A simple fiber supplement could reshape the gut microbiome, stabilize blood sugar spikes, and even prevent preterm births in high-risk pregnancies, offering a promising new path for precision prenatal care. Study: Dietary fiber supplementation mitigates gestational diabetes risk and preterm birth via gut microbiota modulation: a randomized controlled trial. Image credit: dilyaz/Shutterstock.com A new study … Read more
A large genetic analysis suggests that one amino acid linked to protein metabolism could influence how long we live, with potential sex-specific effects that challenge assumptions about diet and longevity. Study: The role of phenylalanine and tyrosine in longevity: a cohort and Mendelian randomization study. Image Credit: Oleg Troino / Shutterstock In a recent study … Read more
A research team from POSTECH and ImmunoBiome in Korea, led by Professor Sin-Hyeog Im, has uncovered a new mechanism showing how butyrate-a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut commensal bacteria-enhances T follicular helper (Tfh) cell activity to promote antibody production and strengthen mucosal vaccine efficacy. This study identifies a new microbiota–immune–antibody production axis linking microbial metabolism … Read more
Study: The ratio of circulatory levels of sphingolipids to steroids predicts asthma exacerbations. Image Credit: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock In a recent study in the journal Nature Communications, researchers analyzed medical records and blood samples from over 2,500 biobank participants with asthma to identify a novel predictive biomarker for future asthma exacerbations. The study used a metabolomics … Read more
New research reveals how trace metals mothers are exposed to during pregnancy can shape their babies’ gut bacteria, metabolic pathways, and even antibiotic resistance, potentially influencing lifelong health. Study: Prenatal exposure to trace elements impacts mother-infant gut microbiome, metabolome and resistome during the first year of life. Image Credit: Anusorn Nakdee / Shutterstock In a recent study … Read more
For the first time, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified patterns of metabolites in blood and urine that can be used as an objective measure of an individual’s consumption of energy from ultra-processed foods. Metabolites are left after the body converts food into energy, a process known as metabolism. Scientists used these … Read more
Every living creature on Earth needs to protect itself from things that would do it harm. Bacteria are no different. And despite their relative simplicity, they deploy remarkably savvy defensive strategies against viral invaders. The most well-known is CRISPR-Cas9, adapted for human use as the first FDA-approved genetic editing technique. In the past year, researchers … Read more
New study reveals how dairy products like non-fermented milk and cheese may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, while fermented options provide a surprising protective effect. Find out which dairy could be a game-changer for your health! Study: Dairy intake, plasma metabolome, and risk of type 2 diabetes in a population-based cohort. Image Credit: Africa … Read more
Scientists have uncovered how gut-derived compounds in urine can reveal red wine’s anti-inflammatory effects—offering a more accurate way to link diet to heart health. Short Communication: Microbiota-derived resveratrol metabolites: New biomarkers of red wine consumption are inversely associated with inflammation in a longitudinal study of a Mediterranean population. Image Credit: givaga / Shutterstock In a recent study … Read more
Researchers led by Zhentao Zhang at Wuhan University, China have discovered a cholesterol metabolite that plays a critical role in the development of Parkinson’s disease in mice. Published in the open-access journal PLOS Biology on February 18th, the study shows that this metabolite is responsible for the formation of Lewy bodies and the death of … Read more