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Constipation is common in astronauts – blood tests provide new answers

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that astronauts experience changes in their gut bacteria shortly after leaving Earth and gravity behind. The researchers found increased protein fermentation, which may contribute to constipation, and suggest potential interventions for future long-duration space missions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2026

UT MD Anderson shares latest research breakthroughs

Research at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center has identified biomarkers to identify patients with resectable NSCLC who benefit most from perioperative immunotherapy. The center also found that the composition of donor cord blood may influence CAR NK cell therapy outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateAug 13, 2026

Oak leaves harbor distinct microbial worlds on their opposite surfaces

Researchers found that upper and lower surfaces of oak leaves support different microbial communities, with the upper surface hosting stress-tolerant genera and the lower surface favoring sugar-fermenting taxa and insect-associated bacteria. The two sides show striking seasonal divergence in terms of diversity and abundance.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 10, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How ‘good’ bacteria from fecal transplants reduce peanut allergy

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that fecal transplants from healthy donors reduced peanut allergy symptoms in some patients. The study suggests that the right bacteria can help restore tolerance to food through bile acid metabolites. Increased levels of immune regulatory cells also protected against allergic reactions.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 2026

Reducing the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence

Hepatic encephalopathy recurrence can be reduced through education on precipitants correction and pharmacotherapy with lactulose and rifaximin. Nutritional support with protein-rich diets improves QOL and reduces episodes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJul 31, 2026
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Bioactive metabolite reverses gut dysfunction and boosts HIV treatment response

Researchers at UC Davis identified a naturally occurring metabolite, 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-HSA), that repairs gut damage caused by HIV infection. Combining 10-HSA with standard antiretroviral therapy improved viral suppression and helped rebuild gut immune defenses in animal models of AIDS.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2026

Thinking beyond antibiotics in the treatment of urinary tract infections

A novel treatment approach combining phage therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation has shown promise in treating recurring urinary tract infections. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that the treatment reduced UTI episodes and improved quality of life for patients.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 30, 2026

Engineered microbial communities offer a faster route to removing herbicide residues from soil

Researchers develop synthetic microbial communities to degrade persistent herbicides, improving degradation rates by 1.5-3 times compared to individual strains or natural attenuation. The approach promotes more complete mineralization of pollutants and resilience in complex soil environments.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 27, 2026

Floating colonies: engineering three-dimensional microbial architectures in liquid cultures

A new liquid-based platform called 'floatony' can form and maintain complex three-dimensional microbial structures while preserving molecular diffusion, spatial structures, and cell mobility. This approach could offer new ways to study gut microbiota, biofilms, and other spatially organized microbial communities.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalBiofabrication·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

AI and robotics accelerate search for better gut microbiome therapies

Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to systematically develop novel probiotic and prebiotic combinations to maintain gut health and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The approach uses machine learning and automation to explore complex interactions between microbes, nutritional sources, and the environment.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

When it comes to brain health, is microbiome science missing much of the world?

A new study argues that the microbiome-gut-brain axis has been predominantly studied in wealthy, industrialised nations, limiting scientific discovery. The authors call for greater international collaboration and investment in research infrastructure to uncover universal biological principles that can improve mental health worldwide.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 20, 2026

Scientists tame seizures and heal injured brains with gut chemical

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a way to intervene early in traumatic brain injuries using a natural, gut-derived chemical that prevents post-traumatic epilepsy from taking root. The treatment reduced brain inflammation, improved memory and mood, protected brain cells, made seizures both rarer and harder to trigger.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateJul 15, 2026

Chronic consumption of xanthan gum may cause inflammation in the colon

A study by UNIFESP found that chronic xanthan gum consumption causes colon inflammation, alters gut microbiota, and leads to intestinal barrier integrity loss in rats. This supports previous observations of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants linked to xanthan gum use.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS One·DateJul 13, 2026

Green manure and biochar help farmers cut nitrogen use while rebuilding soil health

A new study published in Biochar shows that combining green manure with biochar can improve soil quality, support maize yield, and reduce dependence on nitrogen fertilizer. The research found that soil microbial diversity emerged as a central driver of improved soil quality.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Microbiome and cancer: From passive bystanders to active players

The gut microbiome is recognized as a key driver of tumor initiation and progression, with microbial dysbiosis fueling malignancy or enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Microbiome science and cancer biology are converging to develop new strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.

