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Repeated courses of antibiotics may profoundly alter children's development

A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers found that multiple courses of commonly used antibiotics in children can have significant effects on their development. The study showed that antibiotic-exposed mice gained more weight and developed larger bones than untreated mice, while also disrupting the gut microbiome.

Team discovers link between lifestyles of indigenous communities & gut microbial ecologies

A team of researchers has discovered a strong association between the lifestyles of indigenous communities and their gut microbial ecologies. The study found that hunter-gatherers in South America and Africa have similar gut microbiota profiles, while urban-industrialists have distinct profiles, suggesting a link between lifestyle and ...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2015

Do gut bacteria rule our minds?

Researchers found that gut bacteria can sway food choices by releasing signaling molecules into the gut, influencing physiological and behavioral responses. The microbiome's diversity of interests can be manipulated through diet and supplement changes, offering a tractable approach to obesity and unhealthy eating.

BGI presents a high-quality gene catalog of human gut microbiome

Researchers have established a comprehensive catalog of the human gut microbial genes, with over 9.8 million genes available for global researchers to explore. The study highlights differences in nutrient metabolism and xenobiotic detoxification between Chinese and Danish adults, as well as enrichment in antibiotic resistance genes.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 6, 2014

Inside out at the 2014 AAAS meeting: The impact of gut flora on diabetes and obesity

Recent research highlights the critical role of gut flora in diabetes and obesity, with studies suggesting a strong connection between the two. The CommHERE consortium, comprising nine European institutions, has brought together leading experts to discuss their findings on the impact of gut microbiota on metabolic diseases.

Clues about autism may come from the gut

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower diversity of gut bacteria and decreased amounts of three critical bacteria. This finding implies that a diverse gut microbiome is essential for maintaining a robust bacterial community, and may be linked to the development of ASD symptoms.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2013

Gut microbes at root of severe malnutrition in kids

A study of young twins in Malawi reveals that dysfunctional gut microbes contribute to severe acute childhood malnutrition. The researchers found that feeding malnourished children a high-calorie, nutrient-rich food temporarily improved their gut microbiomes, but the benefits were short-lived. The findings suggest that repairing gut mi...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2013

Dead guts spill history of extinct microbes

Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that extinct human microbes from archeological sites closely resemble those found in present-day rural African communities. The study suggests that the modern cosmopolitan lifestyle resulted in a dramatic change to the human gut microbiome.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2012

For our guts, not just any microbiome will do

A recent study found that mice carrying a set of friendly microbes fail to develop a proper immune system, highlighting the importance of host-specific microbiota. The researchers suggest that a coevolved relationship between humans and their gut microbiome may be compromised by modern lifestyle factors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 21, 2012

Announcing the Human Microbiome Project Collection

The Human Microbiome Project Collection provides a comprehensive baseline of the microbial diversity at 18 human body sites, including reference genomes and metagenomic sequences. The studies examine relationships between the microbiome and host health, shedding light on conditions such as Crohn's disease and psoriasis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 13, 2012

Discovery may help scientists boost broccoli's cancer-fighting power

A University of Illinois study shows that sulforaphane, a powerful cancer-fighting agent in broccoli, can be released by bacteria in the lower gut and absorbed into the body. This discovery raises the possibility of enhancing the activity of these bacteria to increase broccoli's cancer-preventive power.