Articles tagged with Microbiota
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.
New research reveals biochar's impact on autotrophic soil microbes that fix carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle. In paddy soils, these microbes are active capturing carbon dioxide, while in upland soils, microbial biomass and labile carbon pools play a larger role.
Researchers have developed a new test that uses microbes to determine the age of termite droppings, allowing for rapid on-site infestation assessments. The study found that the amount of DNA from E. coli bacteria in the pellets decreases significantly over time, with a nearly 190-fold drop by the 12-month mark.
Researchers found that stool metabolites accurately reflect dietary intake and gut microbiome responses, identifying key food groups and associated compounds. The study suggests a powerful indicator of future heart disease risk, potentially offering more insight than diet scores alone.
Research reveals that Methanogenic archaea, particularly M. smithii, play a crucial role in postnatal growth retardation by depleting β-hydroxybutyrate levels and inducing liver inflammation. Transplanting fecal microbiome from PGR piglets to mice confirms the same phenotypes.
A new study published in Gut Microbes reveals that married individuals with higher perceived emotional support have a lower body mass index and fewer food addiction behaviors. The study found that oxytocin pathways linking the brain, gut microbiome, and eating behaviors play a crucial role in shaping obesity risk.
Research suggests that owning a family dog during adolescence can boost mental well-being and social support by altering the gut microbiota. The study found that adolescents with dogs had higher mental health scores and lower social problems compared to those without dogs.
Research highlights the connection between fungi and cancer, revealing that fungal microbiome can promote tumour progression and activate immunosuppressive pathways. Modulating the fungal microbiome may enhance antitumour immunity, with preliminary validation from preclinical and clinical trials.
A large-scale laboratory screening identified 168 chemicals toxic to human-made gut bacteria. Washing fruit and veggies before consumption may help avoid exposure to these pollutants. Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict chemical harm, emphasizing the need for safer industrial practices.
A study reveals that competition for biotin, a vital vitamin, drives interactions between harmful Staphylococcus aureus and harmless commensal bacteria. This resource scarcity could lead to new strategies for fighting multi-resistant germs.
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
A recent study at UC Davis has shown that feeding cows red seaweed can dramatically cut the amount of methane produced, with a 60% reduction in emissions. The research identified specific microbes in the cow's gut that help reduce methane production, opening the door to engineering these microbes for a long-term solution.
Research reveals that medications can reshape the trillions of microbes in the gut by competing for nutrients, leading to predictable changes in the microbiome. The study provides a framework for predicting how a person's microbial community might change with a given drug, potentially helping scientists find ways to prevent side effects.
Microbial metabolites from the gut microbiome influence gene expression, cellular function, and host health. The MDME axis proposes a unified theoretical framework explaining this complex dialogue.
A recent study published in The FEBS Journal found that specific gut bacteria can efficiently metabolize different forms of nitrogen, preventing carcinogenic nitrosamine formation. This process is critical for maintaining intestinal and systemic health, potentially decreasing the risk of certain cancers.
A comprehensive review synthesizes current insights into the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation, highlighting the crucial role of peripheral organs in modulating brain function and behavior. Disruptions in gut microbiota composition are closely linked to sleep disturbances across multiple disorders.
Research links low body weight in young Japanese women to reduced gut microbial diversity, with an increased presence of inflammatory species. The study suggests that improving eating habits could lead to improvements in gut microbiota and body weight.
A study from the Champalimaud Foundation found that when fruit flies are deprived of essential amino acids, their brains upregulate two olfactory receptor genes involved in smell, leading to a refined sense of smell that guides them to protein-rich yeast and gut bacteria. This interplay between smell and taste regulates feeding behavior.
The intra-tumoral microbiome influences cancer initiation, progression, and immune regulation through various mechanisms. Targeting the tumor microbiota holds promise for precision medicine and cancer therapy.
Researchers found that voluntary running exercise mitigates cafeteria diet-induced behavioral changes via hormonal and microbial pathways. The study revealed specific metabolites, such as anserine and indole-3-carboxylate, were decreased by the cafeteria diet but partially restored by exercise.
