Articles tagged with Microbial Metabolism
Researchers developed wearable devices that track hydrogen levels in flatus to better understand gut microbial metabolism. The Human Flatus Atlas project aims to establish normal ranges for flatulence production, helping to identify excessive gas complaints and inform dietary interventions.
Researchers propose a new framework called mechano biogeochemistry, suggesting that natural mechanical forces can be converted into electrical energy through the piezoelectric effect. This process allows microbes to grow and carry out chemical reactions even in the absence of sunlight or traditional chemical fuels.
A team from the University of Illinois developed a photobiocatalytic platform that enables Escherichia coli to produce complex molecules through light-driven enzymatic reactions. This breakthrough broadens the capabilities of biomanufacturing, offering a promising avenue for sustainable production of chemicals and materials.
Researchers developed a novel, computer-based method called CoBiSe to design and produce genetically encoded fluorescence-based biosensors for rapid and simple production. The new iron sensor 'IronSenseR' detects iron (II) with high sensitivity without binding to iron (III) or other metal ions.
A new paper proposes a way to calculate the thermodynamic costs of metabolic processes, ranking them according to their biological efficiency. The method estimates the improbability of a network behaving in a certain way, considering maintenance and restriction costs.
Researchers have discovered a novel natural compound, β-glucose-bound hydroxy mycosporine-sarcosine, produced by thermophilic cyanobacteria that can provide UV protection. The compound's unique biosynthesis pathway and chemical modifications contribute to its enhanced antioxidant potential.
A new study reveals that microbialites in South Africa are thriving, growing up to 2 inches vertically every year. They absorb carbon day and night through metabolic processes, making them one of the most efficient biological mechanisms for long-term carbon storage observed in nature.
A symbiotic fungus helps the ship-timber beetle survive by accumulating nutrients and producing antimicrobial compounds that inhibit competing fungi. The fungus also adapts to its acidic environment by acidifying it with acetic acid, thriving at low pH levels.
A new review reveals that dissolved organic matter (DOM) acts as both a buffer and accelerator of climate change, influencing carbon storage and pollution. DOM's molecular structure changes with temperature and rainfall patterns, altering its environmental behavior and biological effects.
A Northwestern University study reveals how Pseudomonas putida, a common soil bacterium, rewires its metabolism to thrive on complex carbons like lignin. The findings provide insights into the biomanufacturing industry's quest to harness bacteria for biofuel production and chemical synthesis.
Institute for Systems Biology researchers use microbial community-scale metabolic models to simulate C. diff behavior in human gut microbiome samples. They accurately predict colonization states, susceptibility, and response to probiotics, offering a path to prevent C. diff before it starts.
Research presents fig tree species storing calcium carbonate in trunks, converting CO2 from atmosphere. The oxalate-carbonate pathway increases soil pH and nutrient availability, making it a potential means to mitigate CO2 emissions.
A study in mice found that pesticide exposure changes specific gut bacteria growth patterns and nutrient processing, hinting at a probiotic approach to preventing health effects. The research identified certain microbes that can degrade pesticides and may lead to therapeutic strategies.
Researchers discover certain skin bacteria metabolize cis-urocanic acid using enzyme urocanase, fine-tuning immune response to UV radiation. This finding opens the door to microbiome-aware sun protection, where resident microbes are considered in sun protection strategies.
A new study from researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity offers fresh insights into why many microorganisms fail to grow in the lab. The study suggests that the survival of microbes depends on a hidden web of relationships between species, which can collapse with small structural changes.
Research reveals thousands of chemical compounds derived from coral reefs and seaweeds are available for microbial decomposition and utilization. Microbes can break down previously thought-to-be-harder-to-degrade chemicals, such as benzene rings and steroids.
A new study reveals that specific gut bacteria can break down certain drugs, altering their efficacy. The research found that 30 out of 127 tested drugs were heavily metabolized by human gut microbiota, potentially reducing their effectiveness. The study's findings could have significant implications for personalized medicine and drug ...
Researchers discovered that PCSK9 and APOA4 are key regulators of TMAO-induced cholesterol metabolism, leading to gallstone formation. Targeting these genes may be a promising approach for preventing and treating cholelithiasis.
