Tag

Microbiome

All articles tagged with #microbiome

science12 days ago•6 min saved

Cheap Daily Fibers Linked to Memory Gains in Older Adults, Twin Study Says

In a 12-week, double-blind twin study from King's College London, older adults consuming a daily prebiotic blend (inulin or FOS) with protein powder showed improved memory test scores and subtle gut microbiome changes (including more Bifidobacterium) versus their co-twins taking a placebo, with no significant physical benefits observed. The findings support the gut-brain axis as a potential target for aging-related cognitive decline, though larger, longer trials are needed.

via ScienceAlert|

#aging #gut-brain-axis #memory

science20 days ago•6 min saved

Young Microbes Reboot Aging Gut by Reviving Stem Cells

Transferring gut microbes from young to aged mice rejuvenates the gut by reactivating intestinal stem cells, restoring crypt-villi structure and barrier function, and reducing inflammatory gene expression. The effects are mediated by microbial metabolites such as indole-3-aldehyde and butyrate, with Akkermansia muciniphila enrichment linked to the benefits.

via Indian Defence Review|

#aging #fecal-microbiota-transplant #gut-barrier

science20 days ago•5 min saved

Gut bacteria hitch a ride to the brain via the vagus nerve, mouse study suggests

Emory researchers in mouse models of leaky gut and disease show very small numbers of live gut bacteria can reach the brain, with evidence that the vagus nerve serves as the main route; blocking the nerve reduced brain bacterial presence, suggesting a gut-to-brain transmission axis influenced by diet and genetics and potentially reversible by restoring gut integrity. The findings, published in PLOS Biology, are not yet known to occur in humans and the bacteria were present in very low amounts, leaving open questions about their role in inflammation or disease and whether future gut-targeted therapies could affect brain conditions.

via ScienceAlert|

#gut-brain-axis #microbiome #mouse-model

science1 month ago•86 min saved

Gut–brain interoception drives age-related cognitive decline

Researchers show that aging gut microbiota produce higher levels of medium-chain fatty acids, triggering peripheral inflammation via GPR84 and weakening vagal gut–brain signaling. This interoceptive dysfunction impairs hippocampal memory in aged mice, with promising interventions—phage targeting of Parabacteroides, GPR84 inhibitors, or boosting vagal activity—able to restore memory.

via Nature|

#aging #cognition #gut-brain-axis

science1 month ago•5 min saved

Older gut microbes unexpectedly rejuvenate ovaries in young mice

USC researchers found that fecal transplants from older mice into young, germ-free mice improved ovarian health and accelerated pup production, challenging the assumption that older microbiomes harm youth. The results suggest greater gut microbial diversity or altered estrogen signaling as potential mechanisms, but the exact reasons and relevance to humans remain unknown.

via ScienceAlert|

#aging #fertility #mice

science1 month ago•11 min saved

The appendix: a repeatedly reinvented organ that helps immunity and gut microbes

The article explains that the appendix is not a simple leftover but has evolved independently in multiple mammal lineages (convergent evolution) and contains gut-associated lymphoid tissue that trains the immune system and may shelter helpful microbes after infections. In modern clean environments its selective value is modest, appendectomy does not impair fertility, and medicine treats the organ mainly to prevent disease rather than as an essential feature of health.

via The Conversation|

#appendix #convergent-evolution #evolution

environment1 month ago•17 min saved

Plastic micro-habitats in soil spark microbial battlegrounds, reshaping farm soil health

A scientific review finds microplastics in agricultural soils form plastisphere microhabitats that host dense microbial networks and virus-mediated gene exchange, potentially altering soil fertility and nutrient cycling. While researchers explore virus-assisted plastic degradation, long-term field data and biosafety considerations remain uncertain, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary study to understand and manage these tiny but influential ecosystems.

via Earth.com|

#environment #microbiome #microplastics

health1 month ago•3 min saved

Saliva's Hidden Shield: Rothia aeria Could Neutralize Peanut Allergens

Researchers found bacteria common to the mouth and gut, especially Rothia aeria, can degrade peanut allergen proteins Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 in lab tests, markedly reducing allergenicity in vitro and correlating higher Rothia aeria with non-allergic or tolerant individuals; this points to potential probiotic or adjunct oral immunotherapy approaches for peanut allergy, with further work in animals and humans.

