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New live bacterial product for stubborn superbug improves quality of life

A new microbiome therapeutic, SER-109, has been shown to improve the quality of life of patients with Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections by reducing symptoms and restoring colonization resistance. The treatment was found to be associated with significant improvements in health-related quality of life scores as early as Week 1.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 31, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Who is more prone to recurrent UTIs? Bladder bacteria may be key

Researchers identified a strong association between beneficial bacteria and estrogen hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. The study found that estrogen may play a role in reducing susceptibility to recurrent UTIs by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as Lactobacilli in the bladder. Conversely, women with recurrent UTIs had ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Oncotarget | Treasures from trash in cancer research

A new study explores the value of 'trash data' from cancer genome sequencing, identifying new strategies to uncover previously unexplored information. The researchers found that genomic and transcriptomic data contain relevant information that can help elucidate carcinogenesis and discover putative biomarkers with clinical applications.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Novel insecticides are bad news for bee health and their guts

Researchers discovered that two approved insecticides can damage honey bees' intestinal flora, making them more susceptible to disease. The study highlights the need for rigorous research on pesticide effects on beneficial insects before approval.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022

Plants keep pathogens at bay in cooperation with microorganisms

Researchers discovered that plants can regulate their microbiome through the secretion of flavonoids, which affect beneficial and harmful microorganisms around plant roots. This delicate balance helps protect plants from parasitic nematodes, reducing susceptibility to infection.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 19, 2022

New research details the microbial origins of Type 1 diabetes

Researchers have discovered that the bacterial protein BefA stimulates insulin-producing cells to replicate, potentially leading to new treatments for Type 1 diabetes. This finding suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating beta cell development and preventing autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Scientists unravel millet genotype-microbiota interaction insights to enhance crop adaptability and yield

Researchers identified 257 rhizoplane microbial biomarkers associated with six key agronomic traits, revealing a complex association between millet genotype, root microbiome, and crop growth. The study provides insights into precision agriculture based on genotype-dependent microbial effects in foxtail millet.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2022

Paris will host the 9th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Microbiota dedicated to microbiota and microbiotal medicine: Where we are now and what’s next?

The event will cover various topics including microbiota dysbiosis, oral and vaginal microbiota, and their impact on diseases like depression, cancer, and respiratory infections. The meeting aims to accelerate Microbiota medicine applications through strategic discussions.

SourceMitochondria-Microbiota Task Force·DateOct 4, 2022

Going to extremes to tackle oil contamination

Researchers at KAUST have identified thermophilic bacteria with potential to degrade oil contamination. The study reveals that certain bacteria can secrete surfactants and absorb emulsified petroleum into their cells for degradation via enzymatic activity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMicroorganisms·DateOct 2, 2022

Gel treats gum disease by fighting inflammation

A new study led by NYU researchers has developed a topical gel that targets the succinate receptor to suppress inflammation, reduce bacterial imbalance, and prevent bone loss. The treatment has shown promise in reducing gum disease symptoms, including inflammation and tooth loss.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 20, 2022

Gut microbes and humans on a joint evolutionary journey

Researchers found that over 60% of investigated microbial species matched their human host's evolutionary history, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship spanning ~100,000 years. This discovery fundamentally changes how the human gut microbiome is viewed and opens up new possibilities for population-specific therapies.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 16, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

International study led by Singapore scientists discovers bacteria previously thought harmless can worsen existing lung disease

A study led by Singapore scientists found that Neisseria, a genus of bacteria once considered harmless, can cause infections in patients with bronchiectasis, asthma, and COPD. The research team identified a specific subgroup of Neisseria called N. subflava as the main culprit behind worsening disease outcomes.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022

Antibiotics given in infancy may have adverse impact on adult gut health

A new study found that early life exposure to antibiotics in neonatal mice has long-lasting effects on their microbiota, enteric nervous system, and gut function. This could mean that babies given antibiotics may experience gastrointestinal issues later in life.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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Subarctic cave bacteria could be at risk due to climate change

New study reveals that subarctic cave bacterial communities are more diverse and complex than surface soil ones, but climate change poses a significant threat to these unique ecosystems. The scarcity of nutrients in caves drives bacteria to cooperate with each other, which may be affected by global warming.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalEnvironmental Microbiome·DateAug 30, 2022

Keeping Kermit: New clues to protecting frogs from deadly Bd fungus

A new study from the University of South Australia shows that captive frogs can be protected from the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) through natural skin shedding processes. However, captivity also reduces skin bacteria diversity and richness, potentially affecting the frogs' resilience to pathogens.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalTransactions of the Royal Society of South Australia·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2022

The environment alters breastmilk and maternal behavior in rats

Research in rats found that an enriched environment leads to better maternal behavior and higher-quality breastmilk. Mothers in enriching environments had more efficient parenting, resulting in larger offspring with increased body weights and improved social behavior.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Microbial food chain: Nutritional interactions promoting periodontitis

Researchers led by Osaka University found that Fusobacterium nucleatum produces polyamines through metabolic cross-feeding, creating favorable conditions for periodontal pathogens to grow and spread. This integration of a metabolic network within the oral microbiome may promote the development of periodontitis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

