A large clinical study found that patients who consumed more sweets while taking antibiotics experienced a greater loss of microbiome diversity, with a 24% drop in bacterial diversity for every 100-gram increase in sweets. Preserving microbiome diversity has been linked to improved clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
A new UCLA study has found a connection between brain aging and gut biology, suggesting that people's brains may be aging decades before symptoms appear. The study, published in eBioMedicine, analyzed brain scans and stool samples to identify a link between brain communication patterns, gut bacteria, and brain aging.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg identified a link between specific gut bacteria activities and primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare chronic liver disease. Elevated levels of the metabolite ImP, formed by gut bacteria breakdown, can predict poorer survival outcomes and induce liver inflammation in PSC patients.
Researchers found that corisin, a bacterial protein fragment, drives tissue fibrosis by disrupting the cell's quality-control system. Antibody treatment can help by blocking corisin, demonstrating its biologically active and causally supported role in disease.
Researchers analyzed the make-up of oral microbes to detect signals associated with gastric and colorectal cancer, finding distinct signatures in patients with cancer. The study's findings could lead to the development of new, less-invasive screening tests for gastrointestinal cancers.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that astronauts experience changes in their gut bacteria shortly after leaving Earth and gravity behind. The researchers found increased protein fermentation, which may contribute to constipation, and suggest potential interventions for future long-duration space missions.
Researchers have found that Prevotella melaninogenica can survive in the presence of oxygen, challenging a long-held assumption about its obligate anaerobic nature. The study also reveals new insights into the bacteria's ability to consume oxygen and deal with oxidative stress.
Researchers at UC Davis identified a naturally occurring metabolite, 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-HSA), that repairs gut damage caused by HIV infection. Combining 10-HSA with standard antiretroviral therapy improved viral suppression and helped rebuild gut immune defenses in animal models of AIDS.
A new liquid-based platform called 'floatony' can form and maintain complex three-dimensional microbial structures while preserving molecular diffusion, spatial structures, and cell mobility. This approach could offer new ways to study gut microbiota, biofilms, and other spatially organized microbial communities.
A new study argues that the microbiome-gut-brain axis has been predominantly studied in wealthy, industrialised nations, limiting scientific discovery. The authors call for greater international collaboration and investment in research infrastructure to uncover universal biological principles that can improve mental health worldwide.
A study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found that healthy infant gut microbiomes are linked to reduced risk of malaria. Babies with beneficial microbes like Bifidobacterium were less likely to develop the disease. However, further research is needed to confirm this association.
Researchers have identified a consistent microbial signature of colorectal cancer by reanalyzing nearly 6,800 gut microbiome profiles. The study found that microbes detected in stool samples reflect microbes found directly within colorectal tumours.
Two studies found that certain fungal species in the gut play a key role in immune dysregulation and pediatric allergic diseases, positioning the infant mycobiome as a promising target for therapies. Infants' early-life antibiotic use may have a direct impact on these fungi, leading to immune dysregulation and allergic asthma.
Researchers found that over-the-counter probiotics contain only 36 unique species of bacteria, with most common species being forms of Lactobacillus. The analysis suggests a lack of consistency in the combination of species used to support gut health and vaginal health claims.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo found that postbiotic foods can improve gum health in adults with mild gingivitis, reducing gum bleeding and inflammation. The study suggests a simple way to support oral health without altering oral care habits.
Jacques Ravel has been recognized for his foundational contributions to understanding the human vaginal microbiome, its links to pregnancy outcomes and susceptibility to infection. His work also laid the groundwork for live biotherapeutics designed to shape the vaginal microbiome in ways that could improve pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers found that cohabiting individuals shared significantly more oral and gut strains than those living in different households. On average, cohabitors shared 19% of their gut microbiome and 26% of their oral microbiome strains with each other.
Professor Saeedi's appointment reflects ISM's commitment to advancing microbiota research toward clinical translation and precision medicine. He will contribute to identifying emerging scientific priorities and promoting the integration of microbiome science with aging biology, metabolism, cardiovascular medicine, and precision health.
Researchers analyzed DNA in ancient dental calculus to understand past oral microbiomes, finding differences in composition and phylogenetic relationships across time periods. The study provides new insights into the history of relationships between humans and microorganisms.