via Gizmodo|

#health #microbiome #oral-immunotherapy

science1 month ago•5 min saved

Oral-Gut Microbes Could Dampen Peanut Allergies

Researchers identify mouth and gut bacteria, notably Rothia and Staphylococcus, that can break down peanut proteins Ara h 1 and Ara h 2. In children undergoing oral immunotherapy, higher levels of these microbes correlate with greater peanut tolerance and milder reactions; mouse studies show the same bacteria reduce anaphylactic responses. The findings hint at microbiome-based markers and therapies to manage peanut allergy, but human applications remain observational and require further testing.

via ScienceAlert|

#allergen-metabolism #microbiome #peanut-allergy

biotechnology-dentistry1 month ago•8 min saved

Microbiome-Safe Toothpaste Targets Gum Disease Without Killing Beneficial Bacteria

Researchers have developed a microbiome-friendly toothpaste that uses a targeted compound to inhibit the gum-disease pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis without disrupting the broader oral microbiome, allowing beneficial bacteria to rebalance the mouth and potentially reduce periodontitis. The approach, developed with PerioTrap and Fraunhofer institutes, also spawns post-cleaning products like a care gel, with ongoing development of additional oral-care solutions.

via SciTechDaily|

#biotechnology-dentistry #gum-disease #microbiome

health1 month ago•5 min saved

Gut-friendly eating made simple: nourish your microbiome with everyday choices

A gut-friendly approach centers on eating minimally processed, fiber-rich foods to support the gut microbiome, which may help reduce inflammation and support digestion and overall health. It also suggests gradually increasing fiber to avoid GI discomfort, limiting ultraprocessed items, and using a guided elimination-style strategy to identify foods that irritate the gut, complemented by tracking food, health, and mood to tailor the plan.

via New York Post|

#elimination-diet #fiber #gut-health

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Front-loading calories at breakfast linked to weight loss in small study

A small randomized crossover trial in adults with overweight/obesity found that eating 45% of daily calories at a large breakfast and 20% at dinner led to weight loss over 28 days, with two plan variants—high-protein (less hungry) and high-fiber (slightly more weight loss and greater gut microbiome diversity). The high-fiber group lost about 4.87 kg and the high-protein group about 3.87 kg; both improved blood pressure and lipids. Limitations include a small, mostly male sample and short duration, so longer, larger studies are needed, with personalization and consideration of circadian factors.

via Medical News Today|

#breakfast #fiber #health

healthcare1 month ago•12 min saved

Toothbrushing 2–3 Times a Day Could Lower Dementia Risk

A science conference linked good dental hygiene to a reduced risk of more than 50 conditions, including dementia, urging people to brush two to three times daily (with a pre-bedtime brush) and to consider electric brushes; researchers warn UK oral health is lagging and bacteria from gums may affect the brain and other organs.

via The Times|

#dementia #dentistry #healthcare

health2 months ago•4 min saved

Trend foods aren’t miracle cures for your gut

The BBC notes that while the gut microbiome influences digestion, mood, and immunity, popular fixes like chia seed water, sea moss gel, olive oil shots, bone broth, and kombucha offer little proven benefit for healthy people. Evidence is thin and varies by product; the best practical approach is a diverse, plant-rich diet high in fiber and low in ultra-processed foods, with medical advice sought for persistent gut issues. Cautions include potential heavy metals/iodine in sea moss and saturated fat in bone broth.

via BBC|

#bone-broth #diet-trends #fiber

science2 months ago•4 min saved

Young-Microbial Boost Rejuvenates Aging Mouse Guts

Transplanting fecal material from young to old mice increased intestinal stem cell activity and Wnt signaling, speeding gut tissue renewal and improving radiation healing, suggesting gut microbes can influence age-related intestinal decline (human relevance to be studied).

via ScienceAlert|

#aging #akkermansia #gut-health