Research Topic: Microbiota

Maternal Euglena gracilis supplementation alters sow and piglet gut microbiota, reduces diarrhea incidence, and enhances piglet growth

This study examined how feeding sows a supplement called Euglena gracilis (an algae-derived prebiotic) affected the gut bacteria of both the sows and their piglets. Piglets born to supplemented sows weighed more at weaning and had fewer cases of diarrhea during the nursing period. The supplement changed the types of bacteria in both the sows’ and piglets’ guts in beneficial ways, promoting healthier and more stable gut communities that supported better growth and digestive health.

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The Effect of 2′-Fucosyllactose on Gut Health in Aged Mice

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.

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Advancing Nutritional Science: Contemporary Perspectives on Diet’s Role in Metabolic Health and Disease Prevention

This research collection shows how what we eat significantly impacts our metabolic health and ability to prevent diseases. Key findings include that eating more vegetables helps prevent metabolic syndrome in older adults, and certain dietary patterns combined with regular exercise reduce disease risk in young adults. The research also highlights the benefits of natural compounds like inulin and royal jelly for managing metabolic disorders, while emphasizing the importance of personalized nutrition approaches for rare conditions.

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A comprehensive overview of the effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the gut-brain axis

This comprehensive review examines how probiotics (beneficial live bacteria), prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria), and synbiotics (combinations of both) can influence communication between the gut and brain. These interventions can produce beneficial compounds like GABA and serotonin, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation, potentially helping with mood, anxiety, cognition, and various digestive disorders. However, effects vary greatly depending on the specific strain used, dosage, and individual differences in gut bacteria, and more large-scale studies are needed to confirm long-term clinical benefits.

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The Immune Mind: Linking Dietary Patterns, Microbiota, and Psychological Health

This review shows that what we eat significantly affects our mental health through our gut bacteria and immune system. Mediterranean-style diets rich in vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Conversely, ultra-processed foods with added sugars and artificial ingredients increase the risk of mental health problems. Specific probiotic supplements may also provide modest benefits for mood by promoting beneficial gut bacteria.

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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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Genomic insights reveal community structure and phylogenetic associations of endohyphal bacteria and viruses in fungal endophytes

Fungi living inside healthy plant leaves contain communities of bacteria and viruses. Researchers studied these microbial passengers in fungi from American beech leaves and found that bacteria show patterns of preference for specific fungal types, while viruses are less diverse and mostly DNA-based rather than RNA-based. Understanding these microbial relationships helps explain how fungi interact with plants and could potentially improve biological control strategies.

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Supplementation in mushroom crops and its impact on yield and quality

Mushroom farmers can increase their harvest and improve mushroom quality by adding nutritional supplements to the growing medium. These supplements can be made from common agricultural waste products like grain bran and soybean meal, making them affordable and environmentally friendly. New research shows that beneficial bacteria and fungi might also boost mushroom production, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical supplements.

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Ascosphaera apis as a target for the antifungal activity of symbiotic Bifidobacteria in honey bees

Researchers found that certain beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium asteroides) living in honey bee guts can fight the fungus that causes chalkbrood disease, a serious condition affecting bee colonies. These bacteria produce natural compounds, especially propanoic acid and ethanol, that kill the fungus and prevent it from growing. This discovery offers a safe, natural alternative to chemical treatments for protecting honeybees from fungal infections while maintaining colony health.

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Edible Mushrooms and Beta-Glucans: Impact on Human Health

Mushrooms contain compounds called β-glucans that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. These compounds show promise in cancer treatment when combined with conventional therapies and may help fight infections. While mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine, modern research is confirming their health benefits and understanding how they work in the body.

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