Articles tagged with Human Microbiota
A recent study published in eLife found that wildlife living in urban environments have picked up some gut bugs from humans, leading to a 'humanization' of their microbiota. The researchers analyzed gut microbiomes in distantly related vertebrates from urban and rural areas and discovered significant differences between the two.
A recent study found that even tiny marine invertebrates have distinct and diverse microbial communities, called microbiomes. These findings challenge the assumption that closely related animals share similar microbiomes.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that antibiotic-resistant plasmid molecules can spread quickly through bacterial communities, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This raises concerns about the potential for antimicrobial resistance to spread in environmental settings and impact human health.
The Mount Sinai Microbiome Lab will use advanced methods to study the microbiome's role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus. The lab aims to identify microbial features that can help find more precise matches between diseases and treatments.
A study published in Med found that the human microbiome's variation explains different patient responses to statins. The researchers discovered a Bacteroides enriched microbiome with lower diversity was associated with stronger LDL-lowering effects but greater disruption of blood glucose levels.
Researchers found that elevated plasma levels of proline and a diet rich in this amino acid are associated with severe depression. The study also discovered a link between microbiota alterations and proline metabolism impacting depressive mood.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers observed that bacteria change their swimming behavior to avoid getting stuck in confined spaces. In open areas, bacteria meander without discernible pattern, but upon entry into tight spaces, they straighten their paths to escape, suggesting physical features like walls and corners serve as crucial cues.
Research reveals that an imbalance in gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to the development and progression of Parkinson's disease. Studies found a direct correlation between gut dysbiosis and Parkinson's, with certain bacteria contributing to protein aggregation and neuronal damage.
The 9th World Congress on Targeting Microbiota 2022 will focus on recent advances in the microbiota field and therapeutic strategies. Key findings include research on probiotic strains, natural mineral waters, and extracellular vesicles.
The Logan Science Journalism Program has selected 12 accomplished science and health journalists to participate in its 35th annual fellowship program. The fellows will spend 10 days learning contemporary research techniques at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole.
A new technique called Operational Genomic Units (OGU) allows for improved resolution and simplicity in analyzing microbiome samples. By using individual genomes as basic units, researchers can pinpoint biologically relevant characteristics such as age and sex with greater accuracy.
Researchers have engineered probiotic bacteria to produce the dopamine precursor L-DOPA, a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. The new approach eliminates side effects and reduces treatment complications, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers found that changes in viral communities may enable persistent HPV infection and progression to cancer, associated with bacterial composition and inflammation. Low Lactobacillus abundance and bacteriophage presence were also linked to increased risk.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that individuals with more Caudovirales in their gut microbiota performed better at executive processes and verbal memory, while those with higher levels of Microviridae deteriorated in brain's executive abilities. Dairy products may be a possible means of acquiring Caudovirales.
Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development
A recent study found that a subset of immune cells within the alveolar bone marrow were activated by the presence of commensal oral microbes, leading to increased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and bone loss. Reducing the burden of commensal microbes through oral antiseptic rinses can help protect against alveolar bone loss.
A new study found that almost half of all publicly available human microbiome samples come from the US, despite it representing only 4.3% of global population. This raises concerns about the applicability of future microbiome-based medical treatments to countries with limited resources.
Researchers at TUM discover that intestinal bacteria interact with Paneth cells in the gut mucus layer, leading to chronic inflammation. This finding may lead to new treatments for IBD.
A new study in mice suggests that an unhealthy vaginal microbiome in pregnant mothers can increase pup deaths and alter development in surviving babies. A healthier diet rich in fiber-containing fruits and vegetables may counteract these effects, particularly in vulnerable populations.
The Microbiome and Metagenomics Center at UC San Diego will analyze stool samples from 10,000 All of Us Research Program participants to develop algorithms predicting individual responses to food. This will enable personalized nutrition recommendations based on an individual's genetics, gut microbes, and lifestyle factors.
Phoebe Lin's research establishes a gut-eye association in animal models, finding that certain interventions can enhance Tregs and decrease eye inflammation. Her five-year grant will investigate how intestinal microbes and the immune system can be rebalanced to treat uveitis.
