Does This Phylum Make Me Look Fat?
The relationship between the types of microbes in our gut and belly fat is turning out to be a lot more complicated than scientists first thought.
microbiome
Spore Wars Help Fend Off Life-Threatening Bacterial Infections
Infections with C. difficile are a big problem for people in hospitals and nursing homes. An experimental treatment with spores from a harmless version of the bacterium prevented new infections.
How Modern Life Depletes Our Gut Microbes
For the first time, scientists have looked at the microbiome of an isolated Amazon tribe. The study finds that the Western lifestyle has wiped dozens of species out of American guts.
Bundle Of Joyful Microbes: Mom's DNA Alters Baby's Gut Bacteria
Babies have a microbe in their gut that prevents infections and helps the immune system. But not all infants get the bacteria at the same time, or in the same amount. Scientists have figured out why.
Meet The Bacteria That Make A Stink In Your Pits
Scientists say they've identified the bacteria that emit that rank smell after a hard workout. Future deodorants might target that bad actor rather than blocking sweat glands or nuking all bacteria.
Before The Gas Is Passed, Researchers Aim To Measure It In The Gut
As people's health waxes or wanes because of stress or disease, their intestinal ecosystems change, too. It may be possible someday to diagnose disease by analyzing the gas the microbes make.
Kids, Allergies And A Possible Downside To Squeaky Clean Dishes
Swedish kids growing up in families that wash their dishes by hand are less likely to develop certain allergies than those in families with dishwashers, a study suggests. But there may be more to it.
What Microbes Lurk In The Subways Of New York? Mysteries Abound
Think expedition to the rain forest, but one where you'll need a MetroCard to get around. The microbial life of the New York subways turns out to be as rich, odd and confounding as the city itself.
One Scientist's Race To Help Microbes Help You
Moving the American Gut Project to a biotech hub like San Diego may speed the jump from basic research to real treatments. At least that's microbe tracker Rob Knight's plan.
At Last, I Meet My Microbes
At 31, a woman had the bacteria in her gut catalogued as part of scientific project that aims to characterize the creatures that live inside us and affect our health. Here's what she found out.