Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS affect millions of adults, but scientists still do not know what causes these diseases, which poses a significant roadblock to developing treatments or preventative measures. Recent research suggests that people with these conditions exhibit changes in the bacterial composition of their digestive tract. However, given the vast diversity of...
Tag: <span>Gut bacteria</span>
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New evidence links gut bacteria and neurodegenerative conditions
by University of Florida Worms colonized by a non- pathogenic control E. coli. Credit: University of Florida Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS affect millions of adults, but scientists still do not know what causes these diseases, which poses a significant roadblock to developing treatments or preventative measures. Recent research suggests that people with...
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Why gut bacteria are becoming key suspects in autoimmune diseases
What causes the immune system to err in this way is not clear, but a growing body of research is looking at the trillions of microbes that share our bodies, known collectively as the microbiome, for an answer. Studies of twins indicate that lifestyle, or environmental, factors can play a large role in autoimmune diseases. Researchers found that...
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Gut bacteria help digest dietary fiber, release important antioxidant
by Liz Ahlberg Touchstone, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Dietary fiber found in grains is a large component of many diets, but little is understood about how we digest the fiber, as humans lack enzymes to break down the complex molecules. Some species of gut bacteria break down the fiber in such...
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Gut bacteria and vitamin D: What is the link?
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis, but clinical trials of vitamin D supplements have yielded mixed results. A new study that found links between the active form of the vitamin and gut bacteria may help explain why. Image credit: Tiarna Lodge/EyeEm/Getty Images Vitamin D is essential for strong immunity and maintaining...
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Study reveals connection between gut bacteria and vitamin D levels
by Heather Buschman, PhD, University of California – San Diego Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Our gut microbiomes—the many bacteria, viruses and other microbes living in our digestive tracts—play important roles in our health and risk for disease in ways that are only beginning to be recognized. University of California San Diego researchers and collaborators recently demonstrated...
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A molecule from gut bacteria reduces effect of diabetes medication
by Margareta G. Kubista, University of Gothenburg The action of metformin, the classic drug used to treat diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar, can be blocked by a molecule from the bacteria in our intestines, a University of Gothenburg study shows. Metformin is the primary treatment option for type 2 diabetes, but there are major variations in...
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Researchers discover how gut bacteria can protect from radiation damage
By Rich Haridy, November 01, 2020 In a new study, mice with certain gut bacteria populations were found to be protected from the adverse effects of radiation We know radiation therapy is an aggressively toxic treatment methodology for fighting cancer. Gastrointestinal distress is a common side-effect but researchers are only now discovering exactly how the massive population...
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MICE POOP SHOWS GUT BACTERIA IS KEY TO SLEEP
The research reveals how transplanting those gut bacteria into other mice can cause changes to sleep patterns in the recipient mice. The study shows the gut microbiome is a major role player in sleep regulation, says David Gozal, chair of Child Health at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. This ultimately could translate into treatments that target the...
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Gut bacteria may boost cancer therapy by colonizing tumors
A study in mice suggests that by infiltrating tumors and ramping up the body’s immune response, a type of gut bacteria could be a valuable ally in cancer treatment. New research suggests that Bifidobacteria could help fight off tumors. In recent years, research has shown that the communities of bacteria that live in our guts...