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All people are unique – also in the gut

A new study found that changes in the gut environment influence the composition and activity of gut bacteria. The study involved swallowing a capsule with pH sensors through breakfast, revealing unique gut environments and travel times among individuals. This may help explain individual differences in digestion, nutrient uptake, and bo...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 2, 2024

Why substitute sugar with maple syrup?

The study found that substituting pure maple syrup for refined sugars reduced several cardiometabolic risk factors in humans, including improved blood sugar levels and lowered blood pressure. Visceral fat mass also decreased significantly in the maple syrup group. The study's findings suggest that incorporating maple syrup into daily d...

SourceEllen LaNicca Fearless PR·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 18, 2024

A new technology to isolate immunostimulatory members of the human gut microbiota: next-generation IgA-seq

Scientists at UMC Utrecht developed a new technology to isolate and study gut bacteria recognized by IgA antibodies, which are associated with various diseases. The next-generation IgA-SEQ method allows for high-throughput identification and analysis of these immunostimulatory bacteria, shedding light on their role in health and disease.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

Gut dysbiosis and fecal microbiota transplantation in pancreatic cancer: Current status and perspectives

Research highlights the role of gut dysbiosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with specific microbial profiles associated with PDAC. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is proposed as a potential adjunct therapy to improve patient outcomes through microbiome modulation and immune system recalibration.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateNov 7, 2024

Gut microbes play a key role in regulating stress responsiveness throughout the day, research finds

A pioneering study has uncovered the vital role that gut microbiota plays in regulating stress responses by interacting with the body's circadian rhythms. The findings open the door for developing new microbial-based therapies to help individuals better manage stress-related mental health conditions.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 5, 2024

USC study finds link between PFAS, kidney function and gut health

Researchers at USC found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and kidney damage, which may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, suggests that changes in gut bacteria and related metabolites can explain up to 50% of decreased kidney function.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Gut microbiome and tumor cachexia: New Euro-pean research network

The 'MiCCrobioTAckle' project investigates the complex interactions between the gut microbiome and tumor cachexia to find ways of slowing down muscle breakdown. Twelve doctoral researchers from twelve countries will work together across Europe, gaining new insights into the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer cachexia.

What’s in the microbiome of the foods we eat?

Researchers have developed a comprehensive database of the 'food microbiome' by sequencing metagenomes from 2,533 foods, identifying 10,899 food-associated microbes. The study shows that these microbes can influence human health and provide insights into how to improve food quality, safety, and authenticity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Mother’s gut microbiome during pregnancy shapes baby’s brain development

A study in mice found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve supports healthy brain development in fetuses, improving nutrient transport and cell processes. This discovery suggests using probiotics during pregnancy may support fetal brain health and future treatments for growth restriction could focus on maternal gut health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

Honey added to yogurt supports probiotic cultures for digestive health

New studies from the University of Illinois found that adding honey to yogurt supports the survival of probiotic bacteria in the gut. The research suggests that pairing honey with yogurt is a delicious and healthy way to support digestive health and gut microbiome, with potential benefits for mood and cognition.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

What fat cats on a diet may tell us about obesity in humans

Researchers analyzed fecal samples from fat cats undergoing different dietary changes and found striking similarities to human studies, particularly in the presence of short-chain fatty acids. The study suggests that feline gut microbiome shifts may correlate with metabolic outcomes and provide valuable insights for obesity treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2024

Phage-derived enzyme targets E. faecalis biofilms to mitigate acute graft-versus-host disease

Researchers have identified a phage-derived enzyme that targets E. faecalis biofilms, reducing the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease in patients. The enzyme exhibits narrow-spectrum activity against E. faecalis and effectively lyses biofilms without affecting other bacteria.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2024

Uncovering “Blockbuster T cells” in the gut wins NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize

Researchers have identified a novel type of T cell that can recognize and respond to multiple bacterial strains in the gut. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for treating diseases such as cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. The discovery was made by Kazuki Nagashima, winner of the NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize.

Specific bacteria in your gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity

A study published in Gut reveals that specific bacteria in the gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity, with a beneficial bacterium called Blautia showing protective effects. The research also highlights the role of microRNAs in food addiction and suggests potential new treatments involving beneficial bacteria and dietary sup...

SourceFederation of European Neuroscience Societies·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Intermittent fasting shows promise in improving gut health, weight management

A new study highlights the benefits of intermittent fasting and protein-pacing on gut health, weight loss, and metabolic responses. Participants showed improved diversity of the gut microbiota, decreased symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, and increased beneficial microbes linked to a lean body type.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2024

The composition of the gut microbiota could influence decision-making

A study found that individuals taking probiotic supplements showed increased sensitivity to fairness and a greater inclination to reject unequal offers. This was accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition and levels of dopamine precursors. The findings suggest a potential causal mechanism linking gut bacteria to social behavior.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

Sensitivity to fairness and the gut microbiome

Taking pro- and prebiotics affects levels of altruistic punishment in ultimatum game players. Participants who took supplements were more likely to reject unfair offers, with those having a high Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio seeing the greatest changes.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 14, 2024