Microbiome

Can the makeup of gut bacteria influence athletic performance? A new mouse study indicates that indeed it could, and raised the prospect of therapeutics that could help get couch potatoes up and about.

New studies have highlighted the importance of judicious antibiotic use, one found antibiotics can increase a person’s risk of fungal infections, while another suggests antibiotic use in old age is linked to higher risk of inflammatory bowel disease.

Researchers have homed in on strains of gut bacteria associated with the severity of a common form of stroke. The findings build on research suggesting future therapies targeting the microbiome could reduce a person’s risk, and aid in recovery.

New research has discovered a pathway by which bacteria in the gut can directly communicate with neurons in the brain responsible for regulating appetite and body temperature. The novel mechanism adds to our understanding of gut-brain communication.

A study has shown how engineered bacteria can protect the gut microbiome from the impact of antibiotic use. Mouse studies showed the bacteria breaks down antibiotics in the intestine while still allowing high levels of the drugs to enter the bloodstream.

While it's a good idea to avoid the overuse of antibiotics whenever possible, little else works on severe cases of acne. There may be new hope, however, as recent research suggests that probiotic bacteria could provide an effective treatment.

Impressive new research has shown how a common diabetes drug can be inactivated by bacterial enzymes produced in the oral and gut microbiome. The researchers speculate this process may explain why the drug is not effective in some diabetic patients.

Weight gain following quitting smoking is such a common phenomenon it is often cited as one of the main reasons people are hesitant to quit. A study has now discovered how the microbiome may influence weight gain associated with the cessation of smoking.

A first-of-its-kind study investigating the effects of a food additive on human gut bacteria has found the emulsifier carboxymethylcellulose can alter the quality and composition of the microbiome and potentially increase risk of chronic inflammation.

Scientists have successfully used CRISPR and phages to edit the genome of bacteria in the gut microbiome of live mice for the first time. The breakthrough could help manipulate the ratio between different species to treat a range of health problems.

New research has found a particular species of gut bacteria can directly improve long-term memory in bumblebees. The study found a bacterial metabolite can improve cognitive function, offering insights into the link between the microbiome and the brain.

Research has uncovered a communication pathway illustrating how the microbiome can influence immune system activity in the gut. The study describes how molecules produced by gut bacteria control the activity of a protein known to suppress inflammation.