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The diversity of rural African populations extends to their microbiomes

A recent study analyzed the gut microbiomes of ethnically diverse Africans from seven populations, revealing wide ranges of microbiome profiles. The researchers found that while there were differences between industrialized and non-industrialized populations, there were also unexpected similarities between groups.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 21, 2019

Gut microbiome in digestive health: a new frontier in research

This special issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology delves into the relationship between the gut microbiome and specific digestive diseases. Key findings include the role of the microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal diseases, colorectal cancer prevention, and pancreatic disease.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 4, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fecal transplant effective against immunotherapy-induced colitis

Researchers found fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to be an effective treatment for severe colitis caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study showed both patients experienced significant improvements in inflammation and ulcerations after FMT, with reduced resemblance to their own pre-treatment gut microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 12, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Gut microbiota products can favor diabetes

Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy discovered that gut microbiota in people with type 2 diabetes produces a substance impairing insulin response. This finding highlights the importance of diet and gut microbiota interaction in understanding metabolism in health and disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCell·DateOct 26, 2018

Importance of infant diet in establishing a healthy gut

Research reveals that babies establish a healthy gut microbiome until around 2.5 years old, with breastfeeding playing a crucial role in early life. After weaning, the microbiome rapidly changes and becomes more stable, but the loss of beneficial bacteria can occur if breast milk is not available.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2018

Gut microbiota of infants predicts obesity in children

A recent study suggests that infant gut microbiota composition at 2 years of life is associated with body mass index (BMI) at age 12. The researchers found a stronger relationship between gut microbiota taxa and BMI z-scores as the kids got older, indicating that gut microbiota may be an early warning sign for detecting obesity.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateOct 23, 2018
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.

Bad habits in childhood may lead to an 'unhealthy' balance of gut bacteria

A study suggests that childhood habits, including diet and physical activity, can shape the gut microbiota of teenagers, which may contribute to developing conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Healthy lifestyle habits during childhood appear to promote a balanced gut microbiota in late adolescence.

SourceEuropean Society for Paediatric Endocrinology·DateSep 26, 2018

UVA discovers link between cold severity, bacteria living in your nose

Researchers found a correlation between the type and severity of cold symptoms and the mix of bacteria living inside the nose. Six different patterns of nasal microbiomes were identified, each associated with differences in symptom severity and viral load. Probiotics did not have an impact on cold symptoms or nasal microbiomes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2018

Deciphering the link between skin allergies and the gut microbiota

Scientists have discovered a connection between an antiviral protein and the maintenance of gut microbiota equilibrium. The study found that altering the gut microbiota led to increased intestinal permeability and severity of allergic skin reactions.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2018
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.

Effect of glyphosate on honey bee gut

The herbicide glyphosate reduces abundances of dominant gut microbiota species in exposed bees, making them more susceptible to pathogens. Bees with impaired gut microomes are more likely to die when exposed to opportunistic pathogens.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Household cleaning products may contribute to kids' overweight by altering their gut microbiota

A Canadian study found that frequent use of household disinfectants alters the gut microbiota in infants, leading to higher body mass index scores and increased risk of childhood obesity. In contrast, eco-friendly cleaners may reduce this risk due to healthier maternal lifestyles and eating habits.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 17, 2018

How bad bacteria gain an edge in the gut

Clostridium difficile produces p-cresol to control intestinal microbiota and confer fitness advantage over natural protective bacteria. This compound may provide a novel drug target for reducing C. difficile infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 11, 2018
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.

Fresh and raw diets for dogs may have health benefits, study says

A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that fresh and raw diets for dogs can be more digestible than traditional kibble, leading to lower blood triglyceride levels. The diets also showed major shifts in the microbiota of the dogs' gut, but all diets were considered healthy and palatable.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateAug 23, 2018

Stunting and the microbiome

A study of stunted children found decompensation of the gastrointestinal tract and increased abundance of oropharyngeal taxa in their gut microbiomes. This suggests a key role for oral cavity bacteria in childhood growth stunting.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

What you eat while pregnant may affect your baby's gut

A study published in Microbiome found that maternal diet during pregnancy can influence the infant gut microbiome, with varying effects depending on delivery mode. Vaginal delivery was associated with a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium and Enterobactericeae, while caesarean section was linked to increased Streptococcus and Clostridium.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateJul 4, 2018

How good bacteria can help keep a gut healthy

Research reveals that good bacteria interact with epithelial cells and immune system cells to balance immune responses and protect the gut from inflammation. Manipulating the microbiota may offer therapeutic benefits for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateJul 3, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

The FASEB Journal: Gender-specific differences in intestinal lining

Researchers found that female participants had stronger intestinal barriers and greater diversity of microbes, leading to a healthier environment. The study also showed that males were more sensitive to indomethacin disruption and demonstrated changes in stool microbial populations.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 22, 2018

Scientists reveal how gut microbes 'recover' after antibiotic treatment

Research in mice suggests that antibiotics alter the redox potential of the gut environment, leading to changes in microbial communities. The study proposes new ecological models for how antibiotics reshape the gut microbiome and could inform the development of drugs to treat microbial disorders or prevent antibiotic-associated infecti...

