Microbiome News and Research

Latest Microbiome News and Research

Microbial ecosystems influence success of cancer checkpoint immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have revolutionized cancer therapy, delivering long-term survival benefits in several malignancies.

9 Mar 2026

Melbourne’s lab-grown "skin" revolutionizes tick research

The world's first lab-based tick feeding system for bush ticks, developed by researchers at the University of Melbourne, has transformed the study of ticks and how they transmit disease. The novel, host-free technology reduces the need for animal experiments in tick studies, facilitating more ethical, reproducible research.

5 Mar 2026

Researchers propose that Parkinson’s disease may start in the gut, not the brain

A perspective in The Journal of Clinical Investigation argues that environmental exposures may interact with the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier to trigger biological processes linked to Parkinson’s disease. The authors propose that cumulative environmental stressors can erode host resilience, promoting α-synuclein pathology, immune activation, and neurodegeneration.

5 Mar 2026

Tufts researchers identify new vulnerabilities to combat persistent C. diff infections

Affecting roughly half a million Americans each year, bacterial infections caused by Clostridioides difficile—commonly known as C. diff—are a serious and persistent problem for patients and hospitals alike.

5 Mar 2026

No evidence probiotic skincare can improve mood

Current findings reveal no support for emotional benefits from probiotic cosmetics, highlighting the need for further investigation into neurocosmetics.

5 Mar 2026

Berries, apples, and citrus linked to greater happiness and optimism

A study links flavonoid-rich diets to sustained happiness and optimism, highlighting the bidirectional relationship between diet and psychological well-being.

5 Mar 2026

Microbial taxa more likely to be found in people with dyslipidemia

Before the onset of cardiovascular disease symptoms, people often develop dyslipidemia, or abnormal levels of lipids in the blood.

4 Mar 2026

Periodontal bacteria trigger bone density reduction via the gut

Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums, affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is increasingly linked to systemic disorders beyond the oral cavity.

4 Mar 2026

New strategy targets Porphyromonas gingivalis without harming healthy microbes

For years, treating gum disease has meant scraping away plaque, cutting out damaged tissue or turning to antibiotics that kill bacteria indiscriminately.

3 Mar 2026

Gut bacteria may explain differences in peanut allergy reactions

One of the big mysteries in food allergy is why two people with similar levels of peanut specific antibodies can react so differently. It turns out the answer may be in the mouth and gut's bacteria.

3 Mar 2026

Study links high-fat diet to faster breast cancer progression

If you're diagnosed with breast cancer, what should you eat to ensure the best prognosis?

3 Mar 2026

Study links gut microbiome health directly to ovarian aging processes

A new study details how fecal transplants from older female mice significantly improve ovarian function and fertility in young mice. The surprising results reveal a direct link between the microbiome (the collection of all bacteria and other microbes present) of the gut and ovarian health and function.

3 Mar 2026

Experts identify safest and most effective diets for IBS management

This review in Nutrients evaluates the scientific evidence, clinical effectiveness, and safety of major dietary strategies for irritable bowel syndrome, including traditional advice, low-FODMAP, gluten-free, Mediterranean, and starch- and sucrose-reduced diets. It concludes that while the low-FODMAP diet has the strongest short-term evidence, no single approach fits all patients, and dietitian-led personalization is essential.

2 Mar 2026

High-dose curcumin fails to produce lasting gut microbiome changes in IBD patients

In an open-label study of 29 men, including patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in remission, 6 g per day of curcumin for eight weeks led to modest, transient shifts in gut microbiota composition without sustained restructuring. Despite achieving high fecal concentrations and minimal systemic bioavailability, curcumin did not produce durable microbiome changes, and disease activity scores remained stable.

2 Mar 2026

Living in deprived neighborhoods reshapes the gut microbiome

This study reveals links between socioeconomic deprivation and gut microbiome changes, highlighting potential pathways to mental and metabolic health issues.

2 Mar 2026

Antibiotics alter gut bacteria to aid brain healing

What if healing the brain after traumatic injury starts in the gut?

26 Feb 2026

Fiber intake may reduce heart disease risk in night shift workers

Research shows higher fiber consumption may lower coronary heart disease risk in night shift workers, suggesting dietary adjustments for better health.

26 Feb 2026

Social deprivation tied to less diverse gut microbiome

Living in a poorer neighborhood in the UK could impact the make-up of your gut microbiome, potentially leading to worse health.

25 Feb 2026

Study sheds light on behavior of yeast cells in the gut

A new study sheds light on the behavior of yeast cells in the gut, paving the way for new lines of yeast that more efficiently produce therapeutic drugs tailored to address specific diseases.

24 Feb 2026

Indoor plants help create healthier, more climate-resilient buildings

Houseplants and more advanced plant systems, such as indoor living walls and hydroponic towers, have the potential to raise indoor humidity, boost thermal comfort and help create healthier, more climate-resilient buildings, according to new research led by the University of Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research.

24 Feb 2026