All Early Life Microbiome articles
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NewsMajor genetic meta-analysis reveals how antibiotic resistance in babies varies according to mode of birth, prematurity, and where they live
Meta-analysis of genetic studies from 10 countries finds infants born by C-section have more antibiotic resistance genes; antibiotic use and prematurity also fuel resistance.
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CareersCultivating curiosity: a biologist’s tale of science and support in research
Evelyn shares with us her scientific journey from being a curious child in Colombia to coordinating the European Green-Era Hub webinars from the Agriculture and Food Development Authority in Ireland.
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NewsAI powered ‘digital twin’ models the infant microbiome
A new generative AI tool creates a virtual model of the infant microbiome and predicts neurodevelopmental deficits.
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NewsInfant gut microbes have their own circadian rhythm
Infant gut microbiomes oscillate with a circadian rhythm, even when they are cultivated outside of the body. Meanwhile, diet has less impact on the development and composition of the infant microbiome than previously thought.
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NewsGut bacteria make neurotransmitters to shape the newborn immune system
Investigators discovered that unique bacteria colonize the gut shortly after birth and make the neurotransmitter serotonin to educate gut immune cells. This prevents allergic reactions to food and the bacteria themselves during early development.
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NewsCOVID vaccines are safe for pregnant women and babies
The COVID vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy, reports a new study in an important finding on the safety of the vaccine in infants – despite widespread fear and misinformation.
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NewsBreastfeeding after COVID-19 booster can give babies antibodies
Lactating mothers who get the COVID-19 booster pass along the antibodies to their children via their breast milk – and potentially protect babies too young to receive the vaccine.
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NewsNew approach may prevent deadly intestinal disease in preemies
Scientists have found that an investigational protein replacement protected neonatal mice from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly intestinal disease that often strikes extremely premature infants.
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NewsResearch to advance understanding of deadly disease that affects premature babies
Three researchers have earned more than $5 million in grant money to study causes and potential treatments for necrotizing enterocolitis, a deadly intestinal disease that primarily affects infants born prematurely.
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NewsStudy in mice uncovers new protective benefit of breast milk
An immune component of breast milk known as the complement system shapes the gut environment of infant mice in ways that make them less susceptible to certain disease-causing bacteria, according to a new study.
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NewsResearch lays groundwork for a lifesaving vaccine for bacterium that threatens newborns
Researchers are unraveling the workings of Streptococcus agalactiae infections, which could someday lead to a vaccine.
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NewsBreastfeeding alters infant gut in ways that boost brain development, may improve test scores
A study of the infant ‘fecal metabolome’ suggests that nursing, including part-time while supplementing with formula, yields significant brain-health benefits.
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OpinionCatch-22: the FDA, probiotics, and preterm infants
As the FDA issues warning letters about probiotic products sold for use in hospitalized preterm infants, families of babies threatened by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) now face a deadly Catch-22 situation.
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NewsVery early antiretroviral therapy within hours of birth could suppress HIV in newborns
A study of more than 50 babies through 2 years old supports evidence that giving antiretroviral therapy (ART) to newborns with HIV within the first days of life can safely suppress amounts of HIV in the blood to undetectable levels.
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NewsBroccoli molecule could shape immune defense against Cryptosporidium
Researchers have discovered that a common dietary supplement could protect against chronic Cryptosporidium infections which are particularly prevalent in children under two and in areas with poorer sanitation.
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NewsSpike in premature births caused by COVID, and halted by vaccines
COVID-19 caused an alarming surge in premature births, but vaccines were key to returning the early birth rate to pre-pandemic levels, according to a new analysis of California birth records.
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NewsBacteria lay the foundations for their descendants
Researchers investigating a sea anemone microbiome found that the bacterial community is primarily controlled by the host organism during the early stages of life, while bacteria-bacteria interactions play the lead role in subsequent development.
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NewsDr Christopher Stewart named as winner of WH Pierce Prize
Dr Christopher Stewart of Newcastle University in the UK has been named as this year’s winner of the WH Pierce Prize for microbiology.
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NewsMicrobiome of fruit and vegetables positively influences diversity in the gut
In a meta-study, a research team has provided evidence that the consumption of fruit and vegetables contributes positively to bacterial diversity in the human gut.
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NewsProbiotics delivered in biofilm state protect the intestines and brain in NEC model
Researchers have developed a novel probiotic system that harnesses the durability of biofilms to improve the administration of probiotics to patients.
