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Researchers carry out first peer-reviewed study of fecal microbiota transplants in dolphins

Researchers successfully carried out pioneering fecal microbiota transplantations on Navy bottlenose dolphins, showing significant improvement and increased microbial diversity. The study's findings have important implications for marine mammal medicine, highlighting a non-antibiotic option to treat gastrointestinal diseases.

SourceApplied Microbiology International·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateMar 24, 2024

Gut bacteria important for overcoming milk allergy

Researchers at RIKEN found that gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium, are associated with higher chances of successful milk-allergy treatment. However, only 7 out of 28 children who underwent oral immunotherapy passed the food challenge after a two-week milk avoidance period.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAllergology International·DateMar 14, 2024

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles provide novel insights into previously unknown disease mechanisms

Researchers decode underlying mechanisms of DCM, hippocampal neurotoxicity, and dysbiosis mediated AD progression using mass spectrometry imaging. The studies found metabolic changes in DCM rat hearts and regulation of CYPs in the hippocampus, providing new perspectives on treatment strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Wistar scientists discover link between leaky gut and accelerated biological aging

Researchers found a significant connection between disrupted gut microbiomes, increased intestinal permeability, and faster biological aging in people living with chronic HIV infection. The study highlights specific bacteria as potential accelerators of aging, opening new avenues for developing strategies to mitigate these effects.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

AGA now recommends fecal microbiota transplant for the majority of recurrent C. diff patients

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as a safe and effective treatment for most patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT offers hope to patients suffering from debilitating C. diff, enabling them to lead happy and healthy lives.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 21, 2024

Understanding chronic wasting disease in deer

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine sheds light on how Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) impacts the gut microbiome, providing a potential tool for disease surveillance. Researchers found that certain types of gut bacteria can differentiate between CWD-positive and -negative deer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists develop artificial ‘worm gut’ to break down plastics

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed an artificial 'worm gut' that can efficiently break down plastics using microbes found in worms' guts. The artificial system replicates the natural process of worms breaking down plastics and has potential for biotechnological approaches to process plastic waste.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

When bees nourish their microbiota

Researchers have discovered that bees produce multiple acids that provide essential nutrients to native gut microbes, such as Snodgrassella alvi. This finding suggests that the bee directly enables bacterial colonization by furnishing necessary nutrients, highlighting the intricate metabolic synergy between bees and their gut microbiota.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 15, 2024

Scientists uncover how fermented-food bacteria can guard against depression, anxiety

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how Lactobacillus, a bacterium found in fermented foods and yogurt, influences mood disorders. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy level of Lactobacillus may help prevent depression and anxiety by regulating immune response to stress.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateNov 30, 2023

Vegan diet fosters changes in gut microbiome that reduce hot flashes by 95%, finds new study

A low-fat vegan diet with soy significantly decreases postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, eliminating severe hot flashes and reducing moderate-to-severe hot flashes by 96%. The study also found weight loss and protection against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 14, 2023

Dietary supplement modifies gut microbiome – potential implications for bone marrow transplant patients

A phase I pilot study investigates the feasibility of using potato starch as a dietary intervention to modify the gut microbiome in bone marrow transplant patients. The study found that more than 80% of participants took the supplement with no negative side effects, and butyrate levels were significantly higher in those who consumed it.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

Discrimination alters brain-gut ‘crosstalk,’ prompting poor food choices and increased health risks

UCLA researchers found that people exposed to discrimination exhibit altered brain responses to food cues, increasing cravings for unhealthy foods and changing gut chemistry. This leads to a higher risk of obesity and related disorders, highlighting the potential role of discrimination in food choices and health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023

Resistant starch supplement reduces liver triglycerides in people with fatty liver disease

A 4-month randomized controlled trial found that daily intake of resistant starch can lower liver triglycerides and liver enzymes associated with liver injury and inflammation. The treatment group had a different microbiota composition and functionality compared to the control group, leading to improved liver conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 5, 2023

Clarissa Campbell and Barbara Maier at CeMM receive ERC Starting Grants

Clarissa Campbell and Barbara Maier receive prestigious ERC Starting Grants for their research on the interplay between the immune system and metabolism, as well as the role of lymph nodes in cancer. The grants will support their work on understanding immune cells in the gut and the crosstalk between tumors and lymph nodes.

Biologist gets the scoop on squash bug poop

A graduate student's accidental discovery sheds light on how squash bug nymphs acquire essential bacteria. Researchers found that the nymphs eat adult feces to obtain the necessary microbes, an elegant solution to a basic problem. This finding may offer insights for improved methods to control squash bugs, a significant agricultural pest.

SourceEmory University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

How Salmonella grow together in the gut and exchange antibiotic resistance

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that Salmonella bacteria can thrive together in the gut and share information about antibiotic survival mechanisms through a metabolic strategy. This exchange of critical information enables the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes, highlighting the impact of dietary components on promoting this phenomenon.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023

Protective particles allow engineered probiotics to report gut disease

Researchers developed a platform that allows engineered biosensor bacteria to safely pass through the gastrointestinal tract in animal models. The platform enables real-time monitoring of gut health and can be used to diagnose and monitor various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. It has the potential to revolutionize pati...

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Irregular sleep patterns associated with harmful gut bacteria

Researchers at King's College London found irregular sleep patterns are associated with lower overall diet quality, higher intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, and lower intakes of fruits and nuts. This is linked to differences in gut microbiome composition, with certain species having 'unfavourable' associations with health.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateAug 1, 2023

Deciphering the association between uterine microbiota and fertility in dairy cows

Researchers analyzed dairy cows' uterine microbiota and found significant associations with fertility, including a correlation between microbial diversity and AI frequency. The study suggests that farm-to-farm variations in microbiota can impact fertility, paving the way for new diagnostic approaches to low fertility in dairy farms.

SourceOkayama University·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2023

University of Minnesota-led study demonstrates safety of microbiota transplant therapy in stem cell transplant and leukemia patients

A University of Minnesota-led study demonstrated the safety of microbiota transplant therapy (MTT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). MTT showed improved gut bacteria balance but did not significantly reduce infections. The study's results will inform a larger follo...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 6, 2023