THE HUMAN MICROBIOME IS A TREASURE TROVE WAITING TO BE UNLOCKED
Understanding the complexity of the human microbiome may help unlock mysteries behind health and psychological illnesses.… READ MORE…
CAN MATHEMATICS HELP US UNDERSTAND THE COMPLEXITY OF OUR MICROBIOME?
A newly developed mathematical framework describes the ecology of the microbiome coupled to its host. The approach allows researchers to evaluate the microbiome-host interaction landscape and examine why diverse microbiome are associated with similar health outcomes.… READ MORE…
BACTERIA IN FERMENTED FOOD SIGNAL THE HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM, EXPLAINING HEALTH BENEFITS
A metabolite produced by lactic acid bacteria binds to the third hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor (HCA), signalling the immune system. Researchers believe the receptor evolved to allow great apes to consume foods that were starting to decay. They suggest the receptor could mediate some beneficial and anti-inflammatory effects of lactic acid in humans, and could serve as a target to treat inflammatory diseases.… READ MORE…
IS THE BRAIN PARASITE TOXOPLASMA MANIPULATING YOUR BEHAVIOR, OR IS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM TO BLAME?
Immune system response to chronic infection may be more directly to blame for health and behavioral changes associated with Toxoplasma gondii infections.… READ MORE…
GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS IN CHILDREN COULD SIGNAL FUTURE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM
A correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms, adversity and childhood anxiety has been identified by researchers at Columbia University. Studying fMRI data and fecal samples, researchers noted adversity was associated with microbial diversity changes and differences prefrontal cortex activation in response to emotional faces.… READ MORE…
BREASTMILK SUGARS DIFFER IN PREGNANT WOMEN ON PROBIOTICS
Researchers report human milk oligosaccharides, complex sugars in human breastmilk, may change in pregnant women who are taking probiotics. … READ MORE…
EXPLORING THE SOCIAL EPIDEMIOLOGY OF THE MICROBIOME
Researchers shed light on the epidemiological factors that help shape our gut bacteria from social relationships, socioeconomic status and health related behaviors.… READ MORE…
MICROBIAL ACTIVITY IN THE MOUTH MAY DIFFERENTIATE CHILDREN WITH ASD
Researchers report differences in oral microbial gene expression may distinguish children with ASD from their peers not on the spectrum. The study suggests GI microbiome disruptions, previously identified in children with ASD, may extend to the mouth and throat.… READ MORE…
CAN FASTING IMPROVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SYMPTOMS?
A new study reveals intermittent fasting successfully reduces multiple sclerosis like symptoms. Mice who fasted every other day were less likely to develop motor problems associated with the disease.… READ MORE…
VAGINAL MICROBIOME MAY INFLUENCE STRESS LEVELS OF OFFSPRING
A new mouse study reveals pups of mothers who faced prenatal stress and who were exposed, by birth, to maternal vaginal microbiota had decreased body weight and exhibited increased stress hormones as adults. … READ MORE…
NO PROOF PROBIOTICS EASE ANXIETY
Researchers find no evidence to back up the claim that probiotics can help to reduce anxiety.… READ MORE…
CATCHING UP TO BRAIN CANCER
Researchers have developed an accurate computer program that can predict cancer cell motion and spread.… READ MORE…