Microbiomes – News and Features

In this article, we discuss transformation, bacterial transformation in particular, and how scientists can utilize it to manipulate bacteria for a plethora of purposes.

New research, in a rat model, finds that both biological sex and mitochondrial DNA – the small set of genes inherited only from mothers – play a key role in how gut bacteria change over time.

The modified chocolates also had higher antioxidant levels than regular dark chocolate.

A new study, led by researchers at Arizona State University, explores the relationship between diet, blood sugar (specifically glucose) and cancer prevalence across a broad range of vertebrate species.

An NIH-supported study found that infants with more diverse gut bacteria at one month had lower blood pressure at age six. The protective effect was stronger in babies breastfed for at least six months.

Coordinated measures highlight that bacteria and other single-celled microorganisms in the seas around Antarctica are strongly influenced by water temperature and the amount of sea ice.

A study from the University of Utah Health suggests early antibiotic use may disrupt insulin-producing beta cells, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders like type 1 diabetes.

A study finds that a high-fat diet causes memory impairment and brain inflammation in older rats within three days. Unlike young rats, aged rats showed cognitive decline before obesity developed.

A Tokyo University of Science study identifies a novel β-galactosidase in Bacteroides xylanisolvens that breaks down β-1,2-galactooligosaccharides. The enzyme could aid in prebiotic development and may inform treatments for diseases like Chagas.

Scientists develop a synthetic microbiome therapy to fight C. difficile infections offering a safer, targeted alternative to fecal transplants.