‘Keystone’ species in gut microbiome essential for disease prevention
In a recent study, scientists sought to identify these gut keystone species and their functions with the goal of developing new disease treatments.
Immunity
Fecal transplants show promise for those who suffer from recurring C. difficile infections
The transplantation of healthy feces into patients with C. difficile promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria and eases the symptoms of infections.
Keto diet could cause harmful changes to gut flora, worsen heart health
Researchers say a high-fat diet with aging affects the gut microbiome, the anatomy and physiology of the spleen, and immune response.
Billion-year-old bacterial proteins aid immunity from the human gut
Our robust defense system is composed of many cell types, including bacteria primarily within the gut. In order to keep themselves from being infected or killed by viruses, these bacteria utilize specific proteins that date back at least one billion years, according to a recent study. This implies that our immune system is most likely … Read more
How 35-year-old stool samples shed light on the gut’s role in HIV/AIDS
Before men contracted HIV in the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, they had a greater abundance of pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory gut microbes compared to men that remained HIV-negative, according to a new study.
Gut check: How having ‘CrAss viral content’ can help your health
Patients with autoimmune diseases have a less healthy gut virome that may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, according to a recent study.
Common household chemicals negatively impact ‘good’ gut microbes
Typical household chemicals affect the number of healthy microorganisms in the gut, according to a recent study.
Here’s why gut microbe strains play major role in overall health, disease risk
Two new studies explore the idea that the bacteria strains in the microbiome must be studied to gain a greater understanding of the microbiome and gut health.
In sickness and health: The relationship between intestinal fungi and the immune system
Over the last few years, the importance of intestinal bacteria has been widely discussed. Multiple studies show the symbiotic relationship between the various bacterial species in the gut and certain critical metabolic functions. Bacteria, however, are not the only microbes responsible for the body’s wellbeing. Researchers have found that fungi, another microbe that dwells inside … Read more