Sentinels in the mouth
Researchers found special sensory cells in the gums that detect irritants and bacteria, triggering an immune response to control oral microbiome. The discovery could lead to personalized dental treatments against gum disease.
Human Microbiota
Articles tagged with Human Microbiota
Life Sciences
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Scientific Community
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
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Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
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Uncovering drug-like small molecules in the human microbiome
Researchers developed a computational algorithm to identify biologically active small molecules encoded in human microbiome-derived sequencing data. They uncovered novel TII-PKS BGCs with antimicrobial activity against neighboring microbes, as well as anti-cancer effects, in samples from diverse countries.
ORNL scientists shed light on microbial 'dark matter' with new approach
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to isolate specific microbes from complex human oral microbiome samples using antibody engineering. They successfully isolated three different species of TM7 and another uncultivated bacterial group, SR1.
Cooking food alters the microbiome
A new study reveals that cooking food fundamentally alters the microbiomes of both mice and humans. Cooking raw foods can harm certain microbes, while cooked foods may be more calorie-dense, affecting gut bacteria. In a human trial, participants showed significant changes in their microbiome after switching between raw and cooked diets.
Did microbes assist life in colonizing land?
A comparative microbiome study has identified significant differences in the composition of microbial communities between aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The researchers suggest that microorganisms may have played a key role in the evolutionary transition from purely aquatic life to life on land.
Microbial profile to support growing field of human gut research
A team of researchers at George Washington University published a comprehensive list of the types and ratios of microbes that inhabit a healthy human gut, known as GutFeelingKB. This database will serve as a reference for doctors, patients, and researchers, providing an understanding of what constitutes a 'normal' human microbiome.
Each cell is a small world: the microbiome of ciliates has been studied
Researchers investigate the microbiome of Stentor coeruleus and find a distinct bacterial community associated with the ciliate. The study reveals that different ciliates can host unique bacterial populations, highlighting the importance of further research into protistan microbiomes.
Genetic census of the human microbiome
The study analyzed DNA sequencing data from over 3,500 human microbiome samples, revealing nearly 46 million bacterial genes. More than half of these genes were unique to each individual, performing specialized functions and suggesting a key role in microbial evolution.
Human microbiome churns out thousands of tiny novel proteins, Stanford researchers find
Researchers found tens of thousands of new protein families, likely involved in intercellular communication and warfare, among others. These small proteins may serve as new antibiotics or drugs for human use.
Microbiome diversity builds a better mouse model
A new study created lab mice by implanting embryos from laboratory animals into wild mice, resulting in a model that accurately predicts human response to drugs. This novel approach has the potential to improve translational research value for immunology, potentially preventing failed clinical trials.
CUNY SPH professor awarded NIH grant to study the role of the microbiome in cancer
A CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy professor has received a $2.1 million NIH grant to investigate the connection between the human microbiome and cancer, with the goal of developing more effective treatments.
A common gut virus that maps our travels
A study by San Diego State University researcher Rob Edwards found a country-specific biomarker for the crAssphage virus in humans, which rapidly changes with travel. The research analyzed over 32,000 sequences from 65 countries and revealed the phage's global distribution.
Researchers show that the composition of human skin microbiome can be modulated
Researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra and S-Biomedic demonstrated the use of living bacteria to temporarily modulate skin microbiome composition. The study, published in Microbiome, found that probiotic solutions from donor microbiomes can be applied to recipients, leading to a shift towards a healthier microbiome state.
Zero-calorie sweeteners on trial again
Researchers found that maternal exposure to sucralose and acesulfame-K during pregnancy and lactation led to altered intestinal flora and liver toxicity in mouse pups. The study suggests that artificial sweeteners may be safe for adults when used in moderation, but not a substitute for sugar.
Discovery of performance-enhancing bacteria in the human microbiome
Researchers discovered that Veillonella bacteria in elite athletes' gut microbiomes can enhance exercise performance in mice by breaking down lactate and producing propionate, a short-chain fatty acid. This breakthrough paves the way for highly-validated performance-enhancing probiotics.
