Articles tagged with Microbial Metabolism
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.
A small pilot study found associations between specific microbe species and infants' performance in tests of social attention and rhythmic processing. The researchers observed higher levels of Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium microbes in infants with better cognitive abilities.
Researchers discovered that extracellular cytochrome nanowires are widespread in prokaryotic microbes, including both bacteria and archaea. The findings suggest that these nanowires, composed of a long chain of cytochrome proteins, play a crucial role in microbial metabolism by facilitating efficient electron transfer.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience clarifies the connection between autism and the microbiome, identifying autism-specific metabolic pathways associated with particular human gut microbes. The analysis, which harmonized dozens of previously published datasets, reveals a common microbial signature distinguishing autistic fr...
The study mapped out metabolite by-products of bacteria processing amino acids linked to cardiovascular disease, comparing patient data to assess disease risk. Researchers developed a method for assessing absolute metabolite levels in the bloodstream, allowing identification of cutoff values for low versus high risk.
A new study proposes that ancestors of Prochlorococcus microbes used chitin particles as rafts to venture into the open ocean. This enabled them to evolve new abilities and eventually thrive in the nutrient-poor waters, playing a crucial role in absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Researchers at Aarhus University discovered that cable bacteria form a dance-like connection with diverse aerobic bacteria in the anoxic seabed. The small bacteria benefit by transferring electrons to the cable bacteria, forming an electrical lifeline to oxygen.
The study found that Clostridioides difficile uses fermentation to rapidly colonize the gut and identified critical pathways converged on a metabolic integration point to produce amino acid alanine, driving bacterial growth. The findings provide new targets for small molecule drugs to counter C. difficile colonization and infection.
Researchers discovered that certain microorganisms dominate burned soil after a wildfire, with some species increasing in abundance and others consuming charcoal. This finding could help revive megafire dead zones and provide insights into the human microbiome's response to stress.
The study reveals unexpected mechanisms that enable Aromatoleum aromaticum EbN1 T to adapt to changing environments. By analyzing its metabolic network, researchers developed a model to predict growth under diverse conditions.
Scientists have successfully grown a heat-loving methanogen that can fix nitrogen while producing methane, a process that could lead to more efficient fertilizer and biofuel production. The microbe, Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus, uses a unique metabolism to acquire energy from methaneogenesis.
The study reveals that the small intestinal microbiome is unstable and changes in response to diet, but certain species persist and adapt through subspecies changes. The findings have important implications for understanding intestinal diseases such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
The researchers designed a chemical system inspired by soil that can respond to external stimuli and modulate gut microbiota abundance and dysregulated microbes. This system shows promise for treating gastrointestinal disorders and may have implications for human health and agro-ecosystems.
Researchers discovered Borgs, DNA packages that supercharge methane-eating microbes' metabolic rate. These genetic elements play a role in balancing atmospheric methane levels by encoding cellular machinery for methane consumption.
Researchers have engineered a microbe to break down and upcycle mixed plastics into building blocks for next-generation materials. The process converts deconstructed plastic waste into polyhydroxyalkanoates or beta-ketoadipate, ideal for applications such as automotive parts.
A team of EMBL researchers used data from over 300 human faecal microbiota transplants to investigate the ecological understanding of what happens when two gut microbiomes clash together. The study found that species richness and how different a recipient's gut microbiome is from a donor's are key factors in determining which microorga...
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.
Researchers found that non-growing season nitrous oxide emissions in the Midwest can account for up to 60% of annual emissions. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature drive these emissions, with more intensive freezing causing increased emissions in the southeastern Midwest.
Researchers at Rice University have developed cells that can store and process information similar to computer RAM. The cells will be programmed to synthesize redox-active molecules that carry information to and from the outside world, allowing for quick read and write capabilities.
Researchers have developed an interactive metabolic map of bio-based chemicals, providing a versatile tool for easy assessment and optimization of synthetic pathways. The map enables exploration and analysis of complex networks of biological and/or chemical reactions, facilitating the design and production of desired chemicals.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that dog gut bacteria can change rapidly after introducing a new diet, with microbial turnover occurring in under a week. The research also confirmed previous findings on the health benefits of high-fiber diets over high-fat and high-protein diets.