A study found a strong correlation between the number of microbial enzymes that can degrade plastic and local levels of plastic pollution. Researchers analyzed environmental DNA samples from around the world and discovered over 30,000 enzyme homologues with potential to break down various types of plastics.
A new study links the composition of gut microbiome before infection to HIV susceptibility and progression. Men who contracted HIV in the early days of the pandemic had a greater relative abundance of pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory gut microbes, which contributed to their increased risk of developing AIDS.
Studies in mouse models found that maternal immune activation can alter brain development and lead to autism-like behavioral symptoms. The research also revealed a link between maternal microbiome changes and offspring's susceptibility to intestinal inflammation, with increased IL-17a production by T cells.
A study found that long-term cannabis smokers have increased levels of Actinomyces meyeri in their saliva, which correlates with the length of cannabis use. This bacterium was shown to decrease activity and increase beta-amyloid production in mice, suggesting a link between oral microbiome disruption and brain health.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among girls and young women in western Kenya, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers attribute this rise to increased stress-related changes in the vaginal microbiome.
A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 saliva testing kits with a preservative can accurately measure the oral microbiome, which may lead to new treatments for lung health in people with COVID-19. The study collected saliva samples from participants and compared their ability to measure microbes before and after COVID-19 infection.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.
A new Dartmouth-led study found a direct association between the infant microbiome and early childhood behavioral health, with sex-specific differences. The study characterized the species of microbes present in each participant's gut and their functions, establishing that microbiome changes occur before behavioral changes.
Researchers developed an integrated framework combining single-cell and metagenomics to characterize microbes. The approach showed higher accuracy and precise binning, revealing more bacterial genera and intra-species diversity.
A study examining ancient calculus samples from skeletal remains in South Tyrol and Trentino discovered previously unknown species of microorganisms. The researchers found that the diversity of oral microbiota decreased significantly over a short period of time, likely due to changes in diet and lifestyle.
Research found that human gut bacteria resist Vibrio cholerae attacks using various strategies, including polysaccharide capsules and self-killing mechanisms. The study suggests a potential for designing T6SS-shielded probiotic strains to restore defective colonization barriers.
Studies found distinct patterns in nasal microbiota of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, with symptomatic patients showing reduced bacterial counts and increased presence of certain bacteria. The findings suggest that altered microbiota may impact immune response to the virus.
Researchers suggest that protecting the microbiome is crucial in preventing and fighting off infections with harmful, drug-resistant bacteria. By preserving a healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms, individuals can reduce their susceptibility to these types of infections.
Researchers at Rice University are developing novel computational approaches to track environmental microbiome dynamics over time, across species and after perturbations. The team will use biofilm-based 'species abundance networks' on scaffolds to observe how they form their own genome-exchange networks.
Researchers created a polymer coating that releases Lasioglossin-III, an AMP with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting specific infectious bacteria and preventing airway complications. The coating demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and prevented bacterial adherence to the tube.
Reconstruction of ancient oral microbiomes from the Upper Paleolithic to the Neolithic Periods in Southern Europe reveals a significant expansion of microbial species with the transition to agriculture. The studies sequenced ancient DNA from dental calculus, finding a dominant Anaerolineaceae species that diversified geographically.
Navdeep Kaur Brar has been awarded the IADR John A. Gray Fellowship to support her research on antibiotics and microbiome impact. The $10,000 fellowship aims to provide training and experience in dental or related research.
A global network of microbiomes reveals that only six 'relatives' (or seven 'steps') separate any two microbiomes on Earth, indicating a common origin. The study also sheds light on the interactions between microbes in different ecosystems and their responses to climate change.
A study published in Cell found that a 10-week fermented-food diet increased gut microbiome diversity and decreased molecular signs of inflammation in healthy adults. The diet, which included foods like yogurt and kimchi, also showed stronger effects on immune cells and inflammatory proteins.
