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A new tool for modeling the human gut microbiome

Researchers create device to grow highly oxygen-intolerant bacteria in lab studies, revealing protective effects on human colon. They found that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii produces butyrate, which reduces inflammation and calms immune response.

Gut bacteria improve type 2 diabetes risk prediction

Researchers found that certain gut bacteria not following a day-night rhythm can serve as an indicator for potential type 2 diabetes. Mathematical models also suggest this microbial risk signature helps in diagnosing diabetes, improving diagnosis and outlook of the disease.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The Parkinson's disease gut has an overabundance of opportunistic pathogens

A study by Haydeh Payami and colleagues identifies a significant overabundance of opportunistic pathogens in the guts of persons with PD, compared to control subjects. The findings suggest that these microbes may play a role in triggering the disease, but more research is needed to confirm this association.

'Microbial Noah's ark' initiative should move to next phase, study finds

A Rutgers-driven proposal to create a 'microbial Noah's ark' is feasible and should move forward into a pilot project phase, according to a new study. The Microbiota Vault would gather beneficial germs from human populations with uncompromised microbiomes to address global health problems caused by modern society.

Can your gut microbes tell you how old you really are?

A new deep learning-based aging clock uses whole genome sequencing data from thousands of gut bacteria to predict human biological age. The study shows that the age of the host is a significant contributor to gut community dynamics, with microflora succession patterns associated with age progression.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

High-salt diet impacts health of gut microbiome

A high-salt diet has been found to have a significant impact on the health of the gut microbiome and blood pressure in adults with untreated hypertension. In a six-week study, participants who reduced their sodium intake experienced increased levels of short-chain fatty acids and lower blood pressure.

Environmental contaminants alter gut microbiome, health

A new review links dozens of environmental chemicals to changes in the gut microbiome, associated with health challenges such as reproductive defects, Type 2 diabetes, and poor immune function. Exposure to bisphenols and phthalates has been linked to altered hormone metabolism and microbial shifts.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Ketogenic diets alter gut microbiome in humans, mice

A new study found that ketogenic diets significantly changed the proportions of common gut microbial phyla in human participants, with a particular decrease in Bifidobacteria. In mouse experiments, ketone bodies directly impacted the gut microbiome, reducing Th17 immune cells and promoting anti-inflammatory effects.

Dynamics of gut bacteria follow ecological laws

Researchers discovered mathematical relationships describing gut microbiome dynamics, including Taylor's power law and drift rates. These principles help identify abnormal bacterial behavior and predict how dietary changes affect microbiomes.

Gut ecology

A team of UC Santa Barbara researchers proposes a technique called SPARC to manipulate certain parameters in a mathematical gut microbiome model toward a target composition. This approach offers a systematic understanding of how environmental factors and species interactions can be controlled to achieve a stable gut microbiome.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Scientists explore links between genetics, gut microbiome and memory

A new study identifies lactate, a molecule produced by a common gut microbe, as a key memory-boosting molecular messenger. The researchers found that mice fed specific probiotics experienced improved memory, with increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in their brains.

Lifestyle trumps geography in determining makeup of gut microbiome

A new study from WashU Medicine found that captive apes' gut microbiomes are more similar to those of people who eat non-Western diets than their wild counterparts. The research also identified novel antibiotic resistance genes in wild apes and humans, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Diet, nutrition have profound effects on gut microbiome

Research from George Washington University and National Institute of Standards and Technology reveals that nutrition has a profound effect on the gut microbiome. The authors found that dietary fiber serves as fuel for gut microbiota, while protein can promote harmful byproducts that increase the risk of negative health outcomes.

Bursts of diversity in the gut microbiota

Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência found that certain bacteria can mutate 1000-fold higher than normal, leading to bursts of diversity in the gut microbiota. A beneficial mutation was identified that increases the ability of the bacteria to eat a specific sugar.

Can poor air quality make you gain weight?

A new study published in Environment International links poor air quality to changes in the human gut microbiome, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. Young adults exposed to higher levels of ozone showed less microbial diversity and more species associated with obesity and disease.

Not only what you eat, but how you eat, may affect your microbiome

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found that re-initiating oral food intake after enteral nutrition alters the composition of both oral and gut microbiota. This alteration was associated with improved balance and function in the microbiome, particularly in fatty acid metabolism.

Can't sleep? Prebiotics could help

Researchers found that prebiotic dietary fiber can influence gut bacteria and produce bioactive molecules that may modulate stress physiology and sleep. The study used mass spectrometry to analyze rats' fecal samples and found that those on the prebiotic diet had a different metabolome, including higher levels of fatty acids and sugars.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New bile discovery will rewrite textbooks

Scientists at Michigan State University discovered new bile acids produced by microbes in the gut, which expand our understanding of mammalian bile and its connection to gastrointestinal diseases. These novel acids are particularly abundant in people suffering from conditions like Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis.