A new approach in metabolomics reveals how much of our body chemistry is traceable to what we consume. By matching molecular signatures with reference databases, scientists can create a diet profile of individuals and understand relationships between diet and health outcomes.
A study published in Cell Reports found that a rhythmic small intestinal microbiome prevents obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice. The researchers used mouse models to explore how diet and feeding patterns affect the gut microbiome and its impact on host health, particularly with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A study found that indoor pollutants and human activities impact home biology and chemistry. Researchers detected diverse molecules from skin care products, food, and feces in a test home, with human-derived metabolites dominating the microbiome.
Research reveals antibiotics can knock out essential gut bacteria, leading to reduced motivation and endurance in athletes. The study found that high-performance mice were more affected by antibiotic treatment, highlighting the microbiome's impact on exercise behaviors.
Researchers have discovered that soil microbes use distinct metabolic pathways to metabolize carbon in different soils, challenging long-held assumptions in the field of soil ecology. The study suggests that these differences may be related to protection against oxygen stress in certain environments.
Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a new mechanism by which E. coli captures glucose and secretes it as glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), leading to increased production of target compounds. By trapping the secreted G6P on the surface of the bacteria, they developed a novel technique to improve bioproduction efficiency.
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.
A study by Charité researchers found that fungal pathogens benefit from cooperative relationships, exchanging metabolites and becoming tolerant to anti-fungal drugs. This mechanism also provides growth advantages for metabolically competent cells, reducing their susceptibility to hundreds of antimicrobial substances.
Research from the Francis Crick Institute found that microbial communities with auxotrophs, unable to produce essential metabolites, have increased tolerance to hundreds of drugs. These cells cooperate by absorbing and exchanging metabolites, leading to higher metabolic flow and a richer environment for growth.
The green Mediterranean diet induces specific microbial changes in the gut microbiome, enriching with bacteria that positively affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This novel diet also promotes genetic pathways involved in reducing branched-chain amino acids linked to insulin resistance.
A new Ramanome-based technique can detect metabolically active microbes in teeth, even when they appear to have stopped growing. This allows for more targeted disinfection and reduced use of antimicrobial drugs, potentially lowering the risk of side effects.
Researchers are exploring how bacteria form biofilms, which can be detrimental to health but also have potential uses in medicine and environmental cleanup. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind microbial growth in biofilms and develop new materials and treatments.
A Caltech-led team of researchers discovered that a bacterial metabolite can travel to the brain and alter its function, leading to increased anxiety in mice. The study provides a molecular explanation for recent observations linking gut microbiome changes to complex emotional behaviors.
Scientists have found a new energy metabolism in lactic acid bacteria that combines features of respiration with fermentation. This hybrid metabolism enables the bacteria to thrive better and faster, potentially improving gut health by manipulating its growth.
Researchers discovered that microbes capable of extracellular electron transfer (EET) are spread through horizontal gene transfer and exist in various environments worldwide. The genes, which enable EET, were found in a wide range of organisms, from deep-sea microbes to human gut bacteria.
New study reveals tradeoff between water quality and emissions on farms, highlighting potential environmental benefits of conservation practices. Researchers found that split nitrogen applications had no impact on nitrous oxide levels, but cover crops increased emissions by spikes in summer.
A new study reveals that the genes present in a microbial community can predict its dynamic metabolic activity, with implications for the nitrogen cycle and other biogeochemical processes. The research provides insights into how scientists can infer metabolite dynamics from aggregate gene content, design microbial communities for speci...
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.
Researchers developed a kinetic hypothesis governing the evolution of the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) based on simulation experiments. They discovered a kinetic factor that governs the flow of chemical reactions in the TCA cycle, validating their hypothesis for deep-branching bacteria and archaea.
