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A gut bacterium's guide to building a microbiome

A new study from Caltech sheds light on how a specific species of beneficial bacteria harnesses the body's immune response to settle in the gut. The researchers found that the bacteria are encased in a thick capsule made of carbohydrates, which is necessary for colonization and helps anchor them to epithelial cells.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMay 4, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vapers and non-smokers have the same flourishing gut flora

A study by Newcastle University found that vaping has the same beneficial gut bacteria as non-smokers, whereas smoking is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer and colitis. The research also discovered a decrease in beneficial Bacteroides bacteria in smokers.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 30, 2018

Dogs could be more similar to humans than we thought

Researchers found that dogs have a more similar gene content to humans than previously thought, with changes in diet affecting both species' gut microbiota. The study suggests dogs could be used as models for human nutrition studies, providing insights into the impact of diet on obesity and overall health.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 18, 2018

Commonly used drugs affect our gut bacteria

A study by EMBL researchers found that over a quarter of non-antibiotic drugs inhibit the growth of at least one species in the human gut microbiome. This can lead to unintended side effects and potentially contribute to antibiotic resistance. The research team screened 1000 marketed drugs against 40 representative bacteria, revealing ...

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 19, 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.

PCOS may reduce gut bacteria diversity

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women with PCOS have less diverse gut bacteria, which may influence the development of the condition and its impact on quality of life. Elevated testosterone levels in women with PCOS were linked to these changes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 23, 2018

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have less bacterial diversity in gut

Researchers found that women with PCOS have less diverse gut bacteria compared to those without the condition. Elevated testosterone levels in PCOS may contribute to these changes, suggesting a potential link between the microbiome and the development of PCOS.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 23, 2018

Drought defense

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that plants with diverse root microbiomes are more resilient to drought, while those with similar microbial communities struggle. The research also found that recruiting specific bacteria can improve drought resistance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2018

Tracking effects of a food preservative on the gut microbiome

A UMass Amherst study found that a commonly used food preservative, epsilon-polylysine, temporarily altered the diversity of microbes in mouse gut but caused no lasting damage. The researchers observed that the gut microbiome returned to normal within 15 weeks

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateDec 18, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Lemur study highlights role of diet in shaping gut microbiome

A recent study on lemurs found that a similar diet leads to identical gut microbiomes, highlighting the importance of diet in shaping microbial ecosystems. The researchers also discovered common metabolic pathways between lemurs and humans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), raising questions about their role in human health.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGut Microbes·DateDec 5, 2017

Exercise changes gut microbial composition independent of diet, team reports

Two studies in mice and human subjects reveal exercise can alter gut microbiota, promoting healthy intestinal cells and reducing inflammation. Exercise-induced changes persisted even after returning to a sedentary lifestyle, with lean participants showing more significant improvements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateDec 4, 2017

Engineering the gut microbiome with 'good' bacteria may help treat Crohn's disease

Researchers at Penn Medicine found that wiping out bad bacteria and re-introducing 'good' bacteria can reconfigure the gut microbiota, potentially treating Crohn's disease. The study used human and mouse studies to show that a single enzyme can regulate bacterial nitrogen metabolism and lead to dysbiosis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Bacteria in the gut modulates response to immunotherapy in melanoma

Patients with higher diversity of bacteria in their digestive tract had longer median progression-free survival. A favorable microbiome also was associated with increased antigen processing and presentation by the immune system at the tumor site.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017
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.