SourceChina Anti-Cancer Association·JournalCancer Biology & Medicine·DateJul 6, 2026

Healthy infant microbiomes appear to protect against malaria

A study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found that healthy infant gut microbiomes are linked to reduced risk of malaria. Babies with beneficial microbes like Bifidobacterium were less likely to develop the disease. However, further research is needed to confirm this association.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2026

The greener the street view, the richer the microbiota?

Researchers found that areas with more vegetation in Taipei's metropolitan area had higher microbial richness and diversity. The Green View Index measures visible greenery from a pedestrian's perspective and correlates strongly with microbial richness.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJun 17, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Postbiotic foods for improving gum health

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo found that postbiotic foods can improve gum health in adults with mild gingivitis, reducing gum bleeding and inflammation. The study suggests a simple way to support oral health without altering oral care habits.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Periodontology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

Can probiotics help treat depression?

A pilot clinical trial found that adding probiotics to standard care reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms in older adults with moderate depression. However, probiotics did not confer clear additional gains in quality of life compared to a placebo.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 17, 2026

Microbiome pioneer Jacques Ravel named 2026 Microbiome Medal Laureate

Jacques Ravel has been recognized for his foundational contributions to understanding the human vaginal microbiome, its links to pregnancy outcomes and susceptibility to infection. His work also laid the groundwork for live biotherapeutics designed to shape the vaginal microbiome in ways that could improve pregnancy outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateJun 16, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Sugar-free diets may disrupt gut microbiome

Researchers found that eliminating sugar from a low-fat diet can lead to impaired glucose control, insulin resistance, and gut microbial imbalance. Balanced dietary carbohydrates are essential for supporting gut and immune homeostasis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 13, 2026

GLP-1s may alleviate depression in mice through the microbiome

A study published in Cell Host & Microbe suggests that GLP-1 analogs may alleviate depression in mice by modulating the gut microbiome. The researchers found that a specific microbe strain, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, played a key role in this process.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Green space exposure, mental health and the nasal microbiome

Researchers found that people living in areas with more vegetation had a wider microbial variety in their noses, correlating with better mental health scores. Time spent outside was also associated with a healthy nasal microbiome and lower depressive scores.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 6, 2026

One simple trick makes zebrafish a better model for microbiome research

Researchers developed a new method to raise germ-free zebrafish using gamma irradiation, enabling long-term studies of host-microbe interactions. This approach revealed significant differences between germ-free and intact zebrafish, suggesting conserved roles for microbiomes in immunity and metabolism across species.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

Clarifying the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism

Researchers investigated the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism, finding that gut microbiota transform selenium into metabolites influencing utilization, detoxification, and excretion. The study also revealed that Se intake affects bacterial diversity and that gut microbes produce unique selenometabolites.

SourceChiba University·JournalFood Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

Colorectal cancer risk linked to gut microbiome alterations

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that gut microbiome alterations persist even after adenoma removal, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. The researchers discovered that diet and physical activity were closely tied to CRC-associated gut microbes, suggesting lifestyle habits may contribute to sustained risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers link specific microbiomes to archaeological bone degradation

A study published in PLOS One analyzed microbial communities in well-preserved and degraded bones from medieval cemeteries in Norway. The researchers found distinct microbial communities associated with different levels of degradation, suggesting that microbes play a role in bone preservation and decay.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

New urine test provides simple way to screen for autism in children

A new screening tool tests for microbial metabolites in urine to identify children at risk for autism, with 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The test may guide more targeted interventions, including approaches to restore a healthy gut microbiome.

