Microbiome

Conceptual illustration of gut bacteria producing inflammatory glycogen triggering brain inflammation in C9orf72-linked ALS and FTD, with stool sample comparisons and mouse treatment outcomes.

Study links microbial glycogen in the gut to inflammation in C9orf72-associated ALS and frontotemporal dementia

9 Mwezi wa nne, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI Imethibitishwa ukweli

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University report that some gut bacteria can make unusually inflammatory forms of glycogen and that this microbial glycogen can trigger immune activity linked to brain inflammation in models of disease tied to the C9orf72 mutation. In patient stool samples, the team found these glycogen forms more often in ALS and C9orf72-related frontotemporal dementia than in healthy controls, and enzymatically breaking down glycogen in the gut improved outcomes in mice.

Mouse study suggests restoring a youthful gut microbiome may curb age-related liver damage and cancer risk

Researchers reported at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026 that older mice given fecal microbiota transplants made from their own preserved, younger-age stool samples showed less liver inflammation and injury—and none developed liver cancer in the experiment.

Study finds coffee improves mood through gut bacteria

7 Mwezi wa tano, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can boost mood and mental performance by influencing gut microbes. Researchers found that polyphenols in coffee drive many of these benefits. The findings come from a controlled trial involving 62 healthy adults.

Afya

Western infants lack key gut microbe common elsewhere

Afya

Hidden gut bacteria genus linked to human health

Afya

Doctor hunts for top-quality stool donors in Boston

Faecal transplants enhance kidney cancer treatment results

A small clinical trial shows that faecal microbiota transplants can improve outcomes for kidney cancer patients on immunotherapy drugs. Participants receiving transplants experienced longer cancer stability and greater tumor shrinkage compared to those given placebos. The approach targets the gut microbiome to boost immune responses against tumors.

Study identifies oral microbiome link to obesity

22 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers have discovered a unique oral microbiome signature in people with obesity, potentially offering early detection and prevention strategies. The finding, based on saliva samples from Emirati adults, highlights differences in bacteria and metabolic pathways associated with metabolic dysfunction. However, scientists caution that the relationship's causality remains unclear.

Dogs may boost human empathy via microbiome alterations

A study suggests that owning a dog can change the human microbiome in ways that promote empathetic and social behaviors. Researchers found that adolescents with dogs exhibit less social withdrawal and aggression, linked to specific bacteria. Experiments in mice confirmed these microbes enhance prosocial traits.

Study links bowel frequency to health risks

3 Mwezi wa kumi na mbili, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

A study from the Institute for Systems Biology shows that defecating one or two times a day correlates with better health markers. Extremes like constipation or frequent diarrhea link to underlying biological issues. Researchers examined data from 1,425 adults to reach these findings.

Jumatano, 22. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 08:33:01