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When the gut's internal ecosystem goes awry, could an ancient if gross-sounding treatment make it right?

Research using ring-tailed lemurs shows that fecal microbiota transplants can stabilize and restore a healthy gut microbiome after antibiotic use. The study confirms the effectiveness of this ancient treatment for reducing the negative effects of antibiotics on the gut, which can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnimal Microbiome·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

By capsule through the bloodstream: How intestinal bacteria communicate with the body

An international research team discovered that intestinal bacteria can distribute their metabolic products throughout the body via the bloodstream using membrane vesicles. The study found that these vesicles can overcome the blood-brain barrier and enter brain cells, suggesting a new method for delivering drugs or vaccines.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021

Dartmouth study reveals new insights into how the infant microbiome impacts early childhood behavior in boys and girls

A new Dartmouth-led study found a direct association between the infant microbiome and early childhood behavioral health, with sex-specific differences. The study characterized the species of microbes present in each participant's gut and their functions, establishing that microbiome changes occur before behavioral changes.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPediatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus linked to altered gut microbiome

A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a link between systemic lupus erythematosus and an altered gut microbiome. Researchers at Osaka University identified two species of Streptococcus bacteria significantly increased in SLE patients, which can affect the body's functions by altering plasma metabolites. T...

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021

Using the microbiome to promote muscle growth in muscle loss conditions such as ageing and cancer

A new study found that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for skeletal muscles to grow after exercise. Researchers used mice with antibiotics to disrupt the microbiome, showing reduced muscle growth compared to healthy mice. The findings support previous studies linking the gut microbiome to muscle health.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2021

Can You Lose Weight? Ask Your Microbiome

A new study from Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) reveals that the genetic capacity of the gut microbiome is strongly associated with weight loss success or failure. Microbiomes of those who lost weight had higher bacterial growth rates and were enriched in genes that divert dietary nutrients toward bacterial cell growth. In contras...

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalmSystems·DateSep 14, 2021

Socio-economic status of children can influence microorganisms in their digestive tract

A nationwide study suggests that a family's socio-economic status can shape the health of young children by influencing the diversity of their gut microbiome. The study found that parents with higher education levels had children with a higher abundance of certain beneficial microbes, which could have long-term implications for health.

EU, US regulators apply similar mindset when advising live biotherapeutic product developer

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have applied a similar mindset when advising live biotherapeutic product developer YSOPIA Bioscience. This collaboration has provided valuable regulatory feedback for the company's clinical development efforts. The review highlights the need for harmonize...

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeCase study·DateSep 9, 2021

Novel mechanism links genetic defect in IBD patients to gut leakiness

A UC Riverside-led study identifies how loss-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN2 affect intestinal epithelial cells' ability to maintain a barrier. The researchers found that increased fluid loss and diarrhea are linked to the mutation, which can be reversed by treating cells with synthetic matriptase.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

New paper reviews gut microbiome (bacterial and fungal communities) health for fighting depression during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in mental health, with disruptions in beneficial microorganisms linked to depressive disorders. The researchers propose a multifaceted approach to manage depression through rebalancing and maintaining the gut microbiome using diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 25, 2021

Persistence pays off in the human gut microbiome

Researchers investigated bacterial persistence in the human gut microbiome, identifying three dispersal strategies and finding that most strains are highly persistent. The study's results will inform targeted probiotic and treatment approaches to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 14, 2021

Bacteria are connected to how babies experience fear

A new study from Michigan State University found that infants' gut microbiomes are associated with their fear responses, which can be indicators of future mental health. The researchers discovered that specific features of the gut microbiome, such as uneven balances of bacteria, were linked to stronger fear reactions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2021

Popeye with a whiff of rotten eggs

Researchers have discovered a sulfosugar from green vegetables that stimulates the growth of key gut bacteria, producing energy-rich compounds. This finding has implications for understanding the interactions between nutrition and the microbiome, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateApr 9, 2021

Popeye with a whiff of rotten eggs

A study by researchers at the University of Konstanz and Vienna discovered that specialized gut bacteria cooperate to process sulfoquinovose, a sulfonic acid derivative found in green vegetables. The analysis revealed that this process produces hydrogen sulfide, which has disparate effects on human health.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateApr 9, 2021