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.
Tag: Microbiome
Tip Sheet: 4 NCI-designated cancer centers form AI alliance, new database of Hispanic/Latinx scientists — and Fred Hutch volunteer stories
Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch Cancer Center research findings, patient stories and other news.
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.
Anthony Sung, MD, named director of Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research
Anthony Sung, MD, has been named the A. Drue Jennings Professor in Medical Oncology and the director of the Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Gut microbiome – the key to our pets’ health and happiness?
This review highlights diverse influences of the gut microbiome on gastrointestinal, behavioral, cardiovascular, and immune health in cats and dogs as these health outcomes have the strongest evidence to indicate a role of the microbiome. We first look at local…
New Findings May Fix the Replicability Crisis in Microbiome Research
UC San Diego researchers have discovered another factor that affects the composition of the gut microbiome: time of day.
Gut Microbiome Linked to Brain Structure and Symptom Severity in People Who Drink Heavily
Gut bacteria may be associated with differences in brain structure and clinical symptom severity in people with alcohol use disorder.
Resiliency shaped by activity in the gut microbiome and brain
A new UCLA Health study has found that resilient people exhibit neural activity in the brain regions associated with improved cognition and regulating of emotions, and were more mindful and better at describing their feelings.
Ingestible Microbiome Sampling Pill Technology Advances
Significant progress has been made in the development of a small device, about the size of a vitamin pill, that can be swallowed and passed through the gastrointestinal tract to sample and help identify the full inventory of microbiome bacteria in an individual.
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.
Cleveland Clinic, Tufts University Research Ties Gut Microbial TMAO Pathway to Chronic Kidney Disease
New findings from Cleveland Clinic and Tufts University researchers show high blood levels of TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) predicts future risk of developing chronic kidney disease over time.
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
Feeding the lonely brain
Study finds that lonely women experienced increased activation in regions of the brain associated with food cravings.
Purrrfect pet nutrition? Illinois expert available for National Pet Day
We all want to do right by our furry friends, but it’s difficult to know what trends are on point to optimize their health and nutrition. Should our dogs go vegan? Will a new type of food help to slim…
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.
University of Maryland, Baltimore Researchers Call for Regulation of Direct-to-Consumer Microbiome Tests
Burgeoning interest in the microbiome has led to a growing demand for direct-to-consumer (DTC) microbiome testing services.
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.
Do sugar-free candy and gum give you gas? Researchers think they know why
Scientists at the UC Davis School of Medicine may have figured out why some people have trouble digesting sorbitol, a sugar alcohol used in sugar-free gum, mints, candy and other products.
Bar-Ilan University study reveals microbiome changes linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by decreased social communication and repetitive behaviors, has long intrigued scientists seeking to unravel its underlying mechanisms.
Why studying astronauts’ microbiomes is crucial to ensure deep space mission success
Space exploration is a complex and risky mission that requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of the challenges inherent to life in space
New Technology Unscrambles the Chatter of Microbes
Researchers from University of California San Diego have developed a new search tool to that can match microbes to the metabolites they produce with no prior knowledge, an innovation that could transform our understanding of both human health and the environment.
New study unveiled burn injury disrupts gut microbiome and weakens intestinal mucus barrier
The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem within the human intestinal tract, is increasingly recognized for its vital role in human health and disease.
A relational framework for microbiome research that includes Indigenous communities
Research and collection of microbiome samples from Indigenous communities has a history of exploiting and harming Indigenous peoples
Doubling Down on Known Protein Families
Through a novel approach detailed in Nature, a massive computational analysis of microbiome datasets more than doubled the number of known protein families. This is the first time protein structures have been used to help characterize the vast array of microbial “dark matter.”
Using Different Flours for Sourdough Fosters Different Bacteria – and Flavors
A new study of the microbial ecosystem in sourdough finds that using different types of flour fosters distinct bacterial communities, and that these differences contribute to the variation of sourdough aromas and flavors.
New Analytical Tool Reduces Errors in Genetic Analysis and Research
The software’s creators have used it to study cancer’s microbiome and made it freely available to the research community.
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.
Not all viruses are harmful
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people became well aware that viruses can be extremely harmful. But can viruses also be helpful? Bryan Hsu aims to find out by studying viruses that infect bacteria in the bellies of mammals.
Discrimination alters brain-gut ‘crosstalk,’ prompting poor food choices and increased health risks
People frequently exposed to racial or ethnic discrimination may be more susceptible to obesity and related health risks in part because of a stress response that changes biological processes and how we process food cues according to UCLA research.
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.
More Studies Needed to Understand True Impact of Microbiota on Cancer Development, Treatment
How microbiota — microbes that live on human surfaces — impact cancer development and therapy has become an expansive area of research.
Lack of maternal care affects development, microbiome and health of wild bees
Most wild bees are solitary, but one tiny species of carpenter bees fastidiously cares for and raises their offspring, an act that translates into huge benefits to the developing bee’s microbiome, development and health, found York University researchers.
Only Severe COVID Cases Disrupted Oral Microbiomes
Bacteria in the mouth mostly survived infection — and that’s a good thing, says a Rutgers researcher.
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.
New Resource Harmonizes 16S and Shotgun Sequencing Data for Microbiome Research
UC San Diego scientists debut Greengenes2, a massive reference database that could be used to reconcile years of microbiome studies.
Menstrual cups can help prevent infection, improve vaginal health
Kenyan teenage girls who were given menstrual cups were less likely to acquire certain kinds of vaginal infections and were more likely to have a healthy vaginal microbiome, found a study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers.
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.
NUTRITION 2023 Press Materials Available Now
Press materials are now available for NUTRITION 2023, the annual flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN).
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
Sponges and their microbiome: Interacting for millions of years
For a number of years, mounting evidence has shown that the microbiome – the totality of all microorganisms that inhabit a living being – interacts with its host in various ways and can influence key life processes.
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.