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Study suggests skipping sweets during antibiotic treatment may help protect the gut microbiome

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.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2026

Brain aging may be detected decades before symptoms appear, with links to gut health

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

Floating colonies: engineering three-dimensional microbial architectures in liquid cultures

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.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalBiofabrication·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

When it comes to brain health, is microbiome science missing much of the world?

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.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 20, 2026

Healthy infant microbiomes appear to protect against malaria

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.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2026

Gut fungi may hold the key to treating Asthma worldwide

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.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2026

Postbiotic foods for improving gum health

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.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Periodontology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Ötzi and his microbiome: a 5,300-year-old relationship

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.

SourceEurac Research·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2026

You are what you eat — or are you?

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

Modern medicine makes gut microbial diversity plummet

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2026

Stanford Medicine researchers link human molecular, microbial diversity with geography, ethnicity

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.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

Novel treatment protocol developed at the University of Minnesota targets the deadliest cases of C. difficile infection

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.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2026

Immune cells link lactation to long-lasting health

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Immunology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 26, 2026

Eleven genetic variants affect gut microbiome

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2026

Fecal microbiota transplantation improves response to immunotherapy in advanced kidney cancer: TACITO study published in Nature Medicine

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...

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 28, 2026

Wild blueberries: New review explores benefits for heart, metabolism and the microbiome

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.

SourceWild Blueberry Association of North America·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2026

Medications change our gut microbiome in predictable ways

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.

SourceStanford University·JournalCell·DateNov 17, 2025

Groundbreaking review reveals how gut microbiota influences sleep disorders through the brain-gut axis

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.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 4, 2025

U Iowa study links multiple sclerosis with distinct oral microbiome

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.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2025