Researchers found that people living in areas with more vegetation had a wider microbial variety in their noses, correlating with better mental health scores. Time spent outside was also associated with a healthy nasal microbiome and lower depressive scores.
A new study maps the microbial community in the mouth, revealing distinct habitats and species that work together to maintain oral health. The findings suggest that targeted therapies, such as probiotics, can be developed to manipulate the microbiome and prevent disease.
Researchers at Eurac Research have discovered the microbial community associated with Ötzi, a 5,300-year-old Copper Age human. The study found that Ötzi's gut flora closely resembles early human populations, and cold-adapted yeasts have persisted on his body for thousands of years, holding potential for industrial applications.
A new mathematical model developed by Arizona State University researchers estimates how much of the calories people absorb from food, considering the role of gut microbes. The model, DAMM, suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbes contribute to an average of about 140 calories per day.
A new screening tool tests for microbial metabolites in urine to identify children at risk for autism, with 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The test may guide more targeted interventions, including approaches to restore a healthy gut microbiome.
The LUNA-2 trial will pair immunotherapy with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to boost treatment effectiveness in people with non-small cell lung cancer. If successful, it could provide new treatment options for those living with the disease, helping them live longer and with fewer side effects.
A study reveals that medical exposure can rapidly change the human microbiome, with gut microbes shifting toward patterns more commonly seen in urban populations. The research found a decline in microbial diversity and a shift towards bacterial groups more common in industrialized societies.
A recent study published in Cell reveals that ethnicity and geography significantly influence human molecular diversity, including metabolism, immunity, and gut microbiota. The research found distinct molecular signatures associated with each ethnic group, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and environment.
Researchers found that microbes actively adjust their behavior to minimize competition and conflict when living together, leading to more efficient coexistence. This discovery provides insights into how diverse microbial communities assemble and persist despite intense competition.
The Targeting Phage Therapy 2026 Congress will bring together experts to address clinical, regulatory, industrial, and hospital infrastructure requirements for phage therapy. The congress aims to move phage therapy from promising science to accessible, validated, and deployable medicine.
A new study found that breast milk helps maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria in babies' developing gut microbiomes, including E. coli and Bifidobacterium. This mutualistic relationship supports healthy infant development and may have implications for future synbiotics.
A study analyzing meconium samples from newborns found high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes, including those linked to carbapenem resistance. The findings suggest that maternal transmissions and early hospital exposure contribute to the establishment of these genes in the neonatal gut.
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrated that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can rapidly reverse systemic inflammation and improve survival in patients with fulminant C. difficile infection. The treatment protocol achieved a 78% 30-day survival rate among 18 critically ill patients.
Researchers discovered subtle changes in the blood can reveal early signs of cognitive decline caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria. A blood test may one day transform how we detect dementia, potentially identifying people at risk years before symptoms appear.
A study of 2,000+ participants found nine specific gut microbe metabolites associated with coronary heart disease risk. The researchers call for further research into these molecules as potential novel treatments.
Recent studies show that T cells support milk production and have lasting effects on maternal health and infant immunity. The review highlights emerging evidence of the crucial role of immune cells in lactation, which can inform strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
A global team of scientists, led by University of Houston microbiologist Madhan Tirumalai, has identified the critical role of biofilms in human space exploration. Biofilms could influence astronaut health, drug delivery and space agriculture, while also posing risks to astronaut health.
A new study uses metabolic modeling to predict which probiotics will successfully establish themselves in a person's gut and how prebiotics affect short-chain fatty acid production. The findings demonstrate the utility of these models for personalized probiotic and prebiotic interventions.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 19, 2026
A global atlas mapping two key gut bacteria has uncovered a treasure trove of bacterial strains adapted to the infant gut, not found in commercial probiotic products. The study reveals region-specific strains that have naturally evolved to thrive in a baby's microbiome, shaped by regional diets and environments.
Researchers identified 11 genetic regions influencing gut bacteria and roles they play, including connections to gluten intolerance, haemorrhoids, and cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed genetic data from over 28,000 individuals, providing insights into the complex relationship between genes and gut microbiome.
