Microbiome

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.

Gut bacteria that have been disrupted in infancy can lead to greater aggression later in life, including causing changes to aggression-related genes, according to a new study. It warrants further research into the link between the gut and brain.

Evidence has been building about the health benefits of probiotics. Now, new research has found that putting a tablespoon of honey on your yogurt helps the probiotics it contains to survive in the gut. It’s a win-win combination that’s both healthy and delicious.

There could soon be a non-toxic, longer-lasting and less-smelly alternative to DEET for repelling mosquitos. Scientists have created genetically engineered human skin bacteria that are unappealing to the irritating and disease-spreading insects.

Autism spectrum disorder is associated with distinct changes to the composition and functioning of a wide range of gut microorganisms, according to a new study. The findings pave the way for developing an accurate diagnostic test for the condition.

For the first time, scientists have successfully created a mouse with a 100% functional human immune system and microbiome. This 'humanized' mouse takes the guesswork out of research and may revolutionize how we test new drugs and understand diseases.

Combining magnetic properties relied on in traditional Chinese medicine with contemporary knowledge about the gut microbiome, researchers have developed a novel oral treatment to prevent and repair hearing loss caused by noise exposure.

An ingestible device the size of a vitamin pill takes a full inventory of microorganisms as it passes through the gut, including hard-to-reach places. Providing far more information than a fecal sample, the pill could inform the treatment of a wide range of health conditions.