Scientists found that breathing dusty air from the Salton Sea can alter the lung microbiome and trigger immune responses in mice. The study suggests that chronic exposure to such dust could have significant health effects, including asthma.
A healthy microbiome promotes overall well-being, influencing areas like cognition, mood, immunity, and disease susceptibility. By incorporating proven dietary interventions, regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep, individuals can harness their microbiome for optimal health.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers discovered that non-hibernating pikas alter their gut microbiota to increase urea nitrogen salvaging, maintaining protein homeostasis during winter. This adaptation helps the animals cope with the scarcity of dietary protein during the cold season.
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
Dr. Amin's transformative insights reshape international understanding of depression genetics, identifying novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Her systemic disease model challenges traditional views of depression as a brain disorder.
A recent study found that paeoniflorin treatment corrected imbalances in gut microbiota and key metabolites associated with brain function in a rat model of chronic stress. This corrected the depressive behaviors in stressed rats, which were then transferred to other rats through the shared gut microbiota-metabolite axis.
Researchers from the University of South Australia explore the connection between the gut and brain to decipher their role in mental health and wellbeing. The study found that changes in the gut microbiome can directly affect brain chemistry, suggesting a potential link between gut health and mental illness.
A study on C. elegans reveals that dissolved biochar affects nematode growth and physiology, with lower doses promoting development and higher doses disrupting normal functions. The findings highlight the need for careful dosing and oversight when deploying biochar in agricultural systems.
The 2-day conference focuses on bridging the fields of mitochondrial biology, microbiome research, and extracellular vesicle science to advance translational innovation. Experts will discuss EVs as core messengers in intercellular communication and their potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers discovered a new enzyme produced by Bacteroides fragilis that activates pain signaling. The enzyme is targeted with nanoparticles to develop treatments for gut pain in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The studies aim to restore balance between good and bad bacteria to reduce symptoms.
Research reveals that Bifidobacterium breve in pregnant mothers regulates the placenta's hormone production, reducing complications and improving fetal growth. The study opens up a new approach to assessing pregnancy health through gut microbiome analysis.
The International Society of Microbiota and RIKEN will host the prestigious Innovation Awards Gala to celebrate microbiota-driven discoveries. Nominations for the awards close on October 7, 2025, and recognize scientific excellence and translational breakthroughs in microbiota medicine.
A new study by Boston University researchers examines the impact of urban environmental stressors on tree growth and ecosystem services. The study found that urbanization disrupts the tree microbiome, leading to a loss of symbiotic relationships and an accumulation of pathogens, which can have negative effects on human well-being.
The University of California - Riverside is receiving a $2 million grant to investigate how gut microbes interact with their human hosts to influence health. The research aims to create next-generation probiotics that strengthen the gut microbiome, improve vaccine effectiveness, and prevent infections.
A University of Hawaii study reveals how gut microbes interact with human genes, shaping disease risk, aging, and future medical treatments. The review highlights the potential for personalized medicine and precision health strategies tailored to each individual's unique microbial and epigenetic makeup.
Researchers developed an engineered strain of gut-homing bacteria that induces mature tertiary lymphoid structures, associated with improved survival and stronger treatment responses. The therapy also restored healthy gut microbiota and showed excellent biocompatibility.
Research links oral bacteria to Parkinson's disease via the gut-brain axis, finding Streptococcus mutans produces metabolite imidazole propionate that contributes to disease progression. Targeting the oral-gut microbiome may offer a new therapeutic approach for Parkinson's treatment.
A cohort study reveals oral bacteria and fungi as significant risk factors for pancreatic cancer development. The findings suggest that oral microbiota may serve as biomarkers to identify individuals at high risk of pancreatic cancer, potentially contributing to personalized prevention strategies.
Researchers at DTU have discovered a way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by nourishing special bifidobacteria that is naturally occurring in the gut. Special lactic acids produced by bifidobacteria play a key role in keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria at bay.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found a significant link between the maternal gut microbiome and preterm birth. The researchers identified Clostridium innocuum as a key bacteria species that may contribute to preterm birth by degrading estradiol, a critical hormone during pregnancy.
