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Study finds changes in gut microbiome connected to Alzheimer's-like behavior

Researchers at OHSU discovered a correlation between gut microbiome composition and cognitive performance in mice with genes associated with Alzheimer's. The study suggests a relationship between microbes and epigenetic changes in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for Alzheimer's.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2021
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.

Eating human food could mean trouble for urban coyotes, study shows

A new study by University of Alberta researchers reveals that urban coyotes consuming human food have more human-like gut bacteria, leading to poor health outcomes such as lower body fat and stressed immune systems. The study suggests limiting access to protein-poor human food could be an effective solution.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2021

Gut microbiome implicated in healthy aging and longevity

Researchers analyzed gut microbiomes from over 9,000 people, finding distinct signatures linked to healthy aging and survival. The unique microbial compositions were correlated with specific metabolites in blood plasma, suggesting a direct link between the microbiome and health as we age.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalNature Metabolism·DateFeb 18, 2021
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.

Nehandertals' gut microbiota and the bacteria helping our health

Researchers analyzed 50,000-year-old Neanderthal feces to identify beneficial bacteria essential for human health. The study suggests that targeted diet- and lifestyle-tailored solutions can help safeguard the microorganisms crucial to our physiology.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 5, 2021
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.

Gut microbiome snapshot could reveal chemical exposures in children

Researchers found bacteria that feed on toxic halogenated compounds, providing a potential mechanism for measuring exposure to semi-volatile organic compounds. The study suggests that certain SVOCs are correlated with the abundance of bacterial and fungal species in children's guts.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateDec 3, 2020

Study reveals connection between gut bacteria and vitamin D levels

Researchers at University of California - San Diego found a connection between gut bacteria diversity and active vitamin D levels in older men. The study suggests that microbiome diversity is closely associated with active vitamin D, while the precursor form has no significant link.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Glyphosate may affect human gut microbiota

Researchers from University of Turku developed a new bioinformatics tool to predict microbial sensitivity to glyphosate. The tool classifies 80-90% of microbial species as sensitive or resistant, with 54% of human core gut bacterial species potentially affected.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateNov 20, 2020

Researchers find connection between household chemicals and gut microbiome

Researchers found a correlation between household chemicals and reduced bacterial diversity in children's guts. The study suggests that exposure to semi-volatile organic compounds may impact human health, with potential implications for probiotic interventions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 12, 2020

Study provides first evidence of a relationship between a bird's gut and its brain

Researchers found a relationship between zebra finch gut microbiome characteristics and cognitive performance, identifying potentially critical bacteria affecting learning and memory. The study provides evidence for the 'microbiota-gut-brain axis' in songbirds, raising questions about the generality of this system across species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 3, 2020

Follow your gut: How farms protect from childhood asthma

A recent study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that a diverse environmental microbiome, particularly in farm children, can protect against childhood asthma. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in this protective effect, with certain bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids that may contribute to asthma protection.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 2, 2020
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.

Multi-mucus barrier segregates colon microbiota from host tissue

A continuous colonic mucus system forms a protective barrier between gut microbiota and host tissue in mice. The barrier consists of two types of O-glycan rich mucus that form in different regions of the colon, with proximal mucus encapsulating fecal pellets and distal mucus strengthening the barrier during elimination.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 22, 2020

A tale of two cesspits: DNA reveals intestinal health in Medieval Europe and Middle East

A new study analyzed DNA from medieval latrines in Jerusalem and Riga, Latvia, providing insights into the microbiomes of pre-industrial agricultural populations. The findings highlight the value of ancient latrines as sources of bio-molecular information and may provide context for interpreting modern microbiome health.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 4, 2020

A tale of two cesspits: DNA reveals intestinal health in Medieval Europe and Middle East

A new study characterizes the microbial diversity of ancient gut contents from medieval latrines, providing insights into pre-industrial agricultural populations' microbiomes. The research highlights the value of ancient latrines as sources of bio-molecular information, shedding light on the health of modern microbiomes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 4, 2020
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.

Microbiome-based technologies drive multibillion-dollar market

A new field of research in microbiology is transforming the way scientists see fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Advances in genetic sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled scientists to discover the diversity and functions of microorganisms, leading to breakthroughs in agricultural products and disease treatment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMicrobiome·DateSep 28, 2020

Study finds gut microbiome plays important role in sleep regulation

Researchers discovered that transplanting bacteria from sleep-apnea mice into healthy mice altered their sleep patterns, suggesting a major role for the gut microbiome in regulating sleep. The study's findings may lead to new treatments targeting the gut microbiome in humans with obstructive sleep apnea.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateSep 23, 2020
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.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Study tracks human milk nutrients in infant microbiome

A new study published in Journal of Lipid Research reveals that the gut microbiomes of breastfed infants differ from those of formula-fed infants due to dietary sphinganine, a nutrient found in human milk. Researchers developed a technique to track specific nutrients as they interact with gut microbes, identifying two types of bacteria...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 1, 2020

Gut microbes could unlock the secret to healthy ageing

A recent study revealed that the human gut microbiome is linked to multiple diseases and traits, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atopy, and BMI. The research used genetic data to estimate microbiome composition in a large cohort of unrelated individuals, finding associations between eleven bacteria and 28 health outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 27, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMed·DateAug 6, 2020

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 6, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateJun 18, 2020

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.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournaliScience·DateJun 11, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

'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.

SourceRutgers University·DateJun 11, 2020

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 9, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateMay 21, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateMay 20, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMay 13, 2020

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.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 13, 2020

Cholesterol lowering drugs linked to improved gut bacteria composition in obese people

Research finds that statin drugs may modulate disrupted gut microbiota and inflammation in obesity, with improved Bact2 enterotype composition in treated individuals compared to non-treated counterparts. Statin therapy may also have anti-inflammatory effects via improvement of an aberrant gut microbiota.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 29, 2020

Scientists studied the growth rate effect of gut bacteria on degradation of dietary fibers

Researchers investigated how gut bacteria grow at different rates and their effect on dietary fibers, finding that faster growth rates alter the composition and metabolism of fecal microbiota. The study suggests that a person's diet can influence their gut microbiota by adjusting fiber intake to support healthy digestion.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateApr 28, 2020
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.

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateApr 6, 2020

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.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateMar 25, 2020

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.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 12, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 11, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2020

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.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMar 3, 2020

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateFeb 19, 2020

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.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 17, 2020
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.

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalMicrobiome·DateFeb 13, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalHuman Microbiome Journal·DateFeb 12, 2020

More than just a carnival trick: Researchers can guess your age based on your microbes

A new study has found that researchers can accurately predict a person's chronological age using machine learning algorithms and microbiome samples. The study analyzed data from over 4,400 participants across various body sites, including skin, saliva, and feces, and found significant gender-specific differences in gut microbiome results.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalmSystems·DateFeb 11, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateJan 27, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.