Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers propose new method for large-scale data integration and biomarker identification

A team of researchers has developed a new algorithm to efficiently integrate large-scale microbiome data and identify disease-associated biomarkers. The NetMoss algorithm uses microbial interaction networks to remove batch effects and quantify topological differences, revealing biomarkers linked to multiple diseases.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Computational Science·DateJun 6, 2022

The gut microbiota compound that could become a drug for prevention and treatment of bronchiolitis

Researchers have discovered that short-chain fatty acid acetate from the gut microbiota can minimize the effects of infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mitigate its severity. The compound was found to activate antiviral molecules, such as RIG-I, which are effective against RSV, leading to a 88% reduction in viral load.

Diets high in fiber associated with less antibiotic resistance in gut bacteria

A study published in mBio found that healthy adults with diets rich in soluble fiber and lower animal protein consumption had fewer antibiotic-resistant microbes in their guts. This suggests that modifying the diet through increased fiber intake may help reduce antimicrobial resistance by shaping the gut microbiome.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalmBio·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2022

Not all dietary fibers are equal

Researchers investigated two common soluble fibers, arabinoxylan and long-chain inulin, on human physiology. They found that AX reduced LDL cholesterol, while LCI decreased inflammation markers and increased beneficial gut microbes, but high doses of inulin caused negative effects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

A refined microbiome “fingerprint” method tracks sub-strain variants of a single gut microbe strain

Researchers develop a refined microbiome fingerprint method to track sub-strain variations in key gut bacteria species. The study found differences in sub-strain dynamics between healthy individuals and hospitalized COVID-19 patients, suggesting an impending shift in the dominant strains of the gut microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2022

Genetics affects functions of gut microbiome

A recent study by Cornell scientists explores the relationship between human genetics and gut microbiome functions, identifying correlations between genetic variations and microbiome-associated traits. The research, led by Ilana Brito, uses a novel computational approach to model the distribution of functions and species within the hum...

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2022

Microbiota medicine: towards clinical revolution

A recent report by the International Society of Microbiota confirms a bidirectional interplay between gut microbiota and various organs, highlighting the crucial role of microbiota in disease pathogenesis. The report also explores therapeutic strategies for manipulating gut microbiota to prevent and treat disorders.

SourceMitochondria-Microbiota Task Force·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 31, 2022

Toxin-producing yeast strains in gut fuel IBD

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that certain Candida albicans yeast strains produce a potent toxin called candidalysin, which damages immune cells and triggers pro-inflammatory responses. The study suggests a possible way to personalize treatments for IBD patients by targeting these high-damaging strains.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2022

The Green Mediterranean diet modifies the bacterial population in our gut, with specific bacteria mediating weight loss and cardiac risk reduction

The green Mediterranean diet induces specific microbial changes in the gut microbiome, enriching with bacteria that positively affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This novel diet also promotes genetic pathways involved in reducing branched-chain amino acids linked to insulin resistance.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 10, 2022

This is your gut on sushi

A new Michigan Medicine study suggests that genes from oceanic bacteria have entered the human gut microbiome, enabling digestion of seaweed polysaccharides. The research found that these genes are more common than previously recognized and are linked to the ability to process certain seaweed-derived sugars.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 2, 2022

City of Hope and Osel announce live biotherapeutic product CBM588 may enhance efficacy of immunotherapy for patients with metastatic kidney cancer

A Phase 1 clinical trial showed CBM588 significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with metastatic kidney cancer when combined with immunotherapy. The treatment also increased response rates compared to immunotherapy alone, with no significant differences in toxicity.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 28, 2022

What the gut reveals about the heart

A study reveals that changes in gut microbiota and metabolome are associated with cardiovascular disease development, particularly coronary heart disease. The research found that alterations in the gut microbiome occur long before the onset of heart disease, suggesting a potential role for the microbiome in its early pathogenesis.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

A type of virus present in the gut microbiota is associated with better cognitive ability in humans, mice and flies

A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that individuals with more Caudovirales in their gut microbiota performed better at executive processes and verbal memory, while those with higher levels of Microviridae deteriorated in brain's executive abilities. Dairy products may be a possible means of acquiring Caudovirales.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Scientists characterize the imbalanced gut bacteria of patients with myocardial infarction, angina and heart failure

Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development

A boost to sulfur metabolism

A recent study by ITQB NOVA scientists uncovered the crucial role of a small marker protein, DsrD, in increasing metabolic activity for sulfate respiration. The findings suggest that DsrD acts as an allosteric activator of the DsrAB dissimilatory sulfite reductase, enhancing energy efficiency in microbial metabolism.

Human microbiome research excludes developing world

A new study found that almost half of all publicly available human microbiome samples come from the US, despite it representing only 4.3% of global population. This raises concerns about the applicability of future microbiome-based medical treatments to countries with limited resources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Scientists discover link between gut microbiota and chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis

A recent study by Éric Boilard at Université Laval has established a link between the gut microbiota and chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. The research reveals that phospholipase A2-IIA, a protein naturally present in the gut, alters the bacterial lipid profile and promotes inflammation. This finding suggests that local ...

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

New review suggests coffee consumption can stimulate digestion

A new review suggests that moderate coffee consumption can stimulate digestive processes and help movement through the colon. The study also found a possible association between coffee consumption and reduced risk of gallstones and certain liver diseases. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceKaizo·JournalNutrients·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2022

Common drugs affect our gut microbiome differently, with good and bad impacts on health

Research shows that common medicines have distinct effects on gut bacteria, with some having beneficial and others detrimental impacts. The study found associations between certain medications and changes to the gut microbiome, particularly with statins and gastric acid medication.