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New study puts gut microbiome at the center of Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis

A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a significant imbalance in the gut microbiome of individuals with Parkinson's disease. The researchers discovered that over 30% of micro-organisms and bacterial genes tested had altered abundances, indicating a widespread imbalance in the microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2023

Differences in gut microbiome linked to risk of death in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure

A study found that patients with severe COVID-19 who suffered progressive lung failure had a different gut microbiome composition compared to those who recovered. The research identified key differences in bacteria and metabolites, including higher levels of Proteobacteria and lower levels of secondary bile acids in dying patients.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023

Oral contraceptives impact on women’s health: Age and gut microbiome may be determining factors

Research from the University of Ottawa finds that oral contraceptives' effects on brain and mood in women may be linked to age of onset and gut microbiome. The study suggests adolescence as a critical period for understanding OCs' impact, as it influences brain development and hormonal changes.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalFrontiers in Neuroendocrinology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 15, 2022

Racism takes its toll on brain and body

A new study finds that discrimination influences the central and enteric nervous systems, altering the bidirectional signaling between the brain and gut microbiome. This leads to changes in systemic inflammation, emotional arousal, and psychological symptoms across different racial and ethnic groups.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2022

Study finds microbiota transfer therapy provides long term improvement in gut health in children with autism

A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that microbiota transfer therapy significantly improved the abundance of beneficial bacteria and normalized altered bacterial gene expression in children with autism. The treatment showed substantial increases in populations of beneficial bacterial species and improvements in ge...

SourceArizona State University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

A self-powered ingestible sensor opens new avenues for gut research

UC San Diego researchers have developed a self-powered ingestible biosensing system that provides continuous monitoring of gut metabolites, unlocking new understanding of intestinal health and its impact on human health. The battery-free sensor is powered by glucose and can measure glucose levels in the small intestine for up to 14 hours.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Multiple sclerosis therapy improves gut flora

Researchers found that dimethyl fumarate treatment increased the proportion of beneficial gut bacteria and reduced pro-inflammatory types, which are associated with MS. The study suggests a potential connection between gut flora and clinical side effects, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalGut Microbes·DateDec 1, 2022

What shapes the composition of microbes in a warbler’s gut?

A team of researchers from Penn State found that the microbiomes of warblers are influenced more by evolution than diet, contrary to a recently proposed hypothesis. The study's results suggest that evolutionary history plays a larger role in determining the diversity of bacteria within birds' gut microbiomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 21, 2022

Intestinal microorganisms influence white blood cell levels in blood

A team of researchers discovered that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in driving granulopoiesis, a process formation of granulocytes, in mice models. The study found that alterations in the gut microbiome composition induced by neutropenia stimulate reactive granulopoiesis via interleukin 17A secreted by T cells, promoting neu...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

How gut bacteria influence the effects of cocaine in mice

Research reveals that common gut bacteria enhance cocaine effects in mice by consuming glycine, leading to behavior abnormalities. Supplementing glycine or using a genetically modified bacteria reduces response to cocaine, demonstrating its role as an addiction mediator.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

COVID-19 virus increases risk for other infections by disrupting normal mix of gut bacteria

A new study found that COVID-19 infection directly interferes with the healthy balance of microbes in the gut, further endangering patients. The research revealed that antibiotic-resistant species can escape into the bloodstream, putting patients at greater risk for life-threatening secondary infections.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Controlling gut flora can reduce mortality in critically ill patients on life support

A randomized clinical trial found that applying topical antibiotics to the upper digestive tract can improve survival rates in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients. The study, published in JAMA, also showed a significant reduction in new hospital-acquired infections.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2022

Paris will host the 9th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Microbiota dedicated to microbiota and microbiotal medicine: Where we are now and what’s next?

The event will cover various topics including microbiota dysbiosis, oral and vaginal microbiota, and their impact on diseases like depression, cancer, and respiratory infections. The meeting aims to accelerate Microbiota medicine applications through strategic discussions.

Gut bacteria may contribute to susceptibility to HIV infection, UCLA-led research suggests

Researchers found pre-existing differences in gut bacteria between people with and without HIV, including decreased Bacteroides species and increased Megasphaera elsdenii. These changes were present even before infection occurred, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiome and HIV susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2022

Fecal transplantation: an effective remedy for life-threatening intestinal infections

A new study conducted by researchers from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital shows that fecal transplantation is an effective cure for life-threatening intestinal infections, with a cure rate of over 90%. The treatment was found to be far superior to the standard treatment, which typically consists of antibiotics.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2022

Gut microbiomes help bears with very different diets reach the same size

A recent study of Alaskan brown bears reveals that their gut microbiomes play a crucial role in supporting health and achieving comparable size despite eating vastly different diets. The research sheds light on the importance of diverse dietary niches for bears, which can help them extract nutrition from various food sources.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2022

Transplanted gut bacteria causes cardiovascular changes in mice

Researchers found that transplanted gut bacteria from mice with obstructive sleep apnea caused increased blood pressure and impaired coronary function in recipient mice. Probiotics improved symptoms for the recipients but not the donor mice, highlighting a potential therapeutic strategy to mitigate cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2022

Keeping balance between inside and outside

Gut epithelial cells control mutualism between host immune system and gut microbiome by regulating SFB and Th17 cell levels. Lack of IκBζ gene impairs defense mechanisms against pathogens, leading to inflammatory diseases.

SourceToho University·JournalMucosal Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022

Why breast-fed premature infants have a healthier gut than formula-fed ones

Research found that breastfed premature infants have improved gut barrier function and nutrient absorption due to the presence of Bifidobacterium breve. This strain strengthens the intestinal wall, protecting against disease. The discovery could lead to promising clinical interventions to increase survival rates of vulnerable preemies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2022

New dog food? Study shows Fido's gut bacteria could turn over within a week

A new study from the University of Illinois found that dog gut bacteria can change rapidly after introducing a new diet, with microbial turnover occurring in under a week. The research also confirmed previous findings on the health benefits of high-fiber diets over high-fat and high-protein diets.

Exploring factors that may underlie how domestic cats can live in groups

A new study explores relationships between domestic cats' hormone levels, gut microbiomes, and social behaviors in cohabitating groups. The research found that low testosterone and cortisol concentrations enabled cats to share space, while high oxytocin levels were associated with less affiliative behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2022