Sludge sequencing surprise: high-throughput single-cell method reveals novel species and genetic diversity

Pioneering research utilizes high-throughput single-cell sequencing to demystify the microbial universe within activated sludge, a cornerstone of wastewater treatment. This study has unearthed a plethora of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and has pointed to the existence of previously unknown microbial species, significantly advancing our comprehension of microbial diversity and the mechanisms of genetic exchange within this environment.

Study reveals link between microbiome and aggression in mice

A new study led by Prof. Omry Koren and graduate student Atara Uzan-Yuzari from the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine at Bar-Ilan University has unveiled significant evidence connecting the gut microbiome to aggressive behavior in mice.

Published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, the research explores how disruptions in the microbiome, particularly due to antibiotic use in early life, can lead to increased aggression.

One of the first of its kind, UAH study characterizes urinary microbes in children

Until recently, it was believed that human urine is sterile, but advanced culturing techniques and DNA sequencing have revealed that bacteria and other microbes – such as viruses and fungi – inhabit the human bladder and urinary tract, known collectively as the “urobiome.” Now in study that is one of the first of its kind, Dr.

UC-Irvine led study identifies therapeutic targets for veterans with Gulf War illness

A new study has provided critical insights into Gulf War illness, a chronic condition affecting veterans deployed during the 1990–1991 Gulf War. The findings are the most comprehensive to date that establishes an association between gut microbiome imbalance and Gulf War veterans, paving the way for new treatments.

Sewage secrets: economic factors shaping our microbiome exposed

A global study has uncovered a strong link between the microbes found in sewage and a country’s economic conditions. By analyzing samples from 60 countries, researchers found that the diversity of human-related microbes varies widely, influenced by factors such as export levels and social security. This study demonstrates how sewage can be a valuable tool for monitoring public health and assessing the impact of economic conditions on microbial communities worldwide.

Cleveland Clinic study reveals diet as main risk factor for colon cancer in younger adults

A new Cleveland Clinic study has identified diet-derived molecules called metabolites as main drivers of young-onset colorectal cancer risk, especially those associated with red and processed meat. The NPJ Precision Oncology report, which analyzed metabolite and microbiome datasets, highlighted that one of the best ways a younger (<60 years) adult can prevent colorectal cancer is to discuss their diet with their doctor.

Researchers receive 9.5 million grant to study relationship between polyphenol intake, Alzheimer’s prevention, and the brain-gut-microbiome system

UCLA Health researchers, in collaboration with researchers from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, have received $9.5 million award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with support from European funding agencies — The Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Public Health Agency Health & Social Care (HSC) — to study the effects of polyphenols on cognitive health and the brain-gut microbiome system.

Meeting preview: Hot topics at NUTRITION 2024

Thousands of top nutrition experts will gather next month for a dynamic program of research announcements, policy discussions and award lectures at NUTRITION 2024, the annual flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Reporters and bloggers are invited to apply for a complimentary press pass to attend the meeting in Chicago from June 29–July 2.

Autism’s Missing Microbes May Influence Social Behavior by Protecting the Gut

For people with autism, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain often go along with the social struggles and repetitive behaviors that define the condition. This has prompted many to wonder whether gastrointestinal (GI) problems arise due to autism’s behavioral or sensory features, or whether they might instead contribute to them.

Researchers Engineer Yeast to Transport Medicines and Lower Inflammation for Potential Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Researchers at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and the UNC School of Medicine have engineered a probiotic yeast that enhances probiotic absorption in the gut and has the ability to suppress and even reverse inflammation in animals.

Prebiotics Could Help Space Travelers Stay Healthy

New research suggests that cultivating a healthy gut microbiome could help astronauts weather the stresses of altered gravity. Researchers will present their work this week at the American Physiology Summit, the flagship annual meeting of the American Physiological Society, in Long Beach, California

Newly identified yeast could prevent fungal infections by outcompeting rivals, study suggests

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have identified a yeast that could be used to prevent invasive candidiasis, a major cause of death in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. The study, to be published March 18 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), shows that the novel yeast lives harmlessly in the intestines of mice and humans and can displace the yeast responsible for candidiasis, Candida albicans.

EcoFABs Could Lead to Better Bioenergy Crops

A greater understanding of how plants and microbes work together to store vast amounts of atmospheric carbon in the soil will help in the design of better bioenergy crops for the fight against climate change. Deciphering the mechanics of this mutually beneficial relationship is, however, challenging as conditions in nature are extremely difficult for scientists to replicate in the laboratory. To address this challenge, researchers created fabricated ecosystems or EcoFABs.

Jennifer Wargo, M.D., elected to the National Academy of Medicine

Jennifer Wargo, M.D., professor of Surgical Oncology and Genomic Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) for her contributions to the understanding of melanoma treatment response and resistance to cancer therapies, including groundbreaking discoveries that reveal how the gut microbiome influences responses to immunotherapy.

MD Anderson Research Highlights for September 21, 2023

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Research Highlights showcases the latest breakthroughs in cancer care, research and prevention. These advances are made possible through seamless collaboration between MD Anderson’s world-leading clinicians and scientists, bringing discoveries from the lab to the clinic and back.

Race-based variations in gut bacteria emerge by 3 months of age

Variations in the gut microbiome are linked to the incidence and mortality of diseases. A new study highlights a critical development window during which these differences emerge. The findings are based on analysis of data from 2,756 gut microbiome samples from 729 U.S. children between birth and 12 years of age.

Scientists Name Top Five Foods Rich in Prebiotics

There is growing evidence that consuming prebiotics — certain types of fiber often found in plants that stimulate beneficial bacteria in your gut — can help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. In a new study, scientists estimated the prebiotic content of thousands of food types by using preexisting literature to find out which foods offer the highest prebiotic content.

Trevor Charles appointed to the Phytobiomes Alliance Board of Directors

The International Alliance for Phytobiomes Research is pleased to announce the appointment of Trevor Charles, Professor in the Department of Biology at University of Waterloo in Canada and Director of the Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research, as a new Board member of the organization

Differences in alcohol metabolism play a role in the severity of alcohol hangovers

Hangovers are common among people who drink alcohol. Previous research showing that a hangover’s combination of both mental and physical misery can occur after a single episode of alcohol consumption also revealed that a rapid breakdown of alcohol into acetaldehyde is associated with less severe hangovers. Findings from an investigation of the metabolic influence of oral microbiota on hangover severity will be shared at the 46th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in Bellevue, Washington.

Gene Expression in Kidneys Is Regulated by the Microbiome in Sex- and Tissue-specific Ways

Article title: Commensal microbiota regulate renal gene expression in a sex-specific manner Authors: Brittni N. Moore and Jennifer L. Pluznick From the authors: “This report demonstrates that renal gene expression is modulated by the microbiome in a sex- and tissue-specific…

CHOP Researchers Show that IgA Fine Tunes the Body’s Interactions with Microbes

A new study by researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has demonstrated that IgA acts as a “tuner” that regulates the number of microbes the body sees every day, restraining the systemic immune response to these commensal microbes and limiting the development of systemic immune dysregulation.