Did you ever wonder about vitamin B12 role in microbiome organization and function? using a chemical probe mimic of vitamin B12, the authors reveal a light- and B12-dependent DNA regulator and predict that organismal interdependencies for B12 may be critical to microbiome stability and overall function. On the extremophiles front, a study provides an analysis of the genomic content of the most abundant bacterial inhabitants of the salt-secreting desert tree Tamarix aphylla. An interesting paper reinforced linkages between the colonization of the foodborne pathogen E. coli O157:H7 in cattle and the nature of the microbial community inhabiting the digestive tract of super-shedders. And as for future generations, if you want to get your kids or students excited about microbiology, try an interactive tool created by Stanford bioengineers: the 3D printed microscope powered by your smartphone.
Category Archives: Events and jobs
January 29, 2017
A post on fecal transplats, the gut microbiome of cranes, fungal diversity of soils, and much more.
Events and Jobs
Assistant Professor of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine at George Washington University
General microbiome
The Stromal Intervention: Regulation of Immunity and Inflammation at the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Barrier – Roni Nowarski – Cell
Effect of adsorbants on in vitro biohydrogenation of 22:6n-3 by mixed cultures of rumen microorganisms – Marlene Escobar – Animal
Pregnancy and early life
Airway Microbial Community Turnover Differs by BPD Severity in Ventilated Preterm Infants – Brandie D. Wagner – PLoS One
Mode of Delivery and Its Influence on the Acquisition of Streptococcus mutans in Infants – Ritu G. Ubeja – International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
Human gut microbiome
Blood Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Originates from Microbiota Mediated Breakdown of Phosphatidylcholine and Absorption from Small Intestine – Wolfgang Stremmel – PLoS One
Challenges in Fecal Donor Selection and Screening for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: A Review – Michael H. Woodworth – Gut Microbes
Animal experiments
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius Induces Intracellular Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Colon Cells to Induce Proliferation and Causes Dysplasia in Mice – Ho Tsoi – Journal of AGA Institute: Gastroenterology Special Issure
Animal microbiome
The gut microbiome of hooded cranes (Grus monacha) wintering at Shengjin Lake, China – Guanghong Zhao – Wiley
Linking Peripartal Dynamics of Ruminal Microbiota to Dietary Changes and Production Parameters – Hooman Derakhashani – Frontiers in Microbiology
Effect of antibiotic on survival and development of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its gut microbial diversity – Abhinay Thakur – Bullitin of Entomological Research
Plant, root, and soil microbiome
Fungal diversity in soils across a gradient of preserved Brazilian Cerrado – Ademir Sergio Ferreira de Araujo – Journal of Microbiology
Synthetic photosynthetic consortia define interactions leading to robustness and photoproduction – Stephanie G. Hays – Journal of Biomedical Engineering
Translocation of Bacillus thuringiensis in Phaseolus vulgaris tissues and vertical transmission in Arabidopsis thaliana – Rosalina García-Suárez – Journal of Applied Microbiology
Transport Capabilities of Environmental Pseudomonads for Sulfur Compounds – Sarah Zerbs – Protein Science
Water and extremophile microbiome
Molecular-biological sensing in aquatic environments: recent developments and emerging capabilities – Jonathan S McQuillan – Current Opinion in Biotechnology
Probiotics / prebiotics
Nutritional stimulation of commensal oral bacteria suppresses pathogens: the prebiotic concept – Vera Slomka – Wiley
Microbes in the news
Rebalancing gut microbiome lengthens survival in mouse model of ALS
What We’ve Learned From Studying Microbiomes
Microbiota Transfer Therapy Could Help Children With Autism
Bacteria’s sneaky way to spread by getting you to eat more
Studies show prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria in China
Researchers discover molecule that could fight ‘superbug’ bacteria
Microbes on the market
Bacteria Hysteria
SHOCKING: You won’t BELIEVE how many GERMS are on your hands
Storify of the Human Microbiome Congress
(Crossposting from the NPJ Biofilms and Microbiome Community website)
This week I visited the Human Microbiome Congress in San Diego, where Kisaco Research brought together a splendid group of academic and industry researchers, who talked about their latest research. I really enjoyed listening to all these great speakers, and wanted to share this great event with the rest of the world, so I live-tweeted all the talks from my Twitter account @MicrobiomDigest. In case you missed it, here is a Storify with all my ~400 tweets. So grab a beer (or a kombucha) and some popcorn, and enjoy.