SourceeLife·DateJun 19, 2018

Gut microbes may contribute to depression and anxiety in obesity

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that gut microbes contribute to signs of negative feelings and brain chemistry in obese mice. Antibiotics reversed these behaviors, demonstrating a significant link between the microbiome and mental health outcomes.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 17, 2018

Gut microbiota and gastrointestinal maturation

Researchers found that gut microbiota regulates adult enteric nervous system maturation through serotonin networks, potentially impacting gastrointestinal disorders. The study used germ-free mice colonized with normal microbiota to demonstrate this link.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Researchers find gut microbiome plays an important role in atherosclerosis

The study found that patients with unexplained atherosclerosis had significantly higher blood levels of toxic metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria. The researchers suggest that the gut microbiome plays an important role in an individual's risk for atherosclerosis, opening the door for new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateMay 2, 2018

Student class engagement soars when they use personal data to learn

A Brigham Young University study found that students who analyzed their own microbiome data spent 31% more time on coursework and reported increased confidence in scientific reasoning abilities. This approach may increase student engagement in science education, inspiring lifelong learning.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 11, 2018

Microbiome study suggests marine nematodes are not picky eaters

A recent study found no correlation between nematode species and their microbial profiles, contradicting previous findings in other organisms. The researchers discovered a diverse range of microbial associations with nematodes, including parasites and bacteria involved in nutrient cycling.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 3, 2018
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.

Stress, gut microbes, and inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic stress leads to increased inflammation-promoting bacteria and weakened colonic mucus barrier in mice. This disruption can trigger an immune response and increase severity of induced colitis.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2018

High-fiber diets, with aid from gut microbes, can help treat type 2 diabetes

A high-fiber diet can alleviate symptoms of type 2 diabetes by promoting a specific group of gut bacteria, according to researchers. The study found that patients under a high-fiber diet had greatly reduced blood sugar and body weight compared to those on standard care.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018

You are what you eat: Diet-specific adaptations in vampire bats

The vampire bat's unique blood-based diet requires specific genetic and microbial adaptations, including enhanced iron assimilation and immunity, to tackle nutritional and non-nutritional challenges posed by blood meals. The findings suggest that the bats' microbiome plays a crucial role in their defense against viral infections.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 19, 2018
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.

Cystic fibrosis and microbiome

Researchers found that E. coli from cystic fibrosis patients grew faster on glycerol compared to healthy controls. The study suggests a link between increased intestinal fat in CF patients and the selection of specific microorganisms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Intestinal microbiota and cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that Bifidobacterium administration reduced weight loss and inflammatory cytokine levels in mice with colitis, while preserving antitumor immunity. This suggests a potential role for intestinal microbiota in cancer immunotherapy.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Count your blessings: Quantitative microbiome profiling

The VIB-KU Leuven team presents a novel approach to analyzing gut microbiota, enabling the calculation of bacterial loads in fecal samples. This allows for a more accurate understanding of the relationship between microbiome composition and health parameters.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Study reveals connection between microbiome and autoimmune disorders

A recent study published in Cell reveals a new mechanism in the gut microbiome that regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cells, potentially preventing inflammatory bowel disease. The research also suggests that changes in the gut microbiome can increase the risk of other autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCell·DateOct 20, 2017

The mouth may act as a hub for intestinal disease-causing bacteria

Research suggests that mouth bacteria can contribute to conditions like IBD, UC, and Crohn's disease by triggering severe inflammation in susceptible individuals. The study found that saliva samples from patients with these diseases contain Klebsiella bacteria, which can colonize the intestine and exacerbate symptoms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2017

Stress might be just as unhealthy as junk food to digestive system

A BYU study with mice reveals stress can alter gut microbiota to resemble a high-fat diet, potentially contributing to gender-specific health disparities. Researchers found distinct changes in female mice's digestive microorganisms upon exposure to stress.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 16, 2017

Gut fungi could play a role in obesity epidemic

A new study suggests that high-fat diets can change gut fungi and potentially contribute to the development of obesity. The research shows significant differences in fungal and bacterial communities between mice fed standard and high-fat diets.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateOct 11, 2017
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.

Antibiotics found to weaken body's ability to fight off disease

New research finds that antibiotic use reduces the diversity of microbes in the gut, making it harder for the immune system to fight off infections. This disruption can compromise the intestinal barrier and leave the gut vulnerable to severe infection.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 17, 2017

How dietary fiber helps the intestines maintain health

UC Davis Health researchers found that dietary fiber acts as the right fuel to help intestinal cells maintain gut health. The beneficial microbes metabolize indigestible fiber to produce short-chain fatty acids, signaling cells to maximize oxygen consumption and limit harmful microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017
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.

Treating autism by targeting the gut

Researchers found that restoring a healthy balance in gut bacteria can treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms. The review highlights several studies showing positive impacts of probiotics, prebiotics, diet changes and faecal matter transplants on ASD symptoms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 2017

Circadian clock changes can alter body's response to diet

Researchers discovered that changing the circadian clock in mouse liver alters how the body responds to diet and changes the microbes living in the digestive tract. The study found that mice lacking a specific gene in their liver had different gut microbiomes and responded differently to weight loss diets.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 4, 2017

Chronic fatigue syndrome linked to imbalanced microbiome

Scientists identify abnormal levels of specific gut bacteria in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), including those with and without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study suggests that analyzing fecal microbiome may help subtype patients with ME/CFS.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

Infant mice lack microbes that help fight intestinal infection

A new study reveals that newborns are more prone to intestinal infections due to underdeveloped gut microbiomes. Colonization with healthy adult microbes significantly reduces disease in infected infant mice, highlighting a potential way to boost their immune system.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2017
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.