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.
A new study finds that pregnant women with low levels of a specific fatty acid molecule are more likely to have children with childhood asthma. The researchers also found that children of these mothers are more prone to respiratory infections and altered lung microbiomes.
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.
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.
The Targeting Phage Therapy 2026 Congress will bring together experts to address clinical, regulatory, industrial, and hospital infrastructure requirements for phage therapy. The congress aims to move phage therapy from promising science to accessible, validated, and deployable medicine.
Researchers discovered a new immune tolerance mechanism that relies on blocking Signal Two coupling, rather than expanding it. This finding holds promise for developing new therapies against inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune conditions.
Researchers found that restoring a young microbiome can reverse features of aging in the liver, including inflammation and DNA damage. The study suggests that a healthy gut microbiome plays a key role in preventing liver cancer.
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.
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.
Researchers found that connected natural habitats help maintain beneficial skin microbes that inhibit deadly fungal pathogens in tropical amphibians. Habitat fragmentation weakens these microbial defenses, leading to increased pathogen infection levels.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026
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...
Researchers found that sleep deprivation alters the composition of gut microbiota, leading to worse cancer progression and reduced effectiveness of chemotherapy. The study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome through good sleep and diet.
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.
A study found that epigenetic changes present at birth can impact an infant's gut microbiome development during their first year. The researchers also identified specific epigenetic changes and gut microbes associated with signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Researchers at DTU have developed a new method to identify bacteria capable of producing vitamin B2 in soya drinks. A bacterium from bumblebee guts was found to thrive in plant-based dairy alternatives and produce the nutrient in high quantities.
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.
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.
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.
A new study introduces a simple intervention of introducing forest soil on an entryway doormat, which shifted the indoor microbiome of Finnish homes closer to bacterial profiles found outdoors. This could lead to health promotion, especially in urban settings, by reducing encounters with environmental microbes linked to inflammatory di...
Researchers discovered subtle changes in the blood can reveal early signs of cognitive decline caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria. A blood test may one day transform how we detect dementia, potentially identifying people at risk years before symptoms appear.
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.
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.
A new study demonstrates the use of field-portable assays to study caves in near real-time, revealing complex microbial ecosystems and potential health threats. The research found that geography, material, and depth significantly impact microbial populations, with applications for public health and military decision-making.
Researchers found that an imbalanced gut microbiome escalates the production of metabolic byproducts, driving a feedback loop that worsens CKD. Blocking a single enzyme in the gut stopped this cycle, suggesting iNOS as a potential target for treatment.
Using azithromycin within one day triggers antibiotic resistance in the respiratory tract, according to a study published in Nature Microbiology. The researchers followed hospitalized COVID-19 patients and found that azithromycin changed the mix of microbes in the upper airway, leading to persistent changes for more than a week.
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.
A new study from Emory University finds that live bacteria from an imbalanced gut microbiome can enter the brain via the vagus nerve, potentially initiating neurological conditions. The study used mouse models and found that high-fat diets increased intestinal barrier permeability, allowing bacteria to reach the brain.
Researchers studied the Seychelles warbler's gut bacteria, finding that immune genes influence which microbes thrive, and that this relationship affects host health and survival. The study suggests a two-way relationship between immune genes and gut bacteria, with potential benefits for human health and disease prevention.
A new study found that voluntary exercise reshapes the gut microbiota, leading to changes in tryptophan metabolism and serotonin signaling. Exercise decreased the relative abundance of certain bacterial genera, shifting neuroactive signaling and lowering a key receptor in the memory center of the brain.
Research found that Roseburia inulinivorans is positively associated with muscle mass and strength in both young and older adults. The study suggests that R inulinivorans may play a causal role in muscle strength, with notable increases in forelimb grip strength and larger muscle fibre size in mice treated with the bacteria.
Researchers at King's College London discovered that certain genetic features of gut bacteria predict long-term survival after fecal transplants. These stable gene groups are linked to traits that help good bacteria compete and survive, and may be used as a source of future drugs.
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.
Research reveals complex interactions between soil microbes, viruses, and microplastics, influencing soil health and ecosystem recovery. Innovations such as phage-assisted microbial augmentation aim to enhance plastic degradation in soils.