SourceArizona State University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2026

How gut rewires the brain to crave for essential nutrients

Researchers found that the gut responds to protein deficiency by activating a fast neural circuit and a slower hormonal signal, which selectively changes dietary priorities. The study reveals a previously unknown gut-brain signaling system that rapidly alters feeding behavior in animals.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateMay 22, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Study suggests diet-derived compound could repair gut damage caused by HIV

A Tulane University study found that long-term antiretroviral treatments did not fully restore key immune functions to protect and repair the gut lining in nonhuman primates with SIV. The researchers discovered that diet-derived compounds from vegetables like broccoli and cabbage may support immune activity involved in gut repair.

SourceTulane University·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 22, 2026

Newly discovered microbial world helps protect developing lobsters

A new study found that lobster eggs host surprisingly diverse microbiomes that change as the embryos develop but remain stable under conditions simulating future environmental conditions. The findings challenge decades of assumptions about disease risks in the American lobster fishery.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 14, 2026

Genetic “bonus material” makes the gut bacterium Segatella copri oxygen-tolerant

Researchers identified functional differences in Segatella strains from different regions of the world. Genomes of Segatella copri with OxyR showed a hundred to thousand times higher oxygen tolerance than those without, suggesting horizontal gene transfer occurred several thousand years ago.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Head impacts associated with altered gut microbiome in football players

Researchers tracked six NCAA Division I football players over a season and found that non-concussive head impacts correlated with changes to the gut microbiome. The study suggests that even sub-symptomatic head impacts might affect the gut microbiome, both in the immediate aftermath of injury and over a longer time course.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2026

Caesarean birth: sex-specific effects on the microbiota

A study reveals that caesarean delivery alters microbial colonisation in the first days of life, with distinct effects on male and female mice. Males born by caesarean section develop increased susceptibility to colitis in adulthood, while females do not. This difference is linked to changes in gut microbiota and barrier function.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalGut Microbes·DateApr 30, 2026

“Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are”

Researchers found that microbes actively adjust their behavior to minimize competition and conflict when living together, leading to more efficient coexistence. This discovery provides insights into how diverse microbial communities assemble and persist despite intense competition.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

IBS treatment response predicted by gut microbiome in new study

Researchers found distinct gut microbiome characteristics that predicted treatment response to the low FODMAP diet and rifaximin. Patients who responded to these treatments had different microbial signatures, with increases in diversity for those on the low FODMAP diet and resilience against antibiotics for those on rifaximin.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 22, 2026
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Study of gut microbes in black bears finds antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A recent study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present in the gut microbiomes of American black bears in eastern North Carolina. The researchers also discovered that these pathogens can be dispersed through bear feces, making the bears a potential indicator species for environmental changes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026

To thwart pathogens, researchers are giving beneficial microbes what they really want

Researchers have developed a new tool called Microbial Interaction and Niche Determination (MIND) that accurately predicts how microbes compete within complex communities. By analyzing nutrient preferences and energy allocation, MIND helps beneficial organisms outcompete dangerous pathogens. This approach has the potential to accelerat...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Could your housemates be changing your gut bacteria?

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that living with friends may alter your gut bacteria, with social closeness driving the exchange of anaerobic microbes. The research suggests that daily interactions at home, such as hugging and sharing food prep spaces, may encourage the transfer of beneficial gut bacteria.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

Loss of microbiota alters the profile of cells that protect the intestinal wall

A study led by UNICAMP researchers found that decreased bacteria in the large intestine affects nutrient absorption, particularly in older adults. The research showed a dual function of a previously thought mucus-secreting cell, which absorbs nutrients and regulates its abundance with gut microbiota signals.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGut Microbes·DateApr 7, 2026

The tumor microbiota: A new frontier in cancer biology

The tumor microbiota is now considered a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer development and modulating immunotherapy effectiveness. Researchers have identified ways microbes can remodel tumors' microenvironments, directly interacting with tumor tissue and immune cells.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCancer Cell·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 2, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Oregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits

A long-term public study found that phytochemicals from oregano and rosemary supported favorable gut health and growth performance in weaned pigs, preserving microbial diversity to improve nutrient utilization. The natural agents outperformed antibiotic growth promoters in terms of final body weight and gain-to-feed ratio.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalAnimal Research and One Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2026