Microbiome

Researchers have found an indication of depression in a slightly unexpected place – the microbiome inside our mouths. The finding opens a new route of inquiry that could lead to novel antidepressant treatments and help other ailments as well.

A new study has found that diet-driven weight gain triggers impaired cognitive functioning an symptoms of anxiety, adding to the growing body of evidence that there's an intrinsic biological link between our gut health and our mental health.

In a study of newlywed couples, researchers found that depression and anxiety can be passed from one spouse to the other via the oral microbiome, which is transferred during close contact, such as kissing.

A large-scale human clinical trials is currently underway testing a wild idea. Can fecal transplants reduce a person's cravings for alcohol by altering their microbiome? Early studies are indicating this could be possible.

What does gut fermentation and neuroinflammation have in common? A lot, according to new research that uncovers how the post-stroke microbiome directly influences brain health and recovery. It opens the door to new ways of restoring cognitive function.

Juicing as a way of fasting, cleansing, or detoxing can unbalance the health-affecting bacteria in the gut and mouth, according to a new study. After only three days, there was an increase in bacteria responsible for inflammation and disease.

Driven by a fascination with bacteria, microbiologist Julie Kopczyńska has trawled through existing research on the gut microbiome and created an easy-to-use gut health calculator. She says it's a good way to keep tabs on health and well-being.

We all know that a balanced diet made up of unprocessed foods is a recipe for gut health, but scientists have now found just how one nutrient – fiber – can trigger a microbiotic chain reaction that shields the body from influenza and other viruses.

Beneficial bacteria occupy specific regions in the gut, contributing to our health via the microbiome. A new study has identified the genes that good bacteria use to colonize these regions, opening the door to creating engineered probiotics.

An innovative mix of readily available natural products shapes up as a long-term alternative to the likes of Ozempic for managing obesity, diabetes, liver health and inflammation – without the injections, cost or side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs.

Dark chocolate has been extensively studied for its cardiometabolic health benefits, but findings have been inconsistent, spurring heated debates over whether this treat has pros that outweigh the cons. Now, new research puts dark chocolate back on the table, quantifying its impact on type 2 diabetes risk and weight gain in a study of nearly 200,000 US adults.

We naturally pick up microorganisms as we move about the world. Now, researchers have developed an AI tool that accurately links you to a particular location using a sample of the bugs you’ve collected on your travels – like a bacterial satellite navigation system.