We have known for a while that obesity has a microbial component. Now, a team of scientists led by Patrice D. Cani reports a novel bacterium isolated from the human gut that counteracts diet-induced obesity, inflammation and glucose dysregulation in mice.

Scientists have started to investigate the role gut microbiota might play in either protecting against COVID-19 or on the contrary in increasing vulnerability to severe symptomatic disease. Any conclusions would be highly relevant to preventing increased mortality among elderly nursing home residents.

Gut microbiota, with its close links to metabolism and the immune system, could potentially be a factor that lies at the core of good health. This means it can be positioned at the heart of the processes that influence the risk of contracting different diseases.

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