Research reveals that salivary bacteria from gum disease alter gut metabolism, driving osteoclast activity and systemic bone loss. Microbial metabolites like indole-3-lactic acid inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity.
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.
A global team of scientists, led by University of Houston microbiologist Madhan Tirumalai, has identified the critical role of biofilms in human space exploration. Biofilms could influence astronaut health, drug delivery and space agriculture, while also posing risks to astronaut health.
A growing body of research suggests that microplastics in soils can alter microbial genes controlling essential ecosystem functions, potentially affecting food production, climate processes, and environmental health. Microplastics also enhance the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil ecosystems.
A global atlas mapping two key gut bacteria has uncovered a treasure trove of bacterial strains adapted to the infant gut, not found in commercial probiotic products. The study reveals region-specific strains that have naturally evolved to thrive in a baby's microbiome, shaped by regional diets and environments.
A new study finds salcaprozate sodium may have adverse biological effects on the gut and beyond, including shifts in potentially harmful gut bacteria and elevated inflammatory markers. The research highlights an important gap in understanding the long-term impact of repeated SNAC exposure.
Researchers at UCSF and Wayne State University found that generative AI tools can perform orders of magnitude faster than human teams in analyzing health data. Junior researchers paired with AI generated viable prediction models in minutes, outperforming experienced programmers in hours or days.
A study by NYU researchers found that children with Crohn’s disease have a unique microbiome signature, characterized by more pro-inflammatory and less protective bacteria. This could lead to personalized treatments for pediatric Crohn’s disease.
Researchers focus on system-level resilience and long-term biological coordination to understand aging as a loss of coordination between biological systems. Studies show how mitochondrial signaling influences inflammation in senescence and microbiota–brain interactions shape aging trajectories.
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.
A global study found that a group of bacteria, CAG-170, consistently appeared in high numbers in the gut microbiomes of healthy individuals. This species has the capacity to produce Vitamin B12 and break down carbohydrates, suggesting it plays a crucial role in maintaining human health.
Blautia luti produces formic acid as an electron taxi, bypassing the energetically costly production of hydrogen. The bacterium detoxifies formic acid via a special metabolic pathway, linked to sugar breakdown and acetic acid production.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered 25 distinct vaginal microbiome types, challenging the long-standing view of a simplified
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...
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
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discovered that gut bacteria can directly deliver proteins into human cells, shaping immune responses. This new mechanism may help explain how changes in gut bacteria contribute to inflammatory diseases like Crohn's disease.
Researchers found that six species exhibited little to no evidence of phylosymbiosis, while five closely related bovids showed patterns consistent with the concept. Drier environments may reveal phylosymbiosis due to reduced microbial diversity.
Researchers at UC Riverside find that faulty gene PTPN2 increases susceptibility to harmful bacteria like AIEC, leading to gut inflammation and IBD. The studies suggest that restoring PTPN2 function or using medications like JAK inhibitors may help control harmful bacterial growth.
A new study reveals that gut microbiota directly affects intestinal stem cell function, leading to impaired regeneration after injury. Restoring a more youthful microbiota can reverse the age-related decline in ISC activity.
Researchers found that hot spring bathing in Japanese macaques subtly reshapes their relationships with parasites and gut microbes. The study suggests that behavior can shape the animal holobiont and act as an important driver of animal health.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children. Certain bifidobacteria produce a substance called 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA), which dampens immune responses to allergens, reducing the production of IgE antibodies.
Researchers found that vermicomposting reduces antibiotic resistance genes by 70-95% and mobile genetic elements by up to 68%. The process uses earthworms to transform raw manure into a stable, high-value fertilizer.
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.
A new international study found significant changes in gut bacteria at the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that affects the digestive system. The study reveals a loss of beneficial anaerobic bacteria and an increase in oxygen-tolerant bacteria, which may trigger inflammation.
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.
A new study found that genetic communities in rats are shaped by their social partners' genes. Researchers identified three gene-microbe associations, including one linked to bacteria that feed on sugar molecules added to mucus.
Researchers identified a specific type of gut bacteria, Turicibacter, that promotes metabolic health and reduces weight gain in mice. The bacterium produces fatty molecules that are absorbed by the small intestine, improving ceramide levels and preventing excessive weight gain.