New way to prevent unfavorable intestinal microbiota

Researchers found that antimicrobial peptide R-Spondin1 stimulates intestinal stem cells to differentiate into Paneth cells, which secrete alpha-defensins with strong antimicrobial activity. Administration of R-Spondin1 restored gut microbiota in mice with graft-versus-host disease, preventing depletion of Paneth cells and dysbiosis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 24, 2017

Gut bacterium indirectly causes symptoms by altering fruit fly microbiome

A new study found that CagA, a protein produced by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, can alter the population of microbes living in the fruit fly gut, leading to disease symptoms. The researchers suggest that manipulating the balance of microbes in the gut may be able to mitigate the harmful effects of infection with H. pylori.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 19, 2017

Gut bacteria from wild mice boost health in lab mice

Researchers found that introducing wild mouse gut bacteria to laboratory mice improved their survival rate against the flu virus and reduced tumor growth. The study suggests using natural microbiota in lab mice could improve disease modeling and lead to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 19, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Mice delivered by C-section gain more weight than those delivered naturally

A study published in Science Advances found that mice born by C-section gained an average of 33% more weight than those born vaginally over the course of 15 weeks after weaning. The researchers also discovered significant differences in bacterial species in their guts, with mice born by C-section having a less mature microbiome structure.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2017

In mice, C-section births linked to less developed microbiota and weight gain

A new study reveals that C-section births in mice result in less developed gut microbiota and significant weight gain. Vaginal-born mice demonstrated a leaner body type and normal microbiome maturity, while C-section born mice showed no major changes in microbiome structure but gained 33% more weight after weaning.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2017

Researchers create map of the gut's microbial landscape

A team of researchers created a three-dimensional map of the gut microbiome, revealing a surprising degree of mixing among different bacterial members. The study found that the gut microbiome lacks highly organized structure, unlike other body sites like the mouth.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 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.

What's the latest on gut microbiota?

A team of 106 Concordia undergraduate students co-authored a review article on human gut microbiota and its interactions with the host. The project, led by affiliate assistant professor Chiara Gamberi, aimed to improve students' writing and editing skills.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 19, 2017

Multiple sclerosis and microbiome

Researchers found significant differences in bacterial genera between MS patients and healthy controls, with Acinetobacter and Akkermansia being more abundant in patients. Exposure to extracts from these bacteria increased proinflammatory T cell differentiation and inhibited regulatory T cell differentiation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2017

Linking mental health and the gut microbiome

A recent review suggests that the gut-microbiome's formation and influence begin early in life, potentially leading to imbalances that contribute to depressive syndromes. The review also finds evidence of disturbances in the microbiome due to stress, diet, and medications, highlighting the importance of nutrition in mental health.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

In baby's dirty diapers, the clues to baby's brain development

Research from the UNC School of Medicine found an association between certain microbial communities and higher levels of cognitive development. Infants with high levels of Bacteroides had better cognitive scores, while those with diverse gut microbiomes performed worse.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 17, 2017

Key immunological mechanism for regulating intestinal flora discovered

Researchers at IMIM have found that immunoglobulin M plays a crucial role in regulating the diversity of intestinal flora, including beneficial microorganisms. The study highlights IgM's participation in an immunological memory system, enabling organisms to adapt to their microbial environment.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalImmunity·DateJul 11, 2017

Donor microbes persist 2 years after fecal transplant to treat C. difficile infection

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have made a groundbreaking discovery that fecal donor microbes can persist in recipients for months or years after a transplant to treat C. difficile infections. This is possible thanks to a novel method developed by the team to 'fingerprint' individual bacterial strains, allowing ...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateJun 13, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Russian scientists plot antibiotic resistance on a world map

The ResistoMap tool helps identify national trends in antibiotic use and control antibiotic resistance globally. By analyzing human gut microbiota, the map reveals correlations between antibiotic use patterns and resistome variations, shedding light on the global battle against antibiotic resistance.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalBioinformatics·DateMay 2, 2017

'Genetic scalpel' can manipulate the microbiome, Yale study shows

Yale researchers have developed a 'genetic scalpel' to regulate gene activity in the gut microbiome, enabling precise control over bacterial communities. This breakthrough tool may help understand the microbiome's impact on health and disease, including infectious diseases and behavioral disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateApr 20, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Giardiasis may be a disease of the ecology of the GI tract