Researchers found that changes in gut bacteria after a stroke lead to an increase in harmful substances and a decrease in beneficial ones, potentially causing inflammation. Restoring these beneficial substances from gut bacteria could help reduce inflammation after a stroke.
Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated uric acid levels, linked to cardiovascular diseases, gout, renal dysfunction, and metabolic disorders. Advances in technology and genetic research are transforming management strategies, including personalized treatments and probiotic interventions.
Researchers found that supplementing gut bacteria with Clostridium scindens can improve recovery from colonic injury and enhance regeneration of the gut lining. This approach targets the underlying issue: impaired ability of the gut to heal itself by restoring natural bile acid balance.
Researchers discovered that sulfur bacteria from the Desulfobacteraceae family work together like a team to break down diverse organic compounds. By analyzing six strains, they found similar molecular strategies and a highly energy-efficient central metabolism pathway, enabling them to thrive in oxygen-free environments.
Researchers investigated the effects of electroacupuncture on gut microbiota and metabolomics in ALS patients, finding a reduction in Eisenbergiella abundance and improvements in Lachnospiraceae levels. The study suggests that this treatment may be beneficial for patients with ALS.
Scientists are studying how microplastics affect microbial communities in ponds, with potential implications for carbon cycling and the global biosphere. Microbes have adapted to plastic surfaces, which could impact aquatic environments.
Researchers identified a potential mechanism linking sugary beverage consumption to diabetes risk through alterations in the gut microbiome and blood metabolites. High sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with changes in bacterial species that produce short-chain fatty acids, negatively impacting glucose metabolism.
Researchers discovered a mechanism involving protein aggregation that allows bacteria to enter a dormant state, making them resistant to antibiotics. The study also found that protein aggregates can promote bacterial survival in stressful environments.
A small preliminary study reveals that fearful dog microbiomes differ significantly from those of non-fearful dogs. These findings suggest a possible link between the gut and brain, potentially influencing fear behaviors.
A recent study reveals that gut bacteria modify bile acids to control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism. The body counters this influence by producing compounds that act as FXR antagonists, ensuring a finely tuned system.
A groundbreaking study finds that beneficial gut microbes produce molecules that regulate bile acid production, fine-tuning fat metabolism and cholesterol levels in the human body. Boosting these molecules may help reduce fat accumulation and high cholesterol, while dietary fiber intake also supports their production.
A study by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications aims to create personalized nutrition plans based on an individual's unique gut microbiome. The researchers used Illinois Computes to analyze metabolomic data and develop a database of metabolites that can help diagnose diseases more efficiently.
A new study found that changes in the gut environment influence the composition and activity of gut bacteria. The study involved swallowing a capsule with pH sensors through breakfast, revealing unique gut environments and travel times among individuals. This may help explain individual differences in digestion, nutrient uptake, and bo...
A Northwestern University study found that gut microbes from large-brain primate species, such as humans and squirrel monkeys, can increase energy production in mice, while those from small-brain species like macaques store more energy as fat. This suggests a link between the microbiota and brain evolution.
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by metabolic alterations that disrupt immune function, contributing to disease progression. Metabolite imbalances, such as elevated lactate levels and reduced ketone bodies, further suppress immune responses.
Scientists have characterized enzymes involved in the degradation of ethane, a process that plays a crucial role in the biological filter at marine seeps. The study reveals a key aspect of the ethane-degrading microbes and their ability to adapt to different environments.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
A research team developed a computational workflow for analyzing large data sets in metabolomics, speeding up the process to capture chemical profiles of coastal environments. The tool, accessible to researchers worldwide, highlights potential sources of pollution and enables statistical insights within minutes.
A McGill-led study found significant shifts in certain gut bacteria corresponding to changes in liver and intestinal genes, suggesting spaceflight may suppress the immune system and alter metabolism. The research could help ensure the success of future space missions and medical advancements on Earth.
Researchers have successfully produced biodegradable plastics with ring-like structures, which could be used for biomedical applications such as drug delivery. The bacteria-based production method has the potential to replace petroleum-based plastics, offering a sustainable alternative.
A randomized clinical trial found camu-camu extract reduced liver lipids by 7.43%, while a placebo increased them by 8.42%. The effect is attributed to polyphenols and their relationship with intestinal microbiota.
