How to grow the “Most Wanted” gut bacteria in microfluidic chips, effect of Vitamin D on gut microbiota, and probiotics for your skin.

Human gut microbiome

Gene-targeted microfluidic cultivation validated by isolation of a gut bacterium listed in Human Microbiome Project’s Most Wanted taxa – Liang Ma – PNAS

“We developed a microfluidics-based, genetically targeted approach to address these challenges. This approach corrects sampling bias from differential bacterial growth kinetics, enables the use of growth stimulants available only in small quantities, and allows targeted isolation and cultivation of a previously uncultured microbe from the human cecum that belongs to the high-priority group of the Human Microbiome Project’s “Most Wanted” list.”

From the ICE/ENDO meeting: Vitamin D May Improve Metabolic Health of African American Men – Lara C. Pullen – Medscape.com

“Vitamin-D supplementation not only improved insulin sensitivity but also shifted the microbiome from a prediabetes spectrum to a healthy signature. “

Exploring the Microbiome – Chris Anderson – Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

““These cover a broad range of options including complex approaches like fecal transplants that could include early uncharacterized strains of bacteria and other microorganisms, all the way to reductionist approaches,” noted Bernat Olle, a partner in the venture capital firm Puretech Ventures, who moderated a panel “Microbiome modulators: Opportunities and Challenges to Creating a New Drug Class” Thursday at BIO 2014.”

Human skin microbiome

Probiotics Hold Promise for 4 Skin Conditions – Cari Nierenberg – Live Science

“Bowe said probiotics — whether they are eaten as foods, taken as supplements or spread topically — are not a stand-alone treatment for skin problems, but could be used by patients in combination with their current treatment.”

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