Researchers found genetic peptides called alpha-defensins that shape gut bacteria, producing healthier microbiomes and reducing insulin resistance. This discovery suggests personalized treatments can be tailored to individual genes, offering new hope for addressing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Researchers found that children with stable gut microbiomes tend to have better growth outcomes. The study created the first-ever pediatric undernutrition microbial genome catalog, which can predict and prevent malnutrition. This discovery opens the door to new diagnostics and therapeutics for addressing global child stunting issues.
A new scientific review reveals that stress, hardship, and social challenges reshape a person's gut bacteria and brain performance, making it harder to keep weight off. Social determinants of health play a key role in obesity risk, and addressing these conditions is crucial for long-term solutions.
Researchers found a unique microbial signature in colorectal cancer samples that can accurately distinguish them from other types of cancer. This discovery has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer.
A clinical trial led by Tohoku University has found that lubiprostone can prevent the decline of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study evaluated the effects of lubiprostone on kidney function and found that it improves mitochondrial function, which exerts a renoprotective effect.
Researchers have discovered that gut bacteria can recognize diverse chemical signals, including those from nutrients, DNA, and other metabolites. This allows them to detect and respond to nutritional values, suggesting that finding sources of nutrients is a primary function of motility in these bacteria.
A team of microbiologists has mapped the multitude of microbes present in mine water, influencing its chemistry and impact on geothermal energy capture. Understanding microbial activity is crucial for designing efficient and resilient geothermal systems.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that chronic alcohol use impairs gut bacterial regulation. This allows bacteria to migrate to the liver, worsening ALD. Targeting this mechanism with existing drugs may provide a new approach to minimizing liver damage from alcohol use.
Researchers found that a molecule produced by gut bacteria can cause inflammation, scarring and fibrosis in the kidneys, a major complication of diabetes. Corisin, a small peptide, attaches to albumin in the blood and targets the delicate kidney structures, accelerating aging and cell death.
Researchers created comprehensive catalogue of human gut microbiota subspecies and developed model predicting colorectal cancer presence from stool samples. The method detected 90% of cancer cases, outperforming current non-invasive detection methods.
Researchers discovered that smoking produces metabolites that encourage mouth bacteria to grow in the large intestines, triggering an immune response. These bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mitis, help reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis by triggering a specific immune response.
Researchers at Kyushu University discovered that combining yogurt intake with hot spring bathing enhances gut microbiota diversity and improves defecation status, suggesting a potential application for preventive medicine. The study found significant improvements in gut health outcomes, particularly among healthy adults.
A recent study reveals that foliar fungicides can alter the composition of beneficial fungi in corn leaves, highlighting the need to reassess crop management strategies. The research also suggests that sustainable practices promoting beneficial microbes could enhance crop resilience and yield.
A new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that red meat consumption causes an imbalance of bacteria in the intestinal microbiota, leading to exacerbated colonic inflammation. The diets resulted in a decrease in beneficial bacterial strains and an increase in pro-inflammatory cells.
Researchers found a connection between high TMAO levels and faster rates of aneurysm expansion, as well as greater risk for needing surgery. Targeting TMAO levels may help prevent and treat aneurysmal disease beyond surgery.
Researchers discovered a multi-faceted mechanism behind ASD, revealing the gut microbiota and host immune system's influence on disease progression. Precision-selected probiotics restored metabolic balance, reduced neuroinflammation, and ameliorated behavioral abnormalities in ASD mouse models.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified a microbial DNA signature in blood plasma that reliably differentiates primary liver cancer from metastatic colorectal cancer. The finding has potential clinical applications, including early cancer detection and monitoring of high-risk patients.
A new study has discovered that the microbial signature of tiny planktonic crustaceans, called copepods, reflects ocean currents and environmental gradients more accurately than freely living microbes. This finding suggests that copepod-associated microbes could serve as valuable bioindicators for detecting shifts in marine ecosystems.