Peatland microorganisms have been found to metabolize polyphenols using alternative enzymes with and without oxygen. This discovery highlights the significance of polyphenols in peatland carbon dynamics and suggests that climate change may release more stored carbon into the atmosphere than previously thought.
The team created stable microbial therapeutics using synthetic extremophiles, maintaining potency and function over time despite extreme temperatures and harsh manufacturing processes. These formulations have potential applications in healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration.
A new study published in Nature Metabolism found that daily fluctuations in the gut microbiome alter its composition significantly throughout the day. The researchers propose standardized guidelines for consistency in sample collection times and methodology to address the replicability crisis in microbiome research.
A study led by Fuzhong Zhang found that microbes respond differently to various carbon sources, with acetate inducing high ATP levels in E. coli and oleate in Pseudomonas putida. This research provides insights into microbial energy homeostasis and offers a strategy to enhance bioproduction by choosing beneficial feedstocks.
Researchers tracked how a mixture of plant waste was metabolized by bacteria to contribute to atmospheric CO2. Microbes respired three times as much CO2 from lignin carbons compared to cellulose carbons, shedding light on the role of microbes in soil carbon cycling and its impact on climate change.
Researchers discovered that two species of marine bacteria work together to produce vitamin B12, essential for metabolism and survival of many marine organisms. The bacteria release building blocks into the water, which are then combined to form the vitamin through a complex process involving viral infection.
A new study found that barley plants recruit distinct microbial communities based on the sugars they secrete from their roots. The custom community of beneficial microbes improves the plants' growth, while differences in gene activity between the two barley types explained the variation in their root communities.
A new study reveals that gut microbiota significantly impacts host amino acid and glucose metabolism, leading to a second liver-like function. The research identifies specific bacterial metabolic genes responsible for depleting amino acids, which can be targeted to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found that probiotics in kombucha tea alter fat metabolism in worms, leading to reduced fat stores and lower triglyceride levels. This study suggests possible health benefits of kombucha for humans and informs potential use in complementary healthcare approaches.
Researchers from the University of South Australia discovered that eating faeces helps birds absorb lost or deficient nutrients and adjust to seasonal variations in food sources. This coprophagy enables them to adapt to new environments and is especially important for long-migratory birds.
Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.
Researchers found that microbial viruses carry special genetic elements for controlling methane processes, called auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs). The study suggests that viral contributions to methane cycling are underestimated and deserve more attention.
Rumbaugh's lab aims to understand the effects of dispersing bacteria from a biofilm on their susceptibility to antibiotics and on the host. They will use enzymes as tools to break up biofilms, allowing researchers to better comprehend the relationship between bacterial dispersal and infection outcomes.
Researchers from Osaka University discovered that a specific bacterial interaction causes the production of methyl mercaptan, a major contributor to bad breath. The interaction between Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum leads to increased methyl mercaptan production, which is driven by methionine metabolism.
Researchers found that root microbes can boost theanine levels and improve amino acid content in tea plants, leading to better-tasting tea. The discovery could help reduce chemical fertilizer use and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers have developed a new search tool, microbeMASST, to study microbial metabolism, which could transform our understanding of human health and the environment. The tool instantly matches microbes to their metabolic signatures without prior knowledge.
Researchers have discovered that bees produce multiple acids that provide essential nutrients to native gut microbes, such as Snodgrassella alvi. This finding suggests that the bee directly enables bacterial colonization by furnishing necessary nutrients, highlighting the intricate metabolic synergy between bees and their gut microbiota.
A study by researchers from Japan has revealed that cysteine persulfide, produced by cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase, regulates cellular longevity in budding yeast. The study found that introducing supersulfides can reverse detrimental effects on mitochondrial energy metabolism and protein quality.
Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria can form special cells that survive for long periods in a dormant state, making antibiotic treatment challenging. The discovery could lead to new treatment concepts by targeting proteins involved in the transition to this slumber state.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are exploring how gut microbe communities impact broccoli's health benefits. They plan to identify which microbes maximize the benefits and develop custom probiotics to help people with lower-efficiency microbial communities.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that high-fat diets change gut bacteria and bile acids, leading to inflammation and affecting intestinal stem cell replenishment. The altered bile acids cause inflammation and increase cancer risk in mice.