Articles tagged with Digestive System
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Researchers created pea-sized mini-stomachs with three main regions, replicating human stomach function and acid secretion. The study models a rare genetic disease, paving the way for personalized treatment and accelerated clinical approval.
Research reveals that low doses of nanoplastics can alter gut and liver function, with diet playing a key role. The study found that exposure to nanoplastics disrupted fat metabolism and glucose intolerance, especially in mice on Western-style diets.
Estrogen activates previously unknown pathways in the colon, triggering pain and increasing sensitivity to certain foods. This explains why women are more likely to suffer from IBS and provides potential new ways to treat the condition.
A multidisciplinary research team discovered that liver alterations associated with metabolic dysfunction can cause cognitive and neurological impairments. The effects were reversed by a therapy targeting the liver, establishing a 'liver-brain axis'. This finding opens up new therapeutic avenues for treating metabolic liver disease.
A study found that maintaining moderate physical activity over three decades can significantly reduce digestive system cancer risk. The optimal level of physical activity was around 17 metabolic equivalent task-hours/week, equivalent to 5 hours of brisk walking or 2 hours of running per week.
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.
Researchers discovered a link between stomach rhythm and psychological well-being, finding stronger coordination is linked to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. The study suggests the stomach's 'second brain' may play a crucial role in mental health diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers discovered that immune cells called T cells are abundant in mammary glands during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with some relocating from the gut. This finding may help explain the benefits of breastfeeding and inform dietary decisions to enhance breast milk production and quality.
Researchers have developed a mechanical adhesive device that can attach to soft surfaces underwater, inspired by the hitchhiking sucker fish. The device uses pressure-based suction and has enhanced adhesion capabilities, making it suitable for delivering drugs in the GI tract or monitoring aquatic environments.
The small intestine's epithelial cells and immune cells work together to maintain gut integrity and regulate immune responses. Dysfunction in these cellular networks is linked to systemic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, and autoimmune conditions.
Researchers at UCSF found that certain gut bacteria can reduce chemotherapy side effects by clearing excess drugs and producing the protective vitamin K2. Patients with more beneficial bacteria had fewer side effects, suggesting that probiotics may help mitigate chemotherapy's impact.
A new study published in Nature reveals that maintaining a healthy diet is the most effective way to rebuild a depleted gut microbiome, outperforming fecal transplants. The research shows that a Western-style diet can severely impact the microbiome's ability to defend against pathogens.
A new study reveals that protein sources in an animal's diet significantly alter the gut microbiome, with some having extreme effects. The researchers found that diets high in brown rice, yeast, or egg whites led to changes in amino acid metabolism and complex sugar degradation.
Scientists at City of Hope have identified a new molecular target for treating pancreatic cancer, using an experimental drug to slow tumor growth and damage tumor cells. The approach showed promise in clinical trials with two patients, resulting in up to a 49% shrinkage in liver metastases.
Surgical adhesions form after surgery, causing severe complications like bowel obstructions, chronic pain, and infertility. A new report explores solutions to this widespread problem, including the development of standardized tools and innovative treatments.
A study from Weill Cornell Medicine found that over two-thirds of US counties have no gastroenterologist, leaving millions without access to care. The analysis highlights the need for policy interventions and strategies to expand the workforce in underserved areas.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that microplastic particles are excreted in the feces of marine animals, making them undetectable as plastic. This process can lead to increased carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor, promoting algal blooms and disrupting the marine food web.
Researchers developed an ultra-compact transparent ultrasonic transducer for simultaneous high-resolution ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. This technology improves diagnostic sensitivity by providing detailed information about tissue vasculature, thereby enhancing early cancer detection.
Researchers discovered a set of genes in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum that enable it to stably attach to host tissue, revolutionizing our understanding of microbiome colonization. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of targeted probiotics and improved gut health.
Scientists have developed a new organoid that includes all three key cell types in the pancreas, allowing for a clearer understanding of its early development. The research discovered a new stem cell type that can develop into these cells, and found differences between human and mouse pancreatic development.
Researchers have developed a new batteryless and wireless sensor that can detect impending biliary stent obstructions without waiting for clinical symptoms, blood tests or imaging tests. The sensor is 8 millimeters long and has a signal-to-noise ratio of a million to one during testing.