Engineered bacteria produce medium-chain olefins that can replace oil and gas in syntheses. The process uses glucose as a feedstock and reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
Researchers developed a model showing that microbes with complementary preferences can coexist in communities. The study found that assembled communities consist almost exclusively of microbes that grow the fastest on their top choice nutrient.
A new study reveals that climate change is altering the balance of microbes in nectar, making it less palatable for bumblebees. This could lead to a decline in pollinator populations and affect human health by reducing fresh food availability.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a way to train microbes to produce a readily usable biofuel from CO2, solar panel-generated electricity and light. The resulting n-butanol is an authentically carbon-neutral fuel alternative that can be used in blends with diesel or gasoline.
A research team at Iowa State University aims to create more robust microbes that can produce heat- and acid-resistant enzymes, improving the bioproduction of fuels and chemicals. The goal is to make industrial fermentation more efficient and cost-effective.
Researchers discovered a small RNA molecule that regulates both the production of the cholera toxin and the metabolism of the cholera bacterium. This finding provides a new target for developing treatments against cholera and has implications for biotechnological applications.
A study by University of South Florida Health researchers suggests that fenchol, a natural compound in basil, can help reduce neurotoxic amyloid-beta in the brain. Fenchol stimulates FFAR2 signaling, reducing senescent neuronal cells and increasing Aβ degradation.
A new study from Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) reveals that the genetic capacity of the gut microbiome is strongly associated with weight loss success or failure. Microbiomes of those who lost weight had higher bacterial growth rates and were enriched in genes that divert dietary nutrients toward bacterial cell growth. In contras...
A new NIH grant will fund research on how beneficial microbes in infant gut use nitrogen from human milk to support pediatric nutrition and development. The study aims to understand the interactions between mother's diet, breast milk, and infant needs, as well as the role of probiotics and maternal lifestyle.
Researchers at Washington State University have created a sensor that can measure the electric current produced by tiny microbes in soil, allowing for real-time assessments of soil health and potential. This breakthrough could provide farmers with valuable insights into soil productivity, enabling data-driven management strategies.
A high-fat diet causes inflammation and damages intestinal epithelial cells, leading to the growth of harmful microbes and increased production of trimethylamine-N-oxide, a metabolite associated with cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that restoring intestinal function with a drug can blunt this effect.
Research reveals significant differences in gut microbiomes worldwide, impacting immune responses and susceptibility to infections. The study found that microbial composition alone can impact immune resilience, with Guatemala's microbiome proving most resistant.
A double-blind, randomized trial found that patients with severe obesity and metabolic syndrome had improved insulin sensitivity after receiving a fecal microbial transplant followed by daily fibre supplements. The study, led by Professor Karen Madsen, suggests that the microbiome can be targeted to improve human health.
A team of researchers has developed a new imaging technique to visualize the chemical interactions between small animals and their microbes. This allows for a better understanding of how these interactions form and persist in animal tissues. The method, called chemo-histo-tomography, combines chemical imaging with micro-computed X-ray ...
Researchers at Colorado State University discovered that soil microbes can metabolize polyphenols, a breakthrough that could change how we view carbon cycling. The study showed that polyphenols are not just inaccessible to soil microbes, but are actually food sources for them in oxygen-free conditions.
A diverse microbial community has adapted to an extremely salty environment deep in the Red Sea, with microbial cell densities more than double those found in normal deep Red Sea water and the brine below. The team sequenced the genome of a new microbe that suggests this transition zone is critical for nitrogen cycling.
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.
Researchers used models to predict cross-feeding interactions between microbes in the human gut, which could aid doctors in understanding gut health. The model was supported by genomic annotations and accurately predicted about 65% of its predictions.
Researchers investigated the taxonomic composition and functional characteristics of filtrable freshwater organisms using radioisotope tracers and metabolomics. The study found that nanobacteria play a minor role in processing dissolved organic carbon, with limited time to uptake matter in rivers and streams.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that specific beneficial microbes can improve glucose metabolism and reduce obesity risk in mice fed a western diet. The study identified four bacterial species with potential therapeutic applications for type 2 diabetes, opening new avenues for probiotic treatments.