Bacteria in human milk play an important role in kick-starting the colonization of an infant’s gut. Researchers are looking at how perinatal and environmental factors may shape the overlooked fungi in breast milk.

Human microbiota-associated mice studies are considered a cornerstone model in microbiome research and may contribute to microbiome-based therapies moving quickly towards clinical use. A new perspective from Jens Walter and colleagues explores the model’s limitations and makes suggestions for improving experimental rigor when testing for causality in microbiome research.

It is largely recognized that a high-salt diet can lead to hypertension. A new randomized controlled trial reports that, particularly in females with untreated hypertension, reducing salt intake to recommended levels is linked to decreased blood pressure, more compliant blood vessels and increased serum levels of short-chain fatty acids.