This research shows that 2′-fucosyllactose, a natural compound found in breast milk, can significantly improve gut health in older mice. The treatment strengthened the intestinal barrier, reduced harmful inflammation, and increased beneficial bacteria populations. These findings suggest that 2′-FL could be developed as a food supplement to help older people maintain better digestive and immune health.
Pigs are excellent models for studying human digestive health because their gut anatomy and function closely resemble humans. This review shows that prebiotics (special food compounds) and probiotics (beneficial bacteria) can improve gut health and strengthen the intestinal barrier in both healthy pigs and those with infections. These findings suggest that similar treatments might help prevent and treat digestive diseases in humans.
Researchers tested whether common psychedelic drugs (LSD, psilocin, DMT, and mescaline) directly affect human immune cells in laboratory conditions. They found that these psychedelics did not suppress T cell function or immune signaling at the doses tested. This is good news for patients with serious illnesses who might benefit from psychedelic-assisted therapy, as it suggests these treatments won’t dangerously weaken their already compromised immune systems.
Researchers tested whether powdered Ganoderma lucidum mushroom could replace antibiotic growth promoters in chicken farming. The study found that adding 0.2% mushroom powder to chicken feed improved weight gain and feed efficiency similar to antibiotics, while also promoting beneficial gut bacteria. The mushroom powder was safe and did not cause any disease, making it a promising natural alternative to antibiotics in poultry production.
This research shows that a byproduct from growing Cordyceps militaris mushrooms can be used as a feed additive for chickens. When added at low doses to chicken feed, this mushroom byproduct improved the chickens’ growth, boosted their immune system, and created a healthier gut environment with beneficial bacteria. This offers a natural, non-antibiotic option for improving poultry farming.
Scientists studied two fungi that infect plants to see if they could cause asthma-like reactions in mice. They found that these fungi triggered inflammatory responses and produced antibodies similar to other known allergens. While not as potent as ovalbumin (a common test allergen), these plant-infecting fungi showed potential as respiratory allergens that may affect people exposed to them.
This study tested a natural dietary supplement made from wormwood and oak bark on honey bees infected with Nosema ceranae, a parasite that weakens bee colonies. The supplement significantly improved bee survival and reduced parasite levels, regardless of when it was given. It also reduced harmful oxidative stress caused by the infection. While it didn’t boost immune genes as strongly as some other treatments, its plant-based nature and consistent effectiveness make it a promising tool for beekeepers.
Researchers studied a protein called Ubp5 that helps the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans cause disease in humans. By removing this protein, the fungus became much less harmful and the immune system could fight it better. The fungus with the missing protein had problems with its outer coating, couldn’t hide as well from the immune system, and couldn’t spread to the brain. This suggests that blocking Ubp5 could be a new way to help the body defend against this dangerous fungal infection.
Researchers studied how Trikafta, a new cystic fibrosis medication, affects Aspergillus fungus growth. While Trikafta doesn’t directly kill the fungus, it makes antifungal drugs more effective and improves patients’ lung function to help clear infections naturally. However, high concentrations of the drug may reduce the immune system’s ability to fight the fungus, suggesting careful monitoring of patients is needed.
Scientists studied three types of dangerous fungi that cause serious infections in people with weak immune systems. They looked at the outer coating of these fungi cells, which is what the body’s immune system first encounters during infection. They found that this coating contains multiple types of sugar-like substances that trigger strong inflammatory responses in immune cells. Understanding these fungi better could help develop better treatments for these serious infections.