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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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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