For decades, a perplexing mystery has plagued the world of global health: why doesn’t the highly effective rotavirus vaccine work as well in low-income countries as it does in the United States and Europe? The vaccine, which prevents a severe and often deadly diarrheal illness in young children, has saved countless lives in some parts … Read more
For decades, astronauts have pushed the boundaries of human exploration, but their bodies have been on a journey of their own. From weakening bones to a confused sense of balance, the challenges of spaceflight are well-documented. Yet, new research points to an unseen passenger causing trouble: the trillions of microbes living in their guts. A … Read more
Are you puzzled why some healthy foods leave you feeling bloated while your friend enjoys the same meal without a hitch? For years, the common belief has been that our unique gut bacteria are primarily shaped by what we eat. But a groundbreaking new study flips that idea on its head, revealing that how fast … Read more
Imagine a hidden world inside you, teeming with trillions of tiny residents that collectively weigh as much as your brain. This isn’t science fiction; it’s your gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic organisms living in your digestive tract. Scientists have long suspected these microscopic co-inhabitants play a role in … Read more
Your body’s gut is a bustling city of trillions of microbes—bacteria, viruses, and fungi—all working together to keep you healthy. This tiny ecosystem, known as your gut microbiome, is crucial for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. A recent study reveals that for spotted dolphins, this inner world is drastically different depending on whether they live … Read more
A new study from a team of researchers, including scientists from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Michigan, suggests that a past battle with inflammation in your gut could permanently damage its ability to heal. This groundbreaking discovery means that even after you’ve recovered from a nasty case of food poisoning or a … Read more
A groundbreaking new study reveals that the first bacteria to colonize a newborn’s gut — what scientists call “pioneer bacteria” — are the biggest players in determining a child’s future gut health. The research shows that a baby’s initial microbiome can either set them up for a lifetime of good health or make them more … Read more
An alarming new study is turning a long-held medical assumption on its head. For years, doctors and patients have believed that the uncomfortable side effects of antibiotics—like an upset stomach—were a result of the drugs wiping out beneficial gut bacteria. But new research published in the journal Science Advances suggests the reality is far more … Read more
For decades, we’ve been told that the human gut is a simple, uniform tube—a straightforward conveyor belt for food. It’s an easy idea to grasp, and for a long time, it’s been the foundation of how we think about gut health. But what if that idea is completely wrong? What if your gut isn’t a … Read more
The foods we eat do more than just provide energy and nutrients; they’re in a constant, delicate dance with our immune system. A new study suggests that common food proteins, specifically those found in milk, may be a secret weapon against certain types of cancer. Researchers found that these proteins, which are often mistakenly seen … Read more