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Wild birds’ gut microbiome linked with its ornamentation and body condition

A new study has linked the diversity of a wild bird's gut microbiome with its ornamentation and body condition. Researchers found that a cardinal's gut microbiome can be predicted by its body condition, and the quality of its ornamentation, such as red plumage and beak. This discovery has important applications for conservation biology.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalOikos·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Expert publication recommends considering dietary factors in probiotics and prebiotics research

A new perspective paper emphasizes the critical role of diet in shaping the efficacy of prebiotics and probiotics. The authors found that diet significantly affects gut microbiome composition and function, potentially impacting the success of these interventions. Researchers are urged to collect data on participants' background diets a...

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 31, 2024

Does microbiome contribute to longevity?

A new study found compositional and functional differences in the gut microbiota of Chinese long-living adults (over 90 years) compared to elderly adults (65–74 years). The researchers noted lower relative abundances of bacteria in certain genera, which may regulate biological processes like autophagy and telomere maintenance. These fi...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalOMICS A Journal of Integrative Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2024

Possible trigger of Crohn’s disease discovered: Dysfunctional mitochondria disrupt the gut microbiome

Researchers at TUM found that mitochondrial dysfunction in mice leads to chronic intestinal inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome. The study suggests potential new treatments targeting mitochondrial pathways or addressing the connections between the microbiome and mitochondria.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Waging war on ‘superbugs’ in aged care

A new study found that antibiotic use in aged care leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut, posing a significant risk to vulnerable residents. Researchers analysed stool samples from 164 residents and discovered nearly all carried resistant genes without symptoms.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

UBC research pinpoints how early-life antibiotics turn immunity into allergy

Researchers at UBC have identified a specific cascade of events that lead to allergies and asthma after early-life antibiotic use. The study found that butyrate-producing bacteria play a key role in halting the allergic response, and that targeting ILC2 cells may provide new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

Probiotics during pregnancy shown to help moms and babies

A new study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that probiotics can improve the immune system and behavior of both mothers and their offspring during pregnancy. Probiotics may also help counteract negative effects of prenatal stress, such as changes in brain inflammation and amino acid metabolism.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024

Study finds refined corn flour with added corn bran can lower cholesterol

A randomized crossover clinical trial reveals that swapping refined corn flour for a blend of refined corn flour and corn bran lowers LDL cholesterol concentrations by 5-13.3%. The study found significant reductions in LDL cholesterol among 70% of participants who consumed the blend, while whole-grain corn meal had no impact.

SourceWild Hive·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 6, 2024

Ketogenic Diet reduces friendly gut bacteria and raises cholesterol levels - University of Bath study

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that a ketogenic diet can reduce beneficial gut bacteria and increase unfavorable fats in the blood. The diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, may have long-term health implications such as increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 6, 2024

Study identifies protein that affects health of gut microbiota and response to bacterial infection

A study identified a protein called IL-22BP that affects the composition of gut microbiota and the body's response to bacterial infection. The absence of this protein results in stronger defenses against intestinal infections, including increased production of short-chain fatty acids that promote an anti-inflammatory environment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2024

In clinical trial, fecal matter transplant helped half of patients with gastrointestinal cancers overcome resistance to immunotherapy treatment

A clinical trial found that fecal microbiota transplants can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in a range of gastrointestinal cancers. The study identified specific bacterial strains associated with better or worse responses, and showed promise for improving treatment outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2024

What fat cats on a diet may tell us about obesity in humans

Researchers analyzed fecal samples from fat cats undergoing different dietary changes and found striking similarities to human studies, particularly in the presence of short-chain fatty acids. The study suggests that feline gut microbiome shifts may correlate with metabolic outcomes and provide valuable insights for obesity treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2024

Timing is everything: Study finds link between bowel movement frequency and overall health

Researchers found that bowel movement frequency is linked to long-term health, with younger people, women, and those with lower BMI tending to have less frequent bowel movements. The study also showed associations between bowel movement frequency and chronic disease risk, mental health history, and gut microbiome composition.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJul 16, 2024

‘Unhealthy’ gut microbiome patterns linked to heightened risk of death after organ transplant

Research found that unhealthy gut microbiome patterns are associated with a heightened risk of death after solid organ transplant. The analysis revealed that the more the gut microbiome patterns diverge from those of the general population, the more likely they are to die sooner after their procedure. High numbers of certain bacterial ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2024

City of Hope study suggests changing the gut microbiome improves health outcomes for people newly diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer

Researchers found that a live biotherapeutic product CBM588, when taken orally, can improve health outcomes in people with metastatic kidney cancer. The study, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that the agent may enhance effectiveness of FDA-approved cancer immunotherapies by adjusting the gut microbiome.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 28, 2024

Ingestible microbiome sampling pill technology advances

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a small device that can sample the full inventory of microorganisms in an individual's gastrointestinal tract. The technology uses a soft elastic exterior and microvalves to collect samples, offering improved control over localized sampling in the small intestine.

SourceTufts University·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Study shows role of fathers in seeding the microbiota of newborns and confirms benefits of maternal fecal microbiota transplants

Researchers found that many bacterial strains present in infants at 3 weeks, months, and 12 months originated from the father, not the mother. This discovery highlights the importance of physical and social interactions between newborns and their fathers, as well as with other family members.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Poor quality diet makes our brains sad

A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

The composition of the gut microbiota could influence decision-making

A study found that individuals taking probiotic supplements showed increased sensitivity to fairness and a greater inclination to reject unequal offers. This was accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition and levels of dopamine precursors. The findings suggest a potential causal mechanism linking gut bacteria to social behavior.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles reveal the importance of phytocompounds and metabolomics analysis

Researchers explore plant-based therapeutic compounds and traditional Chinese medicine formulas as alternatives to treat IBD, while also developing advanced diagnostic tools using metabolomics analysis. The studies found significant improvements in symptoms of IBD and treatment outcomes for chemotherapy-related toxicity.

SourcePeriodicals Publishing House of Xi'an Jiaotong University·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Personalised “cocktails” of antibiotics, probiotics and prebiotics hold great promise in treating a common form of irritable bowel syndrome, pilot study finds

A pilot study found that targeted gut-microbiota therapy improved symptoms in almost all patients with post-infection IBS, with 38.5% achieving total remission. The treatment involved a personalised blend of antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics tailored to each patient's unique microbiome.

Bacteria in cancer unmasked

A study published in Cell reveals a detailed catalogue of bacteria living in cancer metastases, including links to therapy efficacy and tumor cell activity. The research provides new insights into how bacteria interact with cancer cells and their surroundings.