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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

Chinese investigators characterize the world of resistance gene exchange among bacteria

A team of Chinese researchers characterized the 'mobile resistome,' a network of easily transferred antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria, including humans and animals. The study found that these genes are shared among multiple human pathogens and can be disabling for six major classes of antibiotics.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 9, 2016

Monkeys in zoos have human gut bacteria

A new study found that captive monkeys in zoos lose their native gut bacteria diversity and acquire a set similar to humans. The researchers suggest that a low-fiber Western diet may be the cause, as it led to a loss of microbial diversity in both captive and semi-captive populations.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2016

Study establishes the first public collection of bacteria from the intestine of mice

Scientists have established the first public collection of bacteria from the intestine of mice, providing comprehensive information on the mouse gut microbiota. The collection includes 76 cultured bacterial species, including 15 previously unknown taxa, and sheds light on the interactions between gut bacteria and their host.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 12, 2016

Bugs as drugs

Researchers at Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have catalogued over 130 human intestine bacteria, enabling them to study the microbiome's role in health and disease. The discoveries hold promise for creating tailored treatments with specific beneficial bacteria.

Breast milk hormones found to impact bacterial development in infants' guts

A CU Anschutz study finds that breast milk hormones impact the development of healthy bacteria in infants' guts, potentially protecting them from intestinal inflammation, obesity, and diseases. Researchers found a positive association between insulin, leptin, and microbial diversity in the infant's stool.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 4, 2016

Gregarious chimps harbor richer gut microbiomes

Researchers found that the number of bacterial species in a chimp's GI tract increases when they are more gregarious. The study suggests that social interactions with other chimps help maintain gut microbial diversity over a lifetime, just as initial exposure from mom does.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 15, 2016

A cultural revolution in the study of the gut microbiome

Scientists have developed a human-gut-on-a-chip model that allows them to analyze the interactions between normal gut microbes and pathogenic bacteria, providing new insights into inflammatory bowel diseases. The technology has revealed four small proteins that stimulate inflammation, opening up a potential therapeutic pathway for trea...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2015

First look at gut microbes in an American Indian community

Researchers analyzed stool samples from 38 adults in the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe, finding reduced abundance of certain bacteria and similar fecal metabolite profiles to those with metabolic disorders. The study suggests that lifestyle and social practices may play a role in health disparities among American Indians.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 3, 2015

Gut microbiota regulates antioxidant metabolism

A study published in Molecular Systems Biology reveals that gut microbiota regulates glutathione and amino acid metabolism in mice, which may contribute to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. The research also highlights the potential for probiotics to deliver beneficial bacteria to the gut and prevent meta...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateNov 6, 2015