Microbiome

A case study has tracked, for the first time, the movement of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from a patient's gut microbiome to their lungs. The research presents the first direct evidence of this transmission pathway taking place in hospital patients.

Probiotic bacteria can’t help improve gut health if they don’t survive to the intestines. Scientists have now kitted out good bugs with protective armor and backpacks loaded with molecules that can help them treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

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 provided more evidence gut bacteria plays a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. The research suggests an abnormal immune response to a common species of gut bacteria could influence the development of the disease.

A pair of new studies have reported novel links between fungal microorganisms and cancer. The research reports different types of tumors seem to harbor unique fungal populations, raising the possibility of new ways to diagnose and treat cancer.

Stanford University researchers have constructed the first synthetic microbiome model. Built entirely from scratch, it's hoped the achievement will revolutionize gut microbiome research by offering scientists a consistent model for future experiments.

A new study is the first to investigate the links between air pollution and a baby’s gut microbiome. The research found exposure to air pollution in the first six months of life is associated with a microbiome composition linked to inflammatory disease.

A new animal study has shown sugar contributes to metabolic diseases by altering the microbiome. The findings reveal how certain gut bacteria protect against the harmful effects of a high-fat diet, and how sugar disrupts those protective mechanisms.

A new study into the effects of four artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiome in humans has revealed not only can these sweeteners lead to changes in gut bacteria composition, but they can also alter glucose tolerance and blood sugar levels.

A new study has homed in on how animal proteins can raise heart disease risk, by illustrating the way metabolites produced by certain gut bacteria while digesting red meat play a significant role in cardiovascular disease.

A study has found some compelling associations between gut bacteria and alcohol consumption. Not only is heavy drinking linked to a distinct microbiome profile but the study suggests certain bacteria may be responsible for increased alcohol consumption.

A new Swedish "pre-drinking pill" went on sale in the UK today. Widely referred to as the "hangover pill," the optimistically-named Myrkl is claimed to break down alcohol before it reaches the liver, preventing the formation of toxic acetaldehyde.