Research published in Infection and Immunity found that Giardia infection changed the mouse microbiome, leading to more aerobic bacteria and less diversity of anaerobic species. The study suggests that Giardia may be an ecological disease that disrupts the gut's stable ecology.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateApr 20, 2017

Gut microbes contribute to age-associated inflammation: Mouse study

A mouse study reveals that gut microbes play a crucial role in age-associated inflammation and premature death. Imbalances in the gut microbiome lead to leaky intestines and trigger inflammation. Researchers hope to develop drugs or probiotics to restore gut barrier function and reduce age-related inflammation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 12, 2017

New research links Gulf War Illness to gastrointestinal disturbances

A new study from the University of South Carolina found a gastrointestinal link to Gulf War Illness, potentially explaining both gastrointestinal inflammation and neurological symptoms. The research suggests that altering the intestinal microbiota may lead to improved treatment options for GWI.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2017

Intestinal bacteria alter gut and brain function: McMaster study

A McMaster University study found that intestinal bacteria impact both intestinal and behavioral symptoms in IBS patients, potentially leading to new microbiota-directed therapies. The study also suggests a possible link between gut bacteria and other brain disorders such as autism, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017
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.

From mice, clues to microbiome's influence on metabolic disease

A study published in Cell Reports found that genetic variation in mice shapes their gut microbiome, which regulates insulin secretion and contributes to the onset of metabolic disease. The researchers observed a correlation between specific bacteria in the microbiome and metabolic traits such as body weight and glucose levels.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 17, 2017
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.

Understanding enzymes

Researchers have developed a new tool to accurately identify enzymes present in microbiomes and quantify their relative abundances. This breakthrough may uncover novel chemistry in the gut microbiome and provide insights into its impact on human health.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2017

Microbiomes more in flux in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease exhibit highly fluctuating gut microbiomes, unlike healthy individuals, who display more consistent microbial communities over time. The research highlights the dynamic nature of IBD and its relationship to the human gut microbiome.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 13, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Rebalancing gut microbiome lengthens survival in mouse model of ALS

Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine found that butyrate corrected a gut microbiome imbalance and reduced gut leakiness in mice with ALS. The treated mice lived longer than control mice and showed improved neuromuscular function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalClinical Therapeutics·DateJan 27, 2017

Study shows how a dog's diet shapes its gut microbiome

A new study finds that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet in dogs significantly influences the balance of microbes in their gut. The research suggests that obesity and overweight dogs may be more susceptible to dietary interventions.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJan 24, 2017

'Pedal bin machine' of gut bacteria revealed

Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a 'pedal bin machine' of gut bacteria that acquires nutrients in the human large bowel. The study provides fundamental insights into the functioning of the microbiota and its role in human health and nutrition.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·DateJan 11, 2017

Gut microorganisms affect our physiology

New research from the University of Exeter and University of Zaragoza found that gut microorganisms regulate serotonin levels through a protein called TLR2. This discovery may shed light on inflammatory bowel disease and other neurological conditions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 29, 2016
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.

Diet, the gut microbiome, and colorectal cancer: are they linked?

Recent evidence suggests a link between the gut microbiome and colorectal cancer development, with specific types of intestinal bacteria contributing to disease progression. Dietary-based therapeutic interventions, such as probiotics and prebiotics, may help modify the gut microbiome to reduce CRC risk.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateDec 9, 2016

Parkinson's disease linked to microbiome

Researchers at Caltech discovered a functional link between bacteria in the intestines and Parkinson's disease, showing that changes in gut bacterial populations contribute to motor skill deterioration. The study found that an imbalance in short-chain fatty acids regulates brain inflammation and symptoms of PD.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Gut microbe movements regulate host circadian rhythms

Research in mice reveals that gut microbe movements can influence a host animal's circadian rhythms by exposing different microbes and their metabolites as the day goes by. The study shows profound effects on host physiology, including changes in liver function and gene expression.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 2016