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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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Biochar from peanut shells boosts soil health and crop quality over the long term

A six-year field study reveals that biochar made from peanut shells improves soil fertility and enhances crop quality by reshaping soil microbial communities. The study shows that biochar acts as both a habitat and a nutrient source for beneficial microbes, promoting plant growth and increasing soluble sugar content in tobacco leaves.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2026

Endometrial microbiota-dimethylglycine-Treg cell axis affects endometrial receptivity in recurrent implantation failure

Researchers found that endometrial microbiota imbalances contribute to recurrent implantation failure, with dimethylglycine supplementation potentially reversing the effects. The study suggests a complex interplay between microbiota, metabolites, and Treg cells in regulating endometrial receptivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMar 23, 2026

High-fat diet drives gut bacteria into the brain in mice

A high-fat diet allows bacteria to move from the gut to the brain in mice, according to a new study. Researchers found that a small number of bacteria translocated to the brain, likely via the vagus nerve, and that these bacteria were also detected in mouse models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal highlights gut–brain axis in pituitary tumor–related cognitive decline

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are associated with cognitive decline, which may be linked to hormonal dysregulation and gut microbiota alterations. Surgical intervention improves cognitive function, suggesting a potential endocrine mechanism underlying cognitive dysfunction and recovery.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2026

Trust your gut to heal your brain

Researchers at Houston Methodist found that short-term antibiotic treatment significantly reduced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration following traumatic brain injury by altering the gut microbiome. Beneficial bacteria Parasutterella excrementihominis and Lactobacillus johnsonii drove cell repair, while reducing harmful gut bacteria.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 26, 2026

Gut microbe–derived butyrate activates immune cells to enhance vaccine efficacy

A study published in Microbiome found that gut microbiome-derived butyrate activates immune cells to enhance vaccine efficacy by promoting T follicular helper (Tfh) cell activity and mucosal antibody production. This discovery highlights the crucial role of gut environment regulation in controlling infections and enhancing vaccine resp...

Human vaginal microbiome is shaped by competition for resources

The vaginal microbiota is influenced by competition for specific nutritional resources, affecting health outcomes. A resource-based model identified key ecological mechanisms underlying microbiota composition and potential bacterial vaginosis interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2026

Rice genes matter more than domestication in shaping plant microbiomes

A recent study reveals that the specific genetic identity of rice plants determines which microbes they host and how those microbes function. The research found that differences among rice genotypes strongly shape microbial communities in both soil and on leaf surfaces, influencing nutrient cycling, plant health, and soil carbon storage.

From straw to soil harmony: International team reveals how biochar supercharges carbon-smart farming

A new international study discovers that combining biochar with straw can reduce carbon emissions, boost soil health, and encourage microbes to work together. The research bridges Moscow and Guangzhou, delivering one of the clearest pictures yet of how organic amendments shape the hidden world beneath our feet.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025