Ancient gut microbiomes shed light on human evolution

A new study suggests that our ancestors' gut microbiomes were critical for their survival in new environments, allowing them to digest and detoxify local food sources. The findings also imply that social sharing of microbes might have led to local adaptations, influencing human migration and settlement.

Gut bacteria's interactions with immune system mapped

Researchers have created the first detailed cell atlas of the human colon's immune cells and gut bacteria, showing changes in the microbiome and immune cells throughout the colon. This study will enable new research into diseases affecting specific regions of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer.

Poop matters: Making the mouse gut microbiome more human-like

Researchers found that mice consuming their own poop have higher microbial loads and different bile acid profiles compared to those not eating feces. This study highlights the importance of considering self-reinoculation in research involving mice, particularly in dietary, probiotic, and drug studies.

Gut feelings: Gut bacteria are linked to our personality

A large human study found that gut microbiome composition and diversity are related to differences in personality, including sociability and neuroticism. People with larger social networks tend to have a more diverse gut microbiome, while those with higher stress or anxiety have lower diversity.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Algae shown to improve gastrointestinal health

A study by University of California San Diego researchers shows that consuming green algae improves human gastrointestinal issues associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as diarrhea, gas and bloating. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in bowel discomfort and more regular bowel movements among participants.

Lung microbiome may help predict outcomes in critically ill patients

Research suggests that lung bacteria can predict clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, with certain bacteria associated with worse outcomes and the presence of gut-associated bacteria found in the lungs. The study's findings have implications for developing new therapies to prevent and treat critical illness.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Kids' behavior, socioeconomic risk linked to gut microbiome composition, function

A study by Oregon State University researchers found a connection between children's gut microbiomes and their behavior, with those experiencing behavioral problems having different microbiome profiles. The quality of the parent-child relationship and parental stress also played a role in shaping these differences. Further research is ...

New algorithm suggests four-level food web for gut microbes

A new computational model suggests that the human gut microbiome follows a four-level food web, with energy flowing from microbes that consume nutrients in food eaten by humans, to those that eat nutrients produced by these microbes. The model predicts systematic changes in species composition along the length of the gut.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Bats don't rely on gut bacteria the way humans do

Researchers discovered that bats have fewer bacterial species living in their guts than in their mouths and skin. The kinds of bacteria living in the bats' guts varied from species to species without following any apparent evolutionary pattern, a stark contrast to other mammals.

What do we know about the gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease?

A review of case-control fecal gut microbiome studies in Parkinson's disease found varying results, but replicated findings include an increase in Verrucomicrobiaceae and Akkermansia. The researchers recommend integrating existing data to address confounders and propose future studies focus on biomarkers for PD diagnosis.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Gut bacteria is key factor in childhood obesity

A recent study published by Wake Forest Baptist Health suggests that the microbes living in our gut play a key role in childhood obesity. The review of existing studies reveals how a mother's health, diet, exercise level, and birth method can affect the risk of obesity in her children.

To survive in the human gut, bacteria need genetic 'passcode'

Scientists have discovered that human gut bacteria require a unique genetic code to thrive, which is different from person to person. The study found that immunity genes from one bacterium are often shared by others, suggesting a complex and adaptive immune system in the gut.

Where the sun doesn't shine? Skin UV exposure reflected in poop

A new study found that skin UVB exposure increases gut microbial diversity and favors the growth of Lachnospiraceae bacteria, which are linked to vitamin D status. The results suggest a potential link between UVB light exposure and the protective effect against inflammatory diseases like MS and IBD.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Even the fetus has gut bacteria, study shows

A recent study has confirmed that a fetus has its own microbiome, which is transmitted from the mother. This finding opens up potential interventions during pregnancy to stimulate the fetal microbiome and improve preemie growth and immune system.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Microbiome may be involved in mechanisms related to muscle strength in older adults

Researchers identified differences in gut microbiome composition between physically high-functioning and low-functioning older adults. The study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a role in maintaining muscle strength in older adults, with mice colonized with fecal samples from high-functioning individuals showing increased grip st...

How gut bacteria negatively influences blood sugar levels

A world first study reveals how gut bacteria influence blood sugar levels by communicating with cells producing serotonin in the host body. The microbiome worsens metabolism by driving up serotonin levels, leading to significant metabolic problems.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Microbial profile to support growing field of human gut research

A team of researchers at George Washington University published a comprehensive list of the types and ratios of microbes that inhabit a healthy human gut, known as GutFeelingKB. This database will serve as a reference for doctors, patients, and researchers, providing an understanding of what constitutes a 'normal' human microbiome.

The diet-microbiome connection in inflammatory bowel disease

A new study found that a special diet can alter the gut microbiome in dogs with Crohn's-like disease, mirroring changes seen in children with the condition. The diet-induced changes led to increased production of secondary bile acids, which alleviated disease symptoms.

A comprehensive catalogue of human digestive tract bacteria

A comprehensive catalogue of human digestive tract bacteria has been identified, revealing novel interactions and associations between bacterial strains and health outcomes. The study provides a foundation for future research into the mechanisms underlying microbiome dynamics and their impact on human health.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.