After two decades of scientific exploration, the human microbiome has emerged as a critical determinant of health and disease. Fueled by multi-omics technologies and machine learning, the field has advanced from correlation-based observations to establishing causal relationships. This article presents recent and compelling examples of microbiome-based treatments that are ripe for clinical adoption and discusses challenges and opportunities facing the field based on expert interviews conducted by the GMFH team.
A new stool biomarker for multiple sclerosis: gut bacteria’s role in disease progression
13 May 2025by Manon Oliero
New research suggests that changes in the ratio between two common gut bacteria could be associated with symptom severity in people with multiple sclerosis. While more studies are needed, the findings point to a potential microbial marker for monitoring the disease.
Microorganisms in the gut emerge as a potential determining factor for understanding the links between stress response and brain function. New findings highlight the role of gut microbiota as a central regulator of the stress-circadian axis.
Could a simple change in diet transform your gut microbiome and reduce your risk of chronic diseases? This article explores recent research testing a diet inspired by non-industrialized dietary patterns.
We continue our series on the gut axis, this time focusing on the gut-skin connection. You might have noticed it yourself—how a heavy, sugary meal can lead to breakouts the next day, or how certain food allergies can trigger rashes. This is the gut-skin axis at work, demonstrating an association between the health of our gut and the condition of our skin, and vice versa.
You are probably familiar with the gut-brain connection. But did you know that your gut and lungs are in constant conversation? Scientists call this connection the gut-lung axis. Both the gut and lungs are mucosal organs—while the gut absorbs nutrients from food, the lungs absorb gases like oxygen from the air.
With the advancement of medicine, our population is undergoing a prolonged aging process. Over the next three decades, the global population aged over 65 years is set to more than double, reaching a staggering 1.5 billion individuals. The emergence of the gut microbiota as a potent modulator of healthy aging requires a concerted effort to allocate resources and research towards developing interventions aimed at promoting optimal gut health and longevity.
Gut microbiota’s impact: linking neonatal jaundice and IBD through bilirubin processing
7 Feb 2024by Manon Oliero
The low amount of bacteria from the gut microbiota able to process bilirubin, a product of heme degradation, during the neonatal period of life suggests a strong connection between the microbiome composition and development of jaundice in infants. In other words, the lack of certain bacteria in the gut of infants seems to be linked to the risk of developing jaundice.
Osteomicrobiology reveals a promising link between gut microbiota and osteoporosis prevention. New research highlights microbial strains influencing bone density, paving the way for targeted therapies. Further investigations will clarify this gut-bone axis and its potential in skeletal health.
Dietary fibers, known to regulate intestinal inflammation and gut barrier functions, have been avoided by patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) to avoid flare-ups. However, recent findings suggest that if fiber type, patient immunological condition, and the fermentative ability of the gut microbiota are taken into account, they could be beneficial and prevent relapses.