Burrowing crabs bring beneficial bacteria to mangroves

Researchers found that bioturbation by fiddler crabs increases soil pH and reduces salinity, creating a more hospitable environment for beneficial bacteria. These bacteria produce essential chemicals for iron trapping, improving mangrove plant growth.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateAug 11, 2022

New dog food? Study shows Fido's gut bacteria could turn over within a week

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAnimal Microbiome·DateAug 1, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

From genes to plant microbiota

A study found that plant genetic variability controls specific microorganisms, influencing microbial community composition and plant reproductive success. The research used Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes and metabarcoding DNA sequencing to analyze the impact of genetics on leaf microbiota.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2022

New methodology helps predict soil recovery after wildfires

A new methodology predicts soil recovery after wildfires by analyzing the impact of microbes and nutrients on soil regeneration. The study found that including uncommon soil microbiota was critical to predicting water quality and terrestrial ecosystem recovery.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 25, 2022

Oncotarget | Predicting cancer immunotherapy response from gut microbiomes using machine learning models

A new study uses machine learning models to predict cancer patients' responses to immunotherapy based on their gut microbiome features. The research identifies common gut bacterial taxa associated with responders versus non-responders, providing a potential tool for distinguishing and predicting immunotherapy responders.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 19, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Did our ancestors have better microbiomes? For maize, maybe!

Researchers found that domesticated maize recruits different microbes from soil than its wild ancestors, including those involved in nitrogen cycling. This shift may be driving the need for synthetic fertilizers, but understanding the ancestral microbiome could help breed crops more sustainably.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJul 19, 2022

Jumpstarting insulin production with microbial diversity wins NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize

Dr. Jennifer Hampton Hill's work shows that restoring lost bacterial cues in the gut can stimulate development of insulin-producing cells, potentially protecting against autoimmune destruction associated with Type 1 Diabetes. The discovery of a specific protein, beta-cell expansion factor A (BefA), holds promise for human beta-cells.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 2022

Microbes support adaptation to climate change

Researchers found that the microbiome of sea anemones changes as they adapt to changing temperatures, making them more resistant to heat stress. The transfer of these altered microbiomes from acclimated to non-acclimated animals also led to increased tolerance to high temperatures.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Researchers identify the microbes in 100-year-old snail guts

A team of ecologists from CU museum identified over 7,000 organisms, mostly bacteria, in the guts of Rocky Mountain snails collected between 1920 and 2018. The findings show that microbiomes can offer insights into how animals interacted with their environments centuries ago.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalMicrobiome·DateJun 29, 2022

Cover crops not enough to improve soil after decades of continuous corn

Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy·DateJun 6, 2022

Research Brief: Study finds fecal microbiota transplantation to be cost effective treatment for any recurrent Clostridiodes Difficile infection

A new study from University of Minnesota Medical School suggests Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is an optimal and cost-effective treatment option for the first recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. The research model indicates it's effective and cost-effective when used in patients after a single episode of recurrent CDI.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 2, 2022

Antibiotics wreak havoc on athletic performance

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBehavioural Processes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 1, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Soil microbes use different pathways to metabolize carbon

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.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalPlant and Soil·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Study: Carbs, sugary foods may influence poor oral health

A recent study has found a link between high carbohydrate intake and the diversity of oral bacteria in postmenopausal women. The researchers also discovered associations between sugar consumption and certain types of gum disease, such as gingivitis. These findings suggest that diet may play a role in the development of periodontal dise...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2022

Bacteria in the bile duct may provide a new clue for treating liver disease

Researchers discovered a link between the immune system and microbiome in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease. MAIT cells activated by bile-derived pathogens could play an important role in PSC pathophysiology, offering potential new treatment implications.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022
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.

Distinct gut microbial profile may identify pancreatic cancer, irrespective of stage

Research suggests that changes in the microbiome may play a role in both the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. A distinct gut microbial profile was observed in patients with ductal pancreatic cancer compared to those without the disease, and this signature consistently identified patients regardless of disease stage.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2022

Without helpful microbes, tadpoles can’t stand the heat

Researchers discovered that tadpoles raised without helpful microbes can't stand the heat, and are five times more likely to die in high temperatures. The team also found that microbes help tadpoles deal with heat by regulating their metabolisms and energy production.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers identify potential approaches to modify the vaginal microbiome

Researchers have identified a way to improve bacterial vaginosis treatment by targeting the vaginal microbiome. By analyzing over 1,200 vaginal Lactobacillus genomes and growing a novel strain of Lactobacillus iners in the lab, scientists discovered that this species requires external cysteine sources, which can be blocked using inhibi...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 3, 2022

Scientists characterize the imbalanced gut bacteria of patients with myocardial infarction, angina and heart failure

Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

A microbial compound in the gut leads to anxious behaviors in mice

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 14, 2022

Your microbiome shapes your life. But where did it come from?

A team of researchers discovered that chance plays a significant role in the formation of individual gut microbiomes, with genetic, diet, and environmental factors influencing the odds of colonization. The study's findings have major implications for treatments like fecal transplants and probiotics.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022