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Changes in 'microbiome' during canine atopic dermatitis could lead to antibiotic-free therapies for human and canine disease

Researchers found that dogs with atopic dermatitis have a sharp decrease in skin bacterial diversity, leading to impaired barrier function and increased Staphylococcus species. Antibiotic therapy restored normal levels, suggesting a correlation between skin barrier dysfunction and bacterial overgrowth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateApr 25, 2016

Germs, humans and numbers

A new estimate reveals that the ratio of bacterial to human cells in the body is closer to 1:1, with approximately 40 trillion bacterial cells and 30 trillion human cells. This revision challenges the long-held assumption that there are ten times more bacterial cells than human cells.

First look at gut microbes in an American Indian community

Researchers analyzed stool samples from 38 adults in the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe, finding reduced abundance of certain bacteria and similar fecal metabolite profiles to those with metabolic disorders. The study suggests that lifestyle and social practices may play a role in health disparities among American Indians.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 3, 2015

How does your microbiome grow?

A new computational method suggests that analyzing the relative amounts of starting DNA and ending DNA can be translated into the growth rate for each strain of bacteria. This approach has been found to reveal intriguing links between bacterial growth rates and conditions such as type II diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateSep 2, 2015

New evidence supports success of fecal transplants in treatment of Clostridium difficile infection

Research demonstrates dynamic nature of fecal microbiota in FMT donors and recipients, with healthy changes sustained for up to 21 weeks after transplant. The study's findings have implications for the regulation of treatment and could influence the use of fecal transplants for a range of diseases associated with microbial imbalance.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 9, 2015

Sewage provides insight into human microbiome

Researchers from Marine Biological Laboratory and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee used sewage samples to compare human gut bacteria with high accuracy, revealing a core set of bacteria linked to obesity levels in cities. The approach provides a non-intrusive way to monitor public health without compromising individual privacy.

80 million bacteria sealed with a kiss

Researchers found that couples who kiss frequently share similar oral bacteria, with at least nine kisses per day leading to significantly shared salivary microbiota. The study also suggests an important role for other mechanisms that select oral microbiota, shaped by lifestyle and personal care habits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateNov 16, 2014

Are human breast milk microbiomes 'neutral'?

Recent research reveals that breast milk microbiomes are maintained by niche differentiation and dominant species, contradicting the traditional neutral theory. This finding has significant clinical implications for understanding mastitis and other diseases associated with breast milk.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateSep 2, 2014

Intestinal parasites are 'old friends,' researchers argue

A new review argues that most intestinal parasite infections have no negative impact in well-nourished people with low overall parasite loads. In some cases, parasite infections could activate the immune system and prevent disorders caused by inflammation of the intestines.

SourceCIFAR·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateJul 23, 2014

Scientists develop new approach for sampling gut bacteria

Researchers have developed a protocol for collecting saliva and stool samples for genomic and transcriptomic analyses, eliminating the need for specialized personnel and facilities. This method provides critical insight into the genetic makeup of the microbiome and its association with diseases such as celiac disease, oral cancer, and ...

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2014

Scientists unlock a 'microbial Pompeii'

Researchers discovered a 'microbial Pompeii' in ancient dental calculus, revealing opportunistic pathogens and periodontal disease-causing bacteria. The study also recovered dietary DNA, providing insights into ancient diets and the origins of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2014

Ecological forces structure your body's personal mix of microbes

A recent study found that environmental conditions play a stronger role in shaping the human microbiome than competition between species. The researchers used computer models to predict nutrient and energy metabolism and estimated interactions between microbes, revealing that species tend to co-exist with those they strongly compete for.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2013

Technology transforms health care

This special issue of Technology and Innovation explores transformative health care technologies, reducing costs and improving outcomes. Researchers have developed automated educational interventions to analyze prescription data, creating health outcomes indices to measure patient outcomes over time.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateApr 22, 2013