Ocean swimming alters skin microbiome, increasing vulnerability to infection
Research found that ocean water exposure can alter the diversity and composition of human skin microbiome, leaving individuals more susceptible to infections. Vibrio species were detected on every participant after swimming, with a significant affinity for attachment to human skin.
Assembly of the human oral microbiome age 1 to 12
A study examining oral bacterial microbiome composition in children aged 1 to 12 found that species richness increased with age in both supragingival and subgingival plaque. The results suggest a common pattern of maturing microbial communities, becoming more complex with advancing age and including a stable core of major species.
Gut microbes respond differently to foods with similar nutrition labels
A new study reveals that the correlation between food consumption and gut microbiome changes is not as straightforward as previously thought. Researchers found that considering the relationships between foods can reveal stronger associations between dietary nutrients and specific strains of microbes.
New tool can pinpoint origins of the gut's bacteria
A UCLA-led research team developed FEAST, a faster and more accurate tool to determine microbiome origins. The software can analyze large genetic information datasets in just a few hours, offering insights into the unseen ecological processes affecting human health.
A pluralistic approach to thinking about the human microbiome
Researchers Nicolae Morar and Brendan J. M. Bohannan examine five common conceptual frameworks describing the human microbiome, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. The study suggests a pragmatic approach considering all metaphors to explore therapies for diseases and disorders.
NIH-funded study links microbiome composition to African American preterm birth risk
A research project funded by the National Institutes of Health has identified differences in vaginal bacteria that may raise the risk of preterm birth among pregnant African-American women. The study found that women who delivered preterm had a more diverse microbiome in early pregnancy compared to those who delivered at term.
New findings from Human Microbiome Project reveal how microbiome is disrupted during IBD
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard found that changes in the gut microbiome during IBD trigger an unhealthy inflammatory reaction. The research, part of the Human Microbiome Project, identified specific chemicals and microbial shifts that contribute to disease activity.
Low vitamin D in pregnancy linked to potentially harmful vaginal bacteria in black women
A study published in the Journal of Perinatology found that pregnant black women with low vitamin D levels have higher levels of bacteria associated with preterm delivery. In contrast, white women with higher vitamin D levels had more lactobacilli, a type of bacteria that promotes vaginal health.
Researchers receive $1.94 million to study connection between autism, microbiome
A two-year project aims to explore the link between the human microbiome and autism spectrum disorder, a developmental disorder affecting communication and behavior. The study, funded by a $1.94 million grant, will analyze key metabolites produced by microbes in patients with central nervous system disorders.
Fleming's method in miniature
Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new technique, nanoFleming, to rapidly test for antibiotic activity in microorganisms. The method has identified 11 novel peptides with improved efficacy or resistance-bypassing properties.
Urban biodiversity to lower chronic disease
Replanting urban environments with native flora could help address chronic health problems by promoting healthy microbial diversity. Restoration of urban biodiversity is estimated to have generational health benefits and huge savings for healthcare sectors.
What is the real link between bacterial vaginosis and HIV risk in women?
Researchers explore link between bacterial vaginosis and HIV transmission in women, highlighting importance of standardized diagnosis and testing. The study aims to standardize discussions around BV clinical and research findings, shedding light on the microbial make-up of the vagina and its impact on HIV acquisition.
Early-life exposure to microbiota restricts colon cancer later in life, study finds
Researchers found that early-life microbiota play a crucial role in regulating immune responses and preventing colon cancer in adulthood. The absence of microbiota in early life can lead to enhanced pro-inflammatory gene expression and an accumulation of immune cells that suppress tumor growth.
The largest ever catalog of bacteria in the human body contain over 150 thousands genomes
A team of researchers discovered and characterized over 5,000 microbial species in the human microbiome, with 77% being newly identified. The study highlights the personalized nature of the microbiome and its relevance to global health, particularly in non-Westernized populations.
Respiratory microbiome may influence your susceptibility to flu
Researchers found that specific respiratory microbiome communities may be associated with lower risk of contracting flu. The study suggests that the nose and throat microbiome could play a role in the body's defense against influenza virus infection.
