fecal transplant

It's often hard to see the forest from the trees but if we zoom out a little it becomes clear 2022 saw some incredible breakthroughs in the world of medical science. All of these stories are landmark moments that are set to shape the future of medicine.

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration has granted approval to a fecal transplant therapy designed to target a serious bacterial infection, marking the first time any regulatory body in the world has formally authorized this kind of microbiome therapy.

A new study has not only highlighted how gut bacteria can influence inflammation and brain health, but demonstrated how hallmarks of aging in the brain, gut and eyes might even be reversed through fecal transplants.

Bold new research has plumbed the depths of poo-packed hippo pools and found they constitute a type of "meta-gut," in which microbes might be shared between the hippos to their benefit, kind of like a "probiotic shake."

A trial testing fecal transplants in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome found the treatment was only beneficial when accompanied by non-fermentable fiber supplements. The trial saw improvements in insulin sensitivity 6 weeks after a fecal transplant.

In a promising new study, scientists have demonstrated how fecal transplants can alter the microbiome to make advanced melanoma sufferers, who have not responded to immunotherapy in the past, more responsive to these treatments.

A first-of-its-kind clinical trial has found fecal transplants may be helpful reducing drinking behaviors in those suffering severe alcohol use disorder. The study points to a compelling relationship between the gut microbiome and addiction disorders.

Scientists exploring new treatments for obesity have found that implanting virus particles gleaned from the feces of lean mice into mice on a high-fat diet curtailed weight gain and progression of a precursor of type 2 diabetes.

A new study led by University of Queensland researchers is suggesting fecal transplants may help koalas in Australia adapt to new habitats.

A new safety alert, issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is recommending extra precautions for those medical and scientific professionals using fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) after revealing one person recently died due to a bacterial infection.

Two studies are shedding light on the links between the gut, the brain, and autism. The research reveals how gut problems can be triggered by the same gene mutations associated with autism, and a study shows how a fecal transplant from humans with autism can promote autism-like behaviors in mice.

Researchers are reporting mixed results from the first human trial investigating the effects of fecal transplantation in obese patients. Initial reports suggest the treatment failed to induce weight loss or changes in a key satiety hormone.