Digestive System News and Research

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Fermented foods may have fueled human brain growth, new evolutionary theory proposes

Review in Communications Biology suggests that the external fermentation of foods may have played a key role in the expansion of the hominid brain. The "external fermentation hypothesis" posits that early hominins' practice of fermenting foods externally contributed to brain growth and gut reduction, offering a novel perspective on human evolution and dietary practices.

26 Nov 2023

Breakthrough decoding of the Y chromosome revolutionizes digestive disease research

A major breakthrough in human genetics has been achieved with the complete decoding of the human Y chromosome, opening up new avenues for research into digestive diseases.

23 Nov 2023

MHRA extends the license of two cystic fibrosis drugs for children aged two to five years old

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today (15 November 2023) extended the licence of the cystic fibrosis medicines Kaftrio (ivacaftor, tezacaftor and elexacaftor) and Kalydeco (ivacaftor) for children aged two to five years old.

20 Nov 2023

Micronutrient deficiencies linked to gut microbiome shifts and antibiotic resistance

University of B.C. researchers have uncovered startling connections between micronutrient deficiencies and the composition of gut microbiomes in early life that could help explain why resistance to antibiotics has been rising across the globe.

17 Nov 2023

AGA guideline recommends biomarkers for Crohn's disease management

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) released a new evidence-based guideline recommending the use of blood and stool-based biomarkers to help manage Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

17 Nov 2023

Genetic twist in gallstone disease may shield against heart attacks

Mendelian randomization suggests gallstone disease may lower heart attack risk; genetics play a key role in this protective effect.

5 Nov 2023

Major study wins €5.6M funding to build a better understanding of cystic fibrosis in children

A major new study led by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Children's Health Ireland (CHI) has been awarded funding of €5.6M to work with babies and children in Ireland and the UK over the next five years to build a better understanding of cystic fibrosis.

18 Oct 2023

Deviations from normal pattern of sleep and physical activity could predict preterm birth risk

A lack of sleep and reduced physical activity during pregnancy are linked to risk of preterm birth, according to new research led by the Stanford School of Medicine.

28 Sep 2023

Is your seafood safe? New study reveals alarming levels of toxins in Pacific Ocean marine life

A research paper published in the journal Science of the Total Environment explores how increasing levels of residual toxins in aquatic animals in the Pacific Ocean pose serious risks to food safety, human health, and food security. The paper outlines various types of toxins, their origins, and their impact on marine life and human health, highlighting the urgency for effective interventions.

26 Sep 2023

Unlocking the power of mRNA vaccines: From COVID-19 to cancer and beyond

A comprehensive review in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy delves into the versatility and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, from their game-changing role in COVID-19 to potential applications in cancer and rare diseases. Despite drawbacks like stability and high immunogenicity, advancements in vaccine technology have poised mRNA platforms as a robust tool for both preventive and therapeutic interventions.

21 Sep 2023

Mapping the human body one cell at a time: New study reveals the intricate relationship between cell size and count

A study published in PNAS provides a comprehensive look at the relationship between cell size and count across the human body, drawing from over 1,500 sources and identifying around 400 unique cell types. The research reveals an almost inverse relationship between cell size and count, offering a quantitative framework that could serve as a baseline for understanding cellular composition and function in various applications.

19 Sep 2023

Untangling a puzzle at the heart of multimorbidity

Multimorbidity describes the state of having more than one disease. Anthony Webster sought to untangle a puzzle at the heart of multimorbidity: does having had disease make a patient more likely to have another disease, independent of broad risk factors, such as age, smoking status, or weight?

12 Sep 2023

Largest-ever study looks into the genetics of random "round-the-clock" blood glucose levels

Groundbreaking research published today in Nature Genetics describes the largest-ever study into the genetics of random "round-the-clock" blood glucose levels.

8 Sep 2023

A move to cut drug prices has patients with rare diseases worried

For people with cystic fibrosis, like Sabrina Walker, Trikafta has been a life-changer.

30 Aug 2023

Microplastics found to bioaccumulate in every organ of mice

Plastics-;in particular, microplastics-;are among the most pervasive pollutants on the planet, finding their way into the air, water systems and food chains around the world.

29 Aug 2023

Study explores the effects of different diets on plasma proteins

Researchers investigated the relationship between diet and the proteome.

22 Aug 2023

Experts develop clinical practice guidance for exercise assessments in people with cystic fibrosis

People living with cystic fibrosis (CF) will benefit from improved treatment as international experts produce clinical practice guidance for exercise assessments.

10 Aug 2023

Maintaining the health of the gut microbiome by a new peptide

Peptide YY (PYY), a hormone produced by gut endocrine cells that was already known to control appetite, also plays an important role in maintaining the balance of fungi in the digestive system of mammals, according to new research from the University of Chicago.

4 Aug 2023

What is the relationship between intestinal stem cells and the gut microbiota in regenerative medicine?

Researchers explored the relationship between intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and the gut microbiota and its role in maintaining intestinal health.

1 Aug 2023

Late diagnosis of cystic fibrosis leads to poorer long-term health outcomes, study finds

The Journal of Pediatrics has published a manuscript by Stacey Martiniano, MD, pulmonary specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado.

31 Jul 2023