Storify of the Human Microbiome Congress in San Diego
We also held a 500WomenScientists meeting organized by Jessica Metcalf (who tweeted the first photo below).

And uBiome was represented at the poster session too! This was the first time I ordered a fabric poster, and it was great. Arrived folded up at my house (sort of like a t-shirt), and fitted easily in my luggage. I could have done a slightly better job ironing it (which is how you get rid of the wrinkles) but it was so much easier than traveling with a glossy print in a big tube. I ordered my poster at MakeSigns; poster + shipping (3 days after ordering) was $120. Recommended!

January 25, 2017
Joint opinion on measures by the EU to reduce antimicrobial agents in animal husbandry, diet changes the gut microbiome of dogs, and synthetic chemicals might drive global climate change.
Jobs
PhD Position: THE ROLE OF THE GUT MICROBIOME IN LIVER DISEASE: DEVELOPMENT Of BIOINFORMATIC APPROACHES TO IDENTIFY, CHARACTERISE AND ANALYSE THE GUT VIROME – KU Leuven
Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences, NUI Galway
Microbiology Supervisor – Clinical Pathology Laboratories, Inc
General microbiology and policy
Artificial bacteria: A semisynthetic organism engineered for the stable expansion of the genetic alphabet – Yorke Zhang – PNAS
- Press: First step to ‘designer life’: Biologists breed bacteria with lab-made DNA, adding two extra, artificial letters – Ben Guarino – Washington Post
Policy opinions: EMA and EFSA Joint Scientific Opinion on measures to reduce the need to use antimicrobial agents in animal husbandry in the European Union, and the resulting impacts on food safety (RONAFA) – CVMP and BIOHAZ – EFSA Journal
Acid-suppression medications and bacterial gastroenteritis: a population-based cohort study – Wei Li – british journal of clinical pharmacology
Animal experiments
Effects of the Dietary Protein and Carbohydrate Ratio on Gut Microbiomes in Dogs of Different Body Conditions – Qinghong Li – mBio
- Press: Study shows how a dog’s diet shapes its gut microbiome – Phys.org
Water and extremophile microbiome
Novel Primer Sets for Next Generation Sequencing-Based Analyses of Water Quality – Elvina Lee – PLoS One
Evaluation of Methods for the Concentration and Extraction of Viruses from Sewage in the Context of Metagenomic Sequencing – Mathis Hjort Hjelmsø – PLoS One
Phages and viruses
FRNA Bacteriophages as Viral Indicators of Faecal Contamination in Mexican Tropical Aquatic Systems – Luis Jose Rene Arredondo-Hernandez – PLoS One
The Complete Genome Sequence of a Second Distinct Betabaculovirus from the True Armyworm, Mythimna unipuncta – Robert L. Harrison – PLoS One
Characterization and Genetic Variation of Vibrio cholerae Isolated from Clinical and Environmental Sources in Thailand – Achiraya Siriphap – PLoS One
Bioinformatics
Comparing and Evaluating Metagenome Assembly Tools from a Microbiologist’s Perspective – Not Only Size Matters! – John Vollmers – PLoS One
Microbes in the news
Study: Babies’ Microbiomes Indifferent to Mode of Delivery – Kerry Grens – The Scientist
About FishTaco: Microbiome as complex as previously thought – Julian Harris – PHG Foundation
Auckland’s water shock: Bacteria levels ‘dangerously high’ – NZ Herald
For healthier buildings, just add bacteria? – Ed Yong – Ted
Xin’s non-microbiology pick
Synthetic chemicals as agents of global change – Emily S Bernhardt – Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
January 22, 2017
Events and Jobs
PhD scholarship in Molecular Microbiology– University of Copenhagen-Last Date: February 8, 2017
Quality Control Associate-Microbiology–US-CA-Del Mar
General Microbiome
Impacts of chemical gradients on microbial community structure-Jianwei Chen-The ISME Journal
Human Skin
Proteomic and peptidomic analysis of human sweat with emphasis on proteolysis-Yijing Yu-Journal of Proteomics
Human Respiratory Microbiome
Nasopharyngeal Microbiome Diversity Changes over Time in Children with Asthma–Marcos Pérez-Losada-PLOS One
Adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to cystic fibrosis buccal epithelial cells–Meike Lingner-ERJ
Human Vaginal Microbiome