Researchers from UT Arlington sequenced RNA genes of pythons, discovering conserved pathways in humans that are activated uniquely by these snakes. This knowledge helps explain intestinal regeneration and metabolism changes, offering potential therapeutic targets.
The study analyzes six major digestive system cancers worldwide and in China, revealing correlations between country HDI and cancer prevalence. Colorectal cancer is the most prevalent, while Asia accounts for 60.5% of new gastrointestinal cancer cases globally.
Researchers found that bowel movement frequency is linked to long-term health, with younger people, women, and those with lower BMI tending to have less frequent bowel movements. The study also showed associations between bowel movement frequency and chronic disease risk, mental health history, and gut microbiome composition.
A large-scale study of over 50,000 individuals found that carriers of the gut microbe Blastocystis have better cardiovascular health and decreased body fat. Higher levels of Blastocystis were linked to improved blood sugar and lipid profiles, suggesting a potential positive impact on cardiometabolic health.
Researchers at Rice University have identified genes critical for enteric nervous system development using zebrafish embryos. Opioid signaling pathways are required for the formation of nerves in the gut, contradicting previous assumptions about their role in pain perception and addiction.
Researchers have identified a population of mesothelial-like cells in omental adipose tissue that limit fat cell formation, offering new insights into the mechanisms underlying obesity. These cells secrete Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2, which inhibits adipogenesis and regulates metabolic behavior.
The Kidney-CHAMP study found that the intervention helped primary care physicians identify and triage patients with kidney disease, improving patient access to specialists and educational materials. Despite a null result, the study's findings suggest that the framework is scalable and provides equitable access to healthcare.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that liver biopsy was essential to making the correct diagnosis in over a third of cases. Biopsy was particularly valuable in diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis and was also used to diagnose liver fibrosis more than two-thirds of the time.
Scientists are studying how animals like squid and newts use bacteria to defend themselves against predators, with the goal of applying these principles to maintain beneficial bacteria in the human gut. This research could provide insights into the mutualistic relationships between animals and their microbiomes.
Researchers developed an AI model using CT images to predict lymph node metastasis in non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The model achieved high accuracy, even for smaller tumors, and can help guide surgical decisions.
The American Heart Association and Neurocritical Care Society emphasize the need for improved critical care management of patients after cardiac arrest. The consensus statement highlights gaps in knowledge, particularly in areas like neurological, cardiac, and gastrointestinal care.
The complete decoding of the human Y chromosome sheds light on its role in sex determination and its potential impact on digestive diseases. This discovery provides a comprehensive reference for identifying genetic variations that may contribute to digestive diseases.
A joint research team from South Korea and the US has developed a new genetic classification system for gastric cancer, identifying six consensual genomic subtypes (CGSs) with distinct characteristics. The study suggests potential treatments for each subtype, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies.
Researchers found that as cats gained weight, their gastrointestinal transit time decreased, reducing nutrient extraction. The study also revealed changes in gut microbial composition, with an increase in Bifidobacterium and a decrease in Collinsella, opposite to what has been seen in overweight humans.
Researchers studied over 100 noctilionoid bat species, finding that different dietary types drove modifications in tooth number, size, shape, and position. For instance, fruit-eating bats have shorter jaws with reduced middle premolars, while nectar-feeders have longer jaws with room for more teeth.
A new biomimetic chip has been developed to simulate the human gastric mucosa, combining organoid and organ-on-a-chip technologies. The biochip replicates mechanical stimulation and cell-to-cell interactions, mimicking key features of the human stomach's defense mechanisms.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery leads to an increase in caries and periodontitis, as well as alterations in salivary inflammatory markers. The study's findings emphasize the importance of dental assessment for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
A team of UVA Health experts warns that surgeon-scientists are struggling to obtain research funding, which could lead to a decline in innovations for patients. The researchers found that internal medicine trainees are six times more likely to secure R01 grants and career development awards.
A new study has discovered significant variation in the anatomy of the human digestive system, with pronounced differences found between healthy individuals. This finding has implications for understanding the role of digestive tract anatomy in affecting human health and providing potential insights into medical diagnoses.
