Cholera-causing bacteria are locked in an evolutionary arms race with a viral nemesis, according to a new genomic study. Experts at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), and their collaborators, found that in the Ganges Delta, cholera bacteria rapidly … Read more
From Mediterranean diets to probiotics, scientists reveal how reshaping the gut microbiome could help protect brain function, while highlighting why timing may be critical for slowing cognitive decline. Study: The association between gut microbiota and cognitive decline: A systematic review of the literature. Image credit: Toa55/Shutterstock.com The gut-brain axis is gaining importance as a modulator … Read more
An international team of scientists is warning that everyday antibacterial soaps, wipes, sprays, and other “germ‑killing” products are quietly contributing to the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) while providing no added health benefit for most consumer uses. Antibiotic-resistant infections already cause more than one million deaths worldwide each year and could rival cancer as … Read more
A new direct-from-urine test could help doctors choose the right antibiotic for UTIs on the same day, potentially improving patient outcomes while reducing delays that can fuel resistance and serious complications. Patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) could receive the right antibiotic far sooner, thanks to a new test that produces results within hours rather … Read more
Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal illness and death, especially among women with a history of premature delivery. Researchers in Japan explored whether taking probiotics early in pregnancy could help reduce the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD). In a multicenter clinical trial, women who consumed probiotics containing Clostridium butyricum showed lower recurrence … Read more
The video narrator outlines six stages of infection, beginning with parasite eggs being transferred to the lips and hatching in the stomach. The parasite is then said to attack the immune system and build a nest in the brain to manipulate chemicals. “You become more irritable, reckless, and your reflexes slow down,” the video claims. … Read more
New research suggests that vitamin D supplements can reshape how the immune system responds to gut bacteria in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, potentially nudging the body toward a more protective, less inflammatory state. The findings offer early clues toward therapies that restore immune tolerance rather than simply suppress symptoms. Gubatan et al. demonstrate that … Read more
Researchers from China have identified a novel bacteriophage that offers a highly promising “green” biocontrol solution against foodborne Salmonella. The study was published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. This study was conducted to address the severe challenges posed by antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella to global food safety and public … Read more
Vitamin D supplementation may help shape how the immune system responds to gut bacteria in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to a Mayo Clinic–led study published in Cell Reports Medicine. The findings offer new insight into how the immune system and gut microbiome interact in this chronic condition and point to potential new therapeutic strategies. IBD, which includes … Read more
A 12-week randomized trial found that wholegrain rye did not beat refined wheat for weight loss, but it did reduce inflammation and shift gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in potentially beneficial ways. Key takeaways Rye did not outperform wheat for weight loss Rye reduced inflammation after 12 weeks Rye altered gut bacteria and short-chain … Read more