Two newly published studies build on a compelling growing body of evidence linking depression with mechanisms in our gut. A fascinating study led by researchers at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with depression, can directly result in gastrointestinal distress such as constipation, while a second study, from the Children’s Hospital of...
Tag: <span>Gut</span>
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Gut bug enzyme turns blood into type-O
Scientists believe they have found a reliable way to transform donor blood into the universal type needed for safe, emergency blood transfusions. The discovery is enzymes from gut bacteria that can efficiently turn type-A human blood into type-O. Type-O blood is special because it can be donated to anyone without the risk of a bad...
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Swallowable ‘bacteria on a chip’ could help diagnose colon cancer, bowel disorders and gut ulcers
The capsule made by MIT scientists is packed with tiny electronics Unlike other ingestible chips, it contains millions of genetically engineered living cells to act as sensors These cells are designed to light up when they detect bleeding The chip might someday be used to spot health problems from inside the gut Scientists have developed...
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Big data from world’s largest citizen science microbiome project serves food for thought
Open access dataset reveals how factors such as diet, antibiotics and mental health status can influence the microbial and molecular makeup of your gut IMAGE: AMERICAN GUT PROJECT, BASED AT UC SAN DIEGO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, IS THE WORLD'S LARGEST CROWDSOURCED, CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and collaborators...
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Treating autism by targeting the gut
Experts have called for large-scale studies into altering the make-up of bacteria in the gut, after a review showed that this might reduce the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Until now, caregivers have relied on rehabilitation, educational interventions and drugs to reduce ASD symptoms, but now researchers suggest that treating this condition could be...