Researchers have designed a novel imaging and experimental preparation system to record the activity of the enteric nervous system in mice, providing new insights into the complex processes of digestion and waste elimination. The findings suggest that physical distention of the gut controls how the entire neural network is coordinated.
A husband-and-wife research team at UC Riverside found a simpler gene network is involved in specifying the gut in nematodes related to Caenorhabditis elegans. The discovery was made possible by the COVID-19 pandemic, which freed up time for the researchers to explore their question of how nematodes develop their gut.
A new study in The American Journal of Pathology found that inhibiting neuropilin 2 in smooth muscle can enhance contraction and motility of the distal colon. This could provide opportunities to regulate smooth muscle activity in patients with colonic disorders.
Researchers at the University of Toledo found that consumption of highly refined fiber may increase liver cancer risk in some individuals, particularly those with a silent vascular deformity. The study discovered that high concentrations of bile acids caused by a portosystemic shunt led to the development of liver cancer.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a strong connection between the gut microbiome and certain blood metabolites. The research, led by Uppsala University, analyzed fecal and blood samples from over 8,500 participants in the SCAPIS study, identifying novel associations between gut bacteria and plasma metabolite s...
A team proposes banking stool samples for future use in autologous fecal microbiota transplants to rejuvenate the human gut microbiome. This approach aims to treat various diseases, including asthma and type 2 diabetes, by restoring an ancestral state of the microbiome.
Researchers analyzed polar bear fecal samples and dietary intake to understand how chemical contaminants accumulate inside the body. They found that polar bears store high amounts of fat, leading to higher levels of toxins in their bodies.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered how enterochromaffin cells in the gut communicate with the brain and spinal cord, shedding light on the 'gut-brain axis'. The study reveals that these specialized cells release serotonin into the body, which acts on nerves to communicate with the brain.
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.
Researchers discovered that lunge-feeding whales have an 'oral plug' in their mouths, which seals off the upper airways during feeding. This mechanism prevents water from entering their lungs and allows them to gulp down large amounts of krill without drowning.
A new study found that consuming prunes can help regulate appetite and lead to greater weight loss compared to other snack choices. Prune consumption was also associated with improved satiety and reduced hunger levels, making them a potential strategy for managing holiday cravings.
Researchers found that glial cells are activated by interferon gamma in response to pathogen invasion, releasing signals to attract immune cells to fight infection. In the absence of disease or injury, blocked activation led to tissue inflammation, highlighting their role in maintaining healthy intestinal tissue.
A survey of over 50,000 people found that around 11% experience abdominal pain when eating, with symptoms also affecting mental health and daily life. The study highlights the need for meal-related symptoms to be considered in diagnosis and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers identified predictive molecular biomarkers for non-response to anti-TNF and anti-integrin therapies in UC. Biomarkers in innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as proteolytic degradation, were found to be predictive of therapy non-response.
A new University of Illinois study found that dairy calves fed with high-protein starter feed had less fat in their body weight gain and more protein devoted to the development of the gastrointestinal system. Producers can improve calf health and productivity by feeding higher-protein starters.
A study of ancient insects has provided new insights into future biofuel production. The firebrats' unique digestive system has revealed the presence of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs), a new class of enzyme that efficiently digests cellulose. This discovery could lead to the development of sustainable low-carbon fuels.
Researchers studied a 320-million-year-old fossil using X-ray microscopy, revealing evidence of its digestive system for the first time. The discovery sheds light on the early evolutionary history of echinoderms and highlights previously unknown differences between ancient and modern species.
A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mental disorders and physical diseases often co-occur in teenagers. The strongest correlations were found between affective disorders (e.g. depression) and diseases of the digestive system, as well as anxiety disorders and arthritis. These associations highlight the need for...
A new surgical method combines laparoscopic-assisted colonoscopy with polypectomy, reducing recovery time and hospital stays. The procedure is less invasive than traditional methods, resulting in shorter discharge times, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery.
Research shows that crows can ingest and excrete infectious prions without being destroyed, posing a risk for the geographic spread of diseases. Crows may play a role in the transmission of prion-caused diseases through their feces.