Microbiome
Gut methane may shape how many calories people absorb from fiber, ASU study finds
Heather Vogel Image generated by AI Fact checked
Arizona State University researchers report that people who produce more methane in the gut tend to extract more metabolizable energy from a fiber‑rich diet, pointing to microbiome differences that could inform personalized nutrition. The work appears in The ISME Journal (2025) and was highlighted by ASU on October 24, 2025.
Bacteria in tumors produce molecule to boost cancer chemotherapy
Reported by AI
Scientists have identified a molecule produced by bacteria inside tumors that enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy against colorectal cancer. The compound, 2-methylisocitrate, damages cancer cell DNA and disrupts their metabolism. This discovery could lead to new treatments that make existing drugs more potent.
Gut microbiome from exuberant toddlers boosts rat exploration
Researchers in Finland have found that transplanting gut bacteria from outgoing toddlers into rats leads to more exploratory behavior in the animals. This suggests the microbiome may influence emotional development in early life. The study highlights a potential gut-brain link via dopamine.
Researchers identify gut bacterium linked to brain health
Reported by AI
A new study uncovers a specific gut bacterium that produces a molecule capable of influencing brain function in mice. Led by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, the research highlights potential new avenues for treating neurological disorders. The findings were published on September 29, 2025, in the journal Nature.