Scientists are using AI to investigate how gut bacteria interact with the human immune system, aiming to enhance vaccine response. They hope to find definitive cause-and-effect relationships between the microbiome and immune response.
Researchers are exploring how environmental molecules can be used to engineer 'designer' microbiomes for combating disease, pollution, and more. Contrary to expectations, their experiments revealed that competition between microbial species hampers diversity within the community.
A study published in Nature found that ancient people's gut microbiomes were more diverse and had fewer antibiotic-resistant genes compared to modern populations. The research suggests that a more diverse diet and lifestyle may have contributed to this difference.
Scientists have discovered dramatic differences in gut microbiomes between ancient North American peoples and modern industrialized populations. The analysis of human paleofeces from dry caves reveals novel species of microbes and higher numbers of transposases, which may help microbes adapt to changing environments.
A new study reveals that the oral microbiome of ancient humans and Neanderthals is surprisingly similar, with some bacterial strains shared between species. The analysis of fossilized dental plaque also suggests that early humans consumed starch-rich foods, potentially contributing to brain evolution.
A new study reveals that Neanderthals and ancient humans adapted to eating starch-rich foods as far back as 100,000 years ago. This early adaptation likely helped pave the way for the expansion of the human brain due to the glucose in starch, which is the brain's main fuel source.
Researchers found selective patterns of antibody reactivity to microbiota flagellins among Crohn's disease patients, with augmented serum IgG antibodies to Lachnospiraceae flagellins. These findings suggest a potential target for prognosis and personalized therapies in Crohn's disease.
Dr. Blaser recognized for groundbreaking research on the human microbiome and its relationship to diseases such as asthma, obesity, and cancer. His work has had a far-reaching impact on medicine and patient care, particularly in the areas of infectious disease and COVID-19.
A study examined how seed microbiomes of canola are assembled, finding that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. The researchers discovered a core microbiome in all seed samples with potentially beneficial microbes like Pseudomonas spp., which promote plant growth.
Research found that antibiotics like streptomycin did not significantly impact the apple leaf microbiome, contrary to previous concerns. The study's findings suggest that geographical location plays a larger role in shaping bacterial composition than management strategy.
Two independent studies on apples and oil pumpkins reveal that beneficial microorganisms are passed down to future generations, influencing plant traits. The global 'core' microbiome is shared among apples worldwide, with regional variations indicating adaptation to local environments.
The Vilcek Foundation has launched a digital celebration to recognize the 2021 Vilcek Foundation Prizewinners. Four scientists from diverse backgrounds are being honored for their groundbreaking contributions to biomedical science and creative promise in filmmaking.
Researchers sequenced fecal samples from over 180 species, revealing nearly 1,000 previously unknown microbial species. The dataset provides insights into the functional roles of gut microbiota across animals with diverse adaptations.
The research findings reveal that a novel microbial small molecule from Streptococcus mutans promotes biofilm formation via an unprecedented physicochemical mechanism. This discovery highlights the significance of secondary metabolism in mediating critical processes related to dental caries development.
Mohamed Abou Donia, a Princeton University professor, has made significant contributions to understanding the role of the microbiome in host health and disease outcomes. His work involves mapping microbiome-encoded genes involved in drug metabolism, revealing the potential for harnessing these molecules to treat human diseases.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that a specific bacterium in mom's milk can educate an infant's antibody response, potentially strengthening their immune system. The findings suggest that probiotics could be used to protect infants from enteric infections and autoimmune diseases.
Scientists have identified a range of microbiome species never before detected in human milk, which change significantly between early and late lactation. These bacteria are thought to protect the infant gastrointestinal tract and improve aspects of long-term health, such as allergy prevention and toxin resistance.
Research ties oral health issues to systemic diseases like type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease, highlighting the importance of a healthy mouth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can prevent oral diseases and promote overall well-being.
A Northwestern University study found that bacteria on used toothbrushes reflect microbial communities in the mouth and skin, not the toilet. The research, published in Microbiome journal, suggests that microbes from the human body are transferred to toothbrushes through saliva and other bodily fluids.