Human milk does more than nourish, it also delivers beneficial microbes that help build the infant gut microbiome. A new study from the University of Chicago offers the most detailed look yet at how bacterial strains in breast milk are transferred to babies. The findings shed new light on early-life microbial transmission and its potential impact on long-term health.
Scientists discover that a gut microbiota molecule causes atherosclerosis
7 Jan 2026by Cristina Sáez
A new study reveals that a molecule produced by gut bacteria can trigger atherosclerosis, shedding light on why some healthy individuals develop cardiovascular disease.
Why gluten and wheat may not be the dietary villains driving IBS symptoms
25 Nov 2025by Andreu Prados
Although the underlying cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unclear, many people with IBS believe they are sensitive to gluten or wheat. A new study finds gluten and wheat are safe for many people with IBS, and the culprit might be something else.
Vaccines have been protecting us from infectious diseases for over 200 years. Interestingly, recent research suggests unexpected players may be at work behind the scenes: the trillions of microbes that comprise our gut microbiota. Researchers continue to explore how gut microbiota influence immunity, why vaccine responses vary, and whether diet and prebiotics can tip the balance in our favour.
Another reason to promote breastfeeding: It protects babies against antibiotic resistance
21 Oct 2025by Cristina Sáez
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in children’s health, but factors such as cesarean birth and early antibiotic exposure can disrupt it. A new study shows that exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first month of life can help restore microbial balance and limit antibiotic resistance genes.
What happens in the gut doesn’t stay in the gut: the gut-organ axes at work
25 Jun 2025by GMFH Editing Team
Emerging studies support the relationship between the human gut microbiome and organ function outside the gut. Find out more about the knowns and unknowns on how the gut communicates with other parts of the body, involving the gut, the brain, the lungs, the skin, and even the heart, and why it matters to your health.
How what you eat, the medications you take, and where you live shape your gut microbiota
11 Jun 2025by Giovana Martucelli
Over two intense days of conference, specialists shared the latest research findings and their experiences in both research and clinical practice, exploring how everyday factors influence the composition of the gut microbiota and impact our health. Here, we bring you the key insights from the event.
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.
What causes IBS pain? Intestinal immune activation emerges as a new culprit
29 Apr 2025by GMFH Editing Team
This new infographic offers a visual summary of the immune system’s emerging role in IBS-related gut pain. It also highlights how immune responses may drive symptoms and explores the science behind food-related triggers.
The gut-heart axis: how the gut microbiota impacts cardiovascular health
23 Dec 2024by Cristina Sáez
The fundamental role of gut bacteria in overall health has been recognized for years. Imbalances in its composition have been linked to autoimmune, gastrointestinal, and metabolic diseases, and now also to cardiovascular conditions. Increasingly, scientists are studying the gut-heart axis and suggest that the gut microbiota could become a new therapeutic target for preventing and treating heart diseases.
