered that the presence of four soil-transmitted gut parasites tended to co-occur at a higher rate than chance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 12, 2020

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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