Montana State research shows gut microbiome protects against acute arsenic toxicity
Research at Montana State University reveals that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in protecting against acute arsenic toxicity. The study found that certain microorganisms in the human gut can neutralize arsenic, reducing its toxic effects.
Scientists develop microbiome search engine to assess microbiome novelty and impact
The Microbiome Search Engine (MSE) enables fast comparison of microbiomes by searching for structurally or functionally similar microbes. MSE proposes innovative evaluation indices to measure microbiome novelty and impact, providing a bird's eye view of the microbiome data universe.
Seasonal variation of atmospheric microbes
A study on atmospheric microbes found consistent seasonal variations in diversity and composition. Microorganisms were closely related to specific biomes such as aquatic, cropland, and urban environments.
At last, a simple way to solve the complex mysteries of the microbiome
Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed a new approach to understand the interactions between trillions of microbes in the human body. By combining computer simulations and laboratory experiments, they were able to shed light on how microorganisms influence human health and disease.
Scientists call for microbial 'Noah's Ark' to protect global health
Researchers propose collecting beneficial microbes from remote populations with high microbiota diversity to prevent disease; treatment costs for obesity and diabetes surpass $1 trillion, linked to disturbances in the microbiota.
Characterization of pregnancy microbiome reveals variations in bacterial diversity
Researchers characterized the maternal microbiome during pregnancy, revealing variations in bacterial diversity across different body sites and gestational stages. The study highlights the importance of the maternal microbiome in supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes and may inform targeted interventions to promote fetal development.
Microbe scientist Jessica Metcalf receives early-career award
Jessica Metcalf, a microbe scientist at Colorado State University, has been awarded an early-career grant to study the impact of lifestyle changes and antibiotics on the human gut microbiome. Her research aims to understand how these factors shape the microbiome and its role in human health.
Rich inner lives: exploring the connection between cancer and the human microbiome
The human microbiome plays a significant role in cancer development and treatment, according to six original review articles in this special issue. The articles discuss the impact of probiotics, chemotherapy, and gut microbiota on cancer, as well as the use of microbial DNA sequencing techniques.
For children, immersion in a rainforest lifestyle can lead to more diverse gut microbes
A study found that immersing children in a rainforest lifestyle for 16 days led to more diverse gut microbes, with higher proportions of helpful bacteria. In contrast, adult participants showed little change to their microbiome, suggesting dietary interventions may be most effective in children.
Changes in gut microbiome in only one subset of helminth-infected patients
Researchers have found that a subset of people with helminth infections experience changes to their gut microbiome when treated for the infection. This change specifically affects Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes levels.
New emerging research suggests Montmorency tart cherries may help enhance gut health
A human trial and laboratory study found that Montmorency tart cherries helped to positively impact the gut microbiome, primarily measured by an increase in good bacteria. The results suggest that individuals consuming a more plant-based diet may have a mix of gut bacteria that responds more positively to tart cherry consumption.
The depths of the ocean and gut flora unravel the mystery of microbial genes
An international team of researchers developed a new computational method to predict the functions of thousands of microbial genes. The method, based on machine learning algorithms, analyzes 'big data' from human microbiomes and other environments to identify evolutionary signals that can assign biological roles to unknown genes.
Baboons shed light on antimicrobial resistance
A study involving wild and captive baboons found evidence of antibiotic resistance in their gut microbiomes, even without human-produced antibiotic exposure. The researchers used functional metagenomics to identify resistance genes, revealing a surprising enrichment of Actinobacteria in wild baboon populations.
The burglary microbiome project
Researchers used microbial signatures to identify non-resident burglars in mock crimes, achieving accuracy above 60% and demonstrating potential as forensic evidence. The study collected samples from residents' nostrils, hands, and home surfaces before and after simulated break-ins.
Aircraft microbiome much like that of homes and offices, study finds
Researchers found that airline passengers' bacterial communities have much in common with those surrounding people at home and office environments. The core airplane microbiome included genera Propionibacterium, Burkholderia, Staphylococcus, and Strepococcus (oralis).