The interaction between vaginal microbiota, cervical length, and vaginal progesterone treatment for preterm birth risk-Lindsay M. Kindinger-Microbiome
Human Gut Microbiome
Role of Gastrointestinal Microbiota on Kidney Injury and the Obese Condition-Keerati Wanchai-The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
Review-Altered Molecular Signature of Intestinal Microbiota in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients Compared with Healthy Controls: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis-Hai Ning Liu-Digestive and Liver Disease
Animal Microbiome
Bacterial community composition and fermentation in the rumen of Xinjiang brown cattle (Bos taurus), Tarim red deer (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis), and Karakul sheep (Ovis aries)-Wenxi Qian-Canadian Journal of Microbiology
The Gut Microbiome of the Vector Lutzomyia longipalpis Is Essential for Survival of Leishmania infantum–Stephen M. Beverley-mBio
The normal vaginal and uterine bacterial microbiome in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)-Xin Yang-Microbiological Research
Pathogen-mediated manipulation of arthropod microbiota to promote infection–Nabil M. Abraham-PNAS
The gastrointestinal tract of farmed mink (Neovison vison) maintains a diverse mucosa-associated microbiota following a 3-day fasting period-Martin I. Bahl-Microbiology Open
Ovarian cycling and reproductive state shape the vaginal microbiota in wild baboons–Elizabeth A. Miller-BMC Microbiome
Plant, root, and soil microbiome
A decade of irrigation transforms the soil microbiome of a semi-arid pine forest-Martin Hartmann-Molecular Ecology
Methane Emissions and Microbial Communities as Influenced by Dual Cropping of Azolla along with Early Rice-Jingna Liu-Scientific Reports
Differential responses of soil bacterial communities to long-term N and P inputs in a semi-arid steppe-Ning Ling-Geoderma
Mineralization of “non-metabolizable” glucose analogues in soil: potential chemosensory mimics of glucose-Kyle Mason-Jones-Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science
Deciphering composition and function of the root microbiome of a legume plant-Kyle Hartman-BMC Microbiome
Isolation and characterization of Rhizobium sp. strain YS-1r that degrades lignin in plant biomass-Colin A. Jackson-Journal of Applied Microbiology
Biocontrol effects of Brevibacillus laterosporus AMCC100017 on potato common scab and its impact on rhizosphere bacterial communities-Shengfu Chen-Biological Control
Co-inoculation with Enterobacter and Rhizobacteria on Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Alluvial Soil Under Indo-Gangetic Plain of India-Ashok Kumar-Journal of Plant Growth Regulation
Extremophiles
Phylogenomics of Rhodobacteraceae reveals evolutionary adaptation to marine and non-marine habitats-Meinhard Simon-ISME
Review: Marine Bacterioplankton Seasonal Succession Dynamics-Carina Bunse-Trends in Microbiology
Review: Stress response physiology of thermophiles–
The pangenome of (Antarctic) Pseudoalteromonas bacteria: evolutionary and functional insights-Emanuele Bosi-BMC Genomics
Sulfur compound oxidation and carbon co-assimilation in the haloalkaliphilic sulfur oxidizers Thioalkalivibrio versutus and Thioalkalimicrobium aerophilum-Wee Kiong Ang-Research in Microbiology
Geological and Geochemical Controls on Subsurface Microbial Life in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman–Kaitlin R. Rempfert-Extreme Microbiology
Microbial character related sulfur cycle under dynamic environmental factors based on the microbial population analysis in sewerage system-Qian Dong-Aquatic Microbiology
Similar community assembly mechanisms underlie similar biogeography of rare and abundant bacteria in lakes on Yungui Plateau, China-Jingqiu Liao-Limnology and Oceanography
Unraveling the microbial processes of black band disease in corals through integrated genomics-Yui Sato-Scientific Reports
Preliminary Phylogenetic Analysis of Thermophilic Bacteria Producing Protease isolated from Kuantan Malaysia -Essam A. Makky-JBSR
Identification of a novel fatty acid in the cell membrane of Chryseobacterium frigidisoli PB4T isolated from an East Antarctic glacier forefield-Kai Mangelsdorf-Organic Geochemistry
