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Bacteria in cancer unmasked

A study published in Cell reveals a detailed catalogue of bacteria living in cancer metastases, including links to therapy efficacy and tumor cell activity. The research provides new insights into how bacteria interact with cancer cells and their surroundings.

Gut bacteria important for overcoming milk allergy

Researchers at RIKEN found that gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium, are associated with higher chances of successful milk-allergy treatment. However, only 7 out of 28 children who underwent oral immunotherapy passed the food challenge after a two-week milk avoidance period.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAllergology International·DateMar 14, 2024

UMass Chan researchers identify molecular link between gut bacteria and excitatory brain signaling in C. elegans

Researchers established a molecular link between specific B12-producing gut bacteria and acetylcholine production in C. elegans, a neurotransmitter important to memory and cognitive function. A diet rich in these bacteria reduced seizure-like behavior in mutant worms by restoring excitatory/inhibitory balance.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

New model allows for learning and prediction of microbial interactions

Researchers developed a new framework to predict how microbes interact with each other in unique compositions. Most microbes had minimal impact on the final outcome, with only select few playing crucial roles. The model has potential applications in personalized medicine and understanding microbiome assembly.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023

Bacterial protein found in the urogenital tract may contribute to reduced fertility, birth defects

Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that contributes to genomic instability and birth defects. The study found that mice exposed to the protein experienced reduced fertility and increased birth defects, shedding light on potential cancer connections.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023

Forsyth microbiologists discover a regulatory mechanism that keeps cancer-causing bacteria in check

Researchers at the Forsyth Institute have discovered a molecule naturally produced by the human host that targets and inhibits Fusobacteria, an opportunistic oral pathogen linked to colorectal cancer. The findings suggest a chemically modified version of this molecule could be used as a potential therapeutic to prevent colorectal cance...

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Babies’ gut microbiome not influenced by mothers’ vaginal microbiome composition

A recent study published in Frontiers found that maternal vaginal microbiome composition does not significantly influence the development of infants' stool microbiome during the first weeks and months of life. Instead, exposure to breast milk and environmental factors are believed to play a more significant role.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

Meet Squeegee: A new contamination detection tool for low microbial biomass microbiomes

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University developed a new contamination detection tool called Squeegee to establish reproducibility in microbiome identification. The tool uses computer analysis to detect 'breadcrumbs' of contaminants, improving the accuracy of metagenomic sequencing analysis in low biomass studies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2022

A breakthrough in bacterial vaginosis treatment for women’s health

Researchers at Harvard University developed a Human Vagina Chip to study the effects of microbiome on vaginal health. The chip replicated the human vaginal tissue microenvironment, including its microbiome, and showed that certain strains of bacteria can help maintain an acidic environment and reduce inflammation.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022

A live biotherapeutic product reduces lung damage in a neonatal mouse model of chronic lung disease

A live biotherapeutic product made from three Lactobacillus species has been shown to reduce lung damage in neonatal mice with chronic lung disease. The study found that the product can ameliorate redox imbalance and damages caused by experimental microbial dysbiosis, using a humanized mouse model of lung microbiome transplant.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2022

Brazilian soybean growers’ use of biofertilizer is highlighted by a leading science journal

Using biofertilizer on 80% of their planted area, Brazilian soybean growers enjoy environmental and economic benefits by employing the microbiome instead of chemical fertilizers. The use of biofertilizer saves farmers huge amounts of money, with costs significantly lower than chemical fertilizer.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 28, 2022

Microbial communities stay healthy by swapping knowledge

Biomedical engineers at Duke University found that high levels of horizontal gene transfer help keep microbiomes stable and efficient, allowing for the creation of bespoke systems for environmental cleanup and biofuel production. The study suggests a dynamic division of labor among microorganisms enables robustness and flexibility.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Study uncovers differences in saliva bacteria of students with recent suicidal thoughts August 25, 2022

Researchers discovered a significant difference in saliva bacteria between college students who reported recent suicidal thoughts and those without. Students with recent suicidal ideation had higher levels of bacteria associated with inflammatory health conditions and lower levels of Alloprevotella rava, which promotes brain health.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2022

New in Ethics & Human Research, July-August 2022

The article discusses new guidelines for big data research, including the potential for group harm. It also explores biobank research from an African American community's perspective and the implementation of electronic consent procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

A closer look into the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bioaerosols and its monitoring

Researchers explore the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes in bioaerosols, including sources and detection strategies. The study highlights the need for monitoring and understanding the relationship between human, animal, and environmental microbiomes to counter the spread of AR.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalReviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 30, 2022