Research Keyword: 16S rRNA sequencing

The Hidden Microbial World in the Gut of the Terrestrial Snail Cornu aspersum maxima and the Unexpected Negative Effects of Synbiotics

This study tested whether adding beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and dietary fibers (prebiotics) to snail farm feed could improve snail health and growth. While individual probiotic and prebiotic treatments helped reduce harmful bacteria in snails’ digestive systems, combining them together as a synbiotic surprisingly caused extremely high death rates in the snails. The results show that more research is needed before combining these supplements in snail farming.

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Efficacy of Indigenous Bacteria in the Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons Isolated from Agricultural Soils in Huamachuco, Peru

Researchers in Peru identified four types of bacteria from agricultural soil that can break down diesel and other hydrocarbon pollutants. One strain, Pseudomonas protegens, was particularly effective, removing over 91% of hydrocarbons in 10 days. This discovery offers a natural, cost-effective way to clean contaminated soil without using harsh chemicals, which could help protect both human health and the environment.

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Dietary Pineapple Pomace Complex Improves Growth Performance and Reduces Fecal Odor in Weaned Piglets by Modulating Fecal Microbiota, SCFAs, and Indoles

Pineapple pomace, a leftover byproduct from pineapple processing, was tested as a feed ingredient for young piglets. When added at 2% to their diet, it significantly improved their growth rate and feed efficiency better than expensive imported fish meal. The pineapple pomace also made the pigs’ manure smell better by reducing foul-smelling compounds, while increasing beneficial gut bacteria that improve digestion and health.

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Lentinula edodes cultured extract intake alleviates long-term immune deregulation induced by early-life gut microbiota dysbiosis

Taking an extract from shiitake mushrooms (AHCC) during pregnancy and breastfeeding can help protect babies from the negative immune effects of antibiotics. Antibiotics given early in life damage the beneficial bacteria in the baby’s gut, leading to long-term immune problems. This study showed that shiitake extract helped restore healthy bacteria and reduced inflammation in mice exposed to antibiotics as infants, suggesting it could be used as a preventive measure for children who need antibiotics.

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A novel synbiotic formulation prevents calcium oxalate stones by restoring gut microbiota homeostasis

This study tested a special probiotic and prebiotic combination to prevent kidney stones caused by too much oxalate in the body. The formula containing three beneficial bacteria strains and a plant-based fiber worked better than any single component alone. The treatment restored healthy gut bacteria, protected the intestinal lining, and reduced the amount of oxalate reaching the kidneys, effectively preventing stone formation in animal models.

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Hypoglycemic Effect of Edible Fungi Polysaccharides Depends on Their Metabolites from the Fermentation of Human Fecal Microbiota

Edible mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum, cordyceps, shiitake, and poria contain beneficial compounds called polysaccharides that may help control blood sugar. When these polysaccharides are digested by beneficial gut bacteria, they produce eight special metabolites that enhance the body’s ability to use glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. The research identified specific bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium and Coprococcus, that produce these beneficial metabolites, suggesting that measuring these markers could help evaluate which mushroom polysaccharides work best for diabetes prevention.

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Growth performance, meat quality, cecal microbiota and metabolomics profile of turkeys fed diets containing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) meal

Researchers tested using black soldier fly meal as a protein source in turkey feed to replace traditional soybean meal. Turkeys fed diets containing 5% BSF meal from mid-growth to slaughter showed better growth and weight gain with minimal changes to meat quality. The improvements appeared to be linked to beneficial changes in gut chemistry rather than changes in gut bacteria, making BSF meal a promising sustainable protein alternative for poultry farming.

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Seagrass Enhalus acoroides extract mitigates obesity and diabetes via GLP-1, PPARγ, SREBP-1c modulation and gut microbiome restoration in diabetic zebrafish

Researchers tested a seagrass extract called Enhalus acoroides on diabetic zebrafish and found it effectively reduced body weight and blood sugar levels, performing as well or better than metformin, a common diabetes medication. The extract worked by activating genes that promote glucose metabolism and reducing genes that promote fat storage. Importantly, the extract also restored healthy gut bacteria balance, which appears to play a key role in its therapeutic effects. These findings suggest that seagrass could be developed into a natural supplement or functional food to help treat obesity and diabetes.

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Occurrence and Distribution of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Water and Sediments of Reservoir-Based Drinking Water Sources in Henan, China

This study examined three drinking water reservoirs in China to understand how antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread through water and sediment. Researchers found that mobile genetic elements (like integrons) play a bigger role than antibiotics themselves in spreading resistance genes among bacteria. One reservoir, Jian’gang, naturally removed most resistance genes as water flowed through, suggesting its natural purification processes are quite effective. Understanding how these factors work together helps protect drinking water supplies from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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Enhancement of Activated Carbon on Anaerobic Fermentation of Heavy-Metal-Contaminated Plants: Insights into Microbial Responses

This research shows that when plants contaminated with heavy metals are processed for energy production through anaerobic fermentation, adding activated carbon dramatically improves the efficiency of biogas generation. The activated carbon acts like a filter to reduce the toxic effects of heavy metals while providing surfaces for beneficial microorganisms to grow and work more effectively. The study reveals how specific bacteria and microbes adapt to these conditions, making the overall process more productive and potentially opening new possibilities for recycling contaminated plant waste into useful energy.

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