Phosphorus removal by marine bacterium enhanced with iron in the presence of silicon–Yanru Wang-Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology
Built Environment Microbiology
Developing Evidence-based Tools for Designing and Evaluating Hospital Inpatient Rooms–Xiaobo Quan-Journal of Interior Design
Building-related symptoms are linked to the in vitro toxicity of indoor dust and airborne microbial propagules in schools: A cross-sectional study-J T Salin-Environmental Research
Techniques
Review: Application of meta-omics techniques to understand greenhouse gas emissions originating from ruminal metabolism-Robert J. Wallace-Genetics Selection Evolution
Balance Trees Reveal Microbial Niche Differentiation–James T. Morton-Ecological and Evolutionary Science
Virus
Review: Virus–host interactions and their roles in coral reef health and disease–Rebecca Vega Thurber-Nature Reviews Microbiology
Virome of US bovine calf serum-Mohammadreza Sadeghi-Biologicals
More Microbes
Bacillus zeae sp. nov. isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea mays– International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
Microbes in News
Capnophilic Enterobacteriaceae-JM. Sahuquillo Arce-Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
January 20, 2017
Infant formula with prebiotics and probiotics, acne vulgaris and staphylococcus, IBD and anti-CTLA-4 connected to the flora, protein kinase C δ and prebiotic required to strengthen intestinal epithelial barrier function.
Events and jobs
Postdoctoral position in immunology to study host-gut microbiota interactions– University of Arizona
Research Engineer in Microbiology– l’Oréal
MICROBIOLOGY SUPERVISOR– via a Large US Medical Device company in Limerick
General microbiome
*A Review: The human microbiome and cancer-Seesandra V Rajagopala-AARC Publications
Pregnancy and early life
Oral Microbiota in Infants Fed a Formula Supplemented with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membranes – A Randomized Controlled Trial– Niklas Timby- PLoS One
Acquisition and adaptation of the airway microbiota in the early life of cystic fibrosis patients– Sebastien Boutin- Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics
Early Benefits of a Starter Formula Enriched in Prebiotics and Probiotics on the Gut Microbiota of Healthy Infants Born to HIV+ Mothers: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial-Peter Cooper- Clinical Medicine Insights: Pediatrics
Growth and Morbidity of Gambian Infants are Influenced by Maternal Milk Oligosaccharides and Infant Gut Microbiota– Jasmine C. Davis- Scientific Reports
Oral Microbiota
Evaluating the Impact of DNA Extraction Method on the Representation of Human Oral Bacterial and Fungal Communities-Anna Vesty- PLuS One
Salivary Gluten Degradation and Oral Microbial Profiles in Health and Celiac Disease– Na Tian- Applied Environmental Microbiology
Human respiratory microbiome
*Review: Microbiomes in respiratory health and disease: An Asia-Pacific perspective– Sanjay H. Chotirmall- Official Journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
Human skin microbiome
The Role of Cutaneous Microbiota Harmony in Maintaining a Functional Skin Barrier-Hilary Baldwin- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
Skin microbiome and acne vulgaris: staphylococcus, a new actor in acne– Brigitte Dreno- Experimental Dermatology
Human vaginal microbiome
Subclinical Alteration of the Cervical-Vaginal Microbiome in Women with Idiopathic Infertility– Giuseppina Campisciano- Journal of Cellular Physiology
Human gut microbiome
Intestinal Bacteria Composition and Translocation of Bacteria in Inflammatory Bowel Disease– Spyros Vrakas- PLoS One
*Review- The Gastrointestinal Tract as a Key Target Organ for the Health-Promoting Effects of Dietary Proanthocyanidins– Maria Jose Cires- frontiers in Nutrition
Association of the Intestinal Microbiome with the Development of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration– Martin S. Zinkernagel- Scientific Reports
*Review: Inflammatory bowel disease and cancer response due to anti-CTLA-4: is it in the flora?-Franck Carbonnel- Seminars in immunopathology
Animal experiments
ZiBuