Microbiome

A first-of-its-kind study has found a link between COVID-19 severity and the gut microbiome. The research suggests specific microbial patterns correlate with disease severity and those bacterial imbalances may account for some cases of “long COVID”.

DEET may be an effective mosquito repellent, but it can cause irritation, and has to be reapplied every few hours. Scientists are now working on a more innocuous, longer-laster alternative, that involves introducing genetically engineered bacteria onto the skin.

A new study has investigated the anti-obesity effects of a specific strain of gut bacteria. From preclinical animal studies to a placebo-controlled human trial, the research suggests a novel bacterial strain may confer several metabolic benefits.

How bacteria in the gut could influence depression has been unclear but new research has shed light on one possible mechanism, showing how changes to the microbiome can lead to decreased activity in the hippocampus and subsequent depressive behavior.

A new study out of Japan’s University of Tsukuba is shining yet more light on the relationship between the gut microbiome and sleep, describing how depleted diversity of the bacteria can disrupt sleep/wake cycles in mice.

New research has shown how immune cells produced in the gut play a protective role during MS flare-ups. For the first time scientists have shown how these immune cells travel up to the brain and potentially help shift a disease flare-up into remission.

A new study is the first to investigate the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the gut microbiome. The preliminary investigation confirms patients suffering from COPD present with changes to microbial populations in the gut.

A new study into the gut microbiome and Alzheimer's has shown that shifts in bacterial diversity are associated with inflammation and heightened numbers of amyloid plaques in the brain, one of the hallmarks of the condition.

New research has found a metabolite produced by gut bacteria can block the beneficial effects of a popular diabetes medication, offering valuable insights into how an individual’s unique microbiome can influence their response to certain drugs.

A new study, published in the journal Nature, is describing the surprising discovery of a previously unknown gut-brain link. The research reveals certain immune cells that inhabit a protective membrane surrounding the brain actually originate in the gut.

We know radiation therapy for cancer is an aggressively toxic treatment methodology. New research suggests certain gut bacteria species may protect an organism from the harmful effects of radiation, and human trials are planned to test these findings.

A new study indicates a diet high in sugar may contribute to the onset of inflammatory bowel disease. The study found mice fed high levels of glucose displayed gut bacteria alterations that contributed to inflammation and led to the development of colitis.