What gorilla poop tells us about evolution and human health
Researchers found that gorillas' and chimpanzees' gut microbes fluctuate seasonally in response to diet changes, similar to those observed in human hunter-gatherers. This study highlights the importance of dietary fiber on microbiome diversity and may have implications for intestinal health and disease.
Dogs could be more similar to humans than we thought
Researchers found that dogs have a more similar gene content to humans than previously thought, with changes in diet affecting both species' gut microbiota. The study suggests dogs could be used as models for human nutrition studies, providing insights into the impact of diet on obesity and overall health.
The microbiome of a native plant is much more resilient than expected
A team of scientists discovered that the microbiome of a native plant, Nicotiana attenuata, is more resilient than expected. The study shows that different strains of bacteria within the soil microbiota can form partnerships with the plant and resist antimicrobial peptides, defying previous assumptions about their impact.
Charting an underexplored landscape: The genitourinary microbiome
Researchers explore the role of diverse bacteria in common urologic diseases affecting children, including urinary tract infections and urge urinary incontinence. Probiotics and dietary modifications show potential to prevent or treat these conditions.
Synergistic effects of smoking and obesity on the subgingival microbiome
A study found that smoking and obesity individually increase the risk of periodontitis, with their effects being multiplicative. The research discovered unique bacterial patterns in obese smokers and non-smokers, highlighting the need for precision dentistry incorporating multiple metrics.
Can artificial intelligence be used to study gut microbes in patients?
A new study proposes using AI algorithms to diagnose and treat diseases related to gut microbiota in cancer patients. The technology has the potential to identify new associations and improve understanding of the human microbiota.
A reference catalog for the rumen microbiome
The study presents a reference catalog of rumen microbial genomes and isolates, targeting economically and environmentally relevant microbes. The collection contains nearly 33,000 degradative Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes that can break down plant cell walls.
The Forsyth Institute expands key human microbiome database
The expanded Human Oral Microbiome Database (eHOMD) now contains 772 species, providing a wealth of information for researchers studying oral health and overall wellness. The database's expansion will facilitate work on fighting infectious diseases and better understanding human health and disease.
The bacterial community on the International Space Station resembles homes
A study published in PeerJ found that the microbial community on the International Space Station is diverse and closely resembles homes on Earth. The research team compared the bacteria found on the ISS to data from other projects, including the Human Microbiome Project and the Wildlife of Our Homes study.
New research provides insights into the skin microbiome
Two Corynebacteria species have been identified as potential targets to improve skin appearance, with one associated with younger people and the other with older people. The 'old skin' bacteria was found to be associated with skin redness, wrinkles, and age spots.
Mapping the microbiome of...everything
The Earth Microbiome Project has cataloged over 27,000 samples from diverse environments worldwide, generating the first reference database of bacteria colonizing the planet. The project identifies unique microbial sequences, revealing patterns in microbial community composition across environments and geography.
New Innovator Award of $2.8 million to Julia Oh of JAX for skin microbiome studies
Julia Oh has received a $2.8 million NIH grant to explore engineered probiotic treatments for skin diseases. Her research aims to harness the skin microbiome to create new therapeutics.
Monitoring microbes to keep Marsonauts healthy
A comprehensive study monitored microbial load, diversity and dynamics in a closed habitat for 520 days, finding human-associated bacteria to be the main source of microbial dispersal. The researchers also noted that confinement triggered significant changes in the bacterial community, with diversity decreasing over time.
Disease resistance successfully spread from modified to wild mosquitoes
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University engineered GM mosquitoes with altered microbiota that suppresses human malaria-causing parasites. The trait was successfully passed along to multiple generations of offspring, even when combined with wild mosquitoes, and maintained for 7 years.
Thousands of new microbial communities identified in human body
A new study analyzes thousands of new measurements of microbial communities from various sites in the body, providing insights into how microbes work together to maintain human health. The research identifies differences unique to an individual's microbes and tracks them across the body over time.