Microbiome News and Research

Latest Microbiome News and Research

Big breakfast study reveals protein curbs appetite but fiber delivers stronger gut microbiome benefits

A randomized crossover weight loss trial in adults with overweight or obesity found that higher protein big breakfasts improved satiety, while higher fibre breakfasts produced slightly greater weight loss and more favourable gut microbiota markers. Both diets improved metabolic biomarkers, but microbiota changes reflected surrogate gut health indicators rather than direct clinical outcomes.

15 Feb 2026

Genetic variants in 11 regions of human genome influence the gut microbiome

In two new studies on 28,000 individuals, researchers are able to show that genetic variants in 11 regions of the human genome have a clear influence on which bacteria are in the gut and what they do there.

13 Feb 2026

Distinct microbial signature identified in pediatric Crohn's disease

NYU researchers have found a "microbial signature" of pediatric Crohn's disease that differs from the makeup of gut bacteria in children with other gastrointestinal conditions, with Crohn's patients harboring more pro-inflammatory bacteria and less protective bacteria.

12 Feb 2026

Top early-life factors driving childhood food allergy

This study analyzes 190 research papers to uncover early-life predictors of food allergies in children, highlighting skin barrier health and family history.

12 Feb 2026

High-fat diets cause more damage to metabolic health than carbohydrates

In recent years, many media reports and social media influencers have emphasized the dangers of eating too many carbohydrates.

10 Feb 2026

First wearable device measures human flatulence

Scientists at the University of Maryland have created Smart Underwear, the first wearable device designed to measure human flatulence.

10 Feb 2026

Microbial generalists form planet-wide networks across ecosystems

In a new study published in Cell, scientists in the Bork Group at EMBL Heidelberg reveal that microbes living in similar habitats are more alike than those simply inhabiting the same geographical region.

10 Feb 2026

Early life factors crucial for childhood food allergy development

A new study from McMaster University involving 2.8 million children around the world has revealed the most important early-life factors that influence whether a child becomes allergic to food.

9 Feb 2026

Study identifies link between gut bacteria and deterioration of the brain in ALS, dementia

A significant discovery by Case Western Reserve University researchers could change how doctors treat two of the most devastating neurodegenerative diseases.

9 Feb 2026

CRISPR gene-drive technology reverses antibiotic resistance in bacteria

Antibiotic resistance (AR) has steadily accelerated in recent years to become a global health crisis. As deadly bacteria evolve new ways to elude drug treatments for a variety of illnesses, a growing number of "superbugs" have emerged, ramping up estimates of more than 10 million worldwide deaths per year by 2050.

7 Feb 2026

Gut bacteria use formic acid as an electron taxi

Among the many trillions of microorganisms in the human gut is Blautia luti. Like many gut bacteria, it metabolizes indigestible dietary components, such as fiber in the form of carbohydrates.

7 Feb 2026

New analysis reveals hidden complexity in the vaginal microbiome

For decades, gynecological tests have relied on a simplified view of the vaginal microbiome, categorizing bacteria as either "good" or "bad."

6 Feb 2026

Computational method clarifies microbial signals in tumor sequencing

When scientists sequence tumor DNA, they typically find small amounts of genetic code from bacteria, viruses and fungi – microorganisms that, if actually present in tumor tissues, could influence how they grow, evade immunity or respond to treatment.

5 Feb 2026

Gut microbial butyrate enhances mucosal vaccine antibody responses

A research team from POSTECH and ImmunoBiome in Korea, led by Professor Sin-Hyeog Im, has uncovered a new mechanism showing how butyrate-a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut commensal bacteria-enhances T follicular helper (Tfh) cell activity to promote antibody production and strengthen mucosal vaccine efficacy.

4 Feb 2026