Researchers developed wearable devices that track hydrogen levels in flatus to better understand gut microbial metabolism. The Human Flatus Atlas project aims to establish normal ranges for flatulence production, helping to identify excessive gas complaints and inform dietary interventions.
A new study found that fecal microbiota transplantation can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The research showed improved clinical outcomes, including longer progression-free survival and higher response rates, in patients who received donor-derived fecal microbiota t...
A new scientific review summarizes 12 human clinical trials on the cardiometabolic effects of wild blueberries, finding improvements in blood vessel function and beneficial changes to the gut microbiome. Regular consumption of one cup per day may support overall health benefits.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children. Certain bifidobacteria produce a substance called 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA), which dampens immune responses to allergens, reducing the production of IgE antibodies.
A new international study found significant changes in gut bacteria at the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that affects the digestive system. The study reveals a loss of beneficial anaerobic bacteria and an increase in oxygen-tolerant bacteria, which may trigger inflammation.
Researchers have discovered that certain gut bacteria with similar structures to the protective layer of nerves can misdirect the immune system and cause it to attack its own nervous system. This mechanism accelerates the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Research suggests that owning a family dog during adolescence can boost mental well-being and social support by altering the gut microbiota. The study found that adolescents with dogs had higher mental health scores and lower social problems compared to those without dogs.
A study reveals that competition for biotin, a vital vitamin, drives interactions between harmful Staphylococcus aureus and harmless commensal bacteria. This resource scarcity could lead to new strategies for fighting multi-resistant germs.
Research reveals that medications can reshape the trillions of microbes in the gut by competing for nutrients, leading to predictable changes in the microbiome. The study provides a framework for predicting how a person's microbial community might change with a given drug, potentially helping scientists find ways to prevent side effects.
A comprehensive review synthesizes current insights into the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation, highlighting the crucial role of peripheral organs in modulating brain function and behavior. Disruptions in gut microbiota composition are closely linked to sleep disturbances across multiple disorders.
The microbiota is recognized as a dynamic organ producing molecules that regulate gene expression, immunity, and mitochondrial function. Biomarkers of inflammation, metabolism, and aging can be predicted through microbiota signatures, establishing the microbiota as a pillar of predictive medicine.
Researchers found that people with MS have a distinct oral microbiome compared to healthy individuals, characterized by a loss of beneficial bacteria and an increase in disease-causing bacteria. The study suggests that oral microbial and metabolic changes may contribute to inflammation and disease processes in MS.
Scientists found that breathing dusty air from the Salton Sea can alter the lung microbiome and trigger immune responses in mice. The study suggests that chronic exposure to such dust could have significant health effects, including asthma.
Dr. Amin's transformative insights reshape international understanding of depression genetics, identifying novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Her systemic disease model challenges traditional views of depression as a brain disorder.
Researchers from the University of South Australia explore the connection between the gut and brain to decipher their role in mental health and wellbeing. The study found that changes in the gut microbiome can directly affect brain chemistry, suggesting a potential link between gut health and mental illness.
The Gladstone Infectious Disease Institute is broadening its research scope to tackle pressing health challenges beyond viruses. Scientists are discovering new ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and explore the interconnectedness of viruses and bacteria in causing chronic diseases.
Research links oral bacteria to Parkinson's disease via the gut-brain axis, finding Streptococcus mutans produces metabolite imidazole propionate that contributes to disease progression. Targeting the oral-gut microbiome may offer a new therapeutic approach for Parkinson's treatment.
Researchers identified 27 species of bacteria and fungi that collectively increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 3.5 times. The study analyzed saliva samples from 122,000 healthy individuals and found that boosting the mouth's microbiome may protect against cancer.
Researchers at DTU have discovered a way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by nourishing special bifidobacteria that is naturally occurring in the gut. Special lactic acids produced by bifidobacteria play a key role in keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria at bay.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found a significant link between the maternal gut microbiome and preterm birth. The researchers identified Clostridium innocuum as a key bacteria species that may contribute to preterm birth by degrading estradiol, a critical hormone during pregnancy.
A UC Berkeley professor and her team have discovered gene clusters in the oral microbiome that produce molecules helping good bacteria stick to teeth, outcompeting acid-producing cavities. The researchers plan to introduce these gene clusters into healthy bacteria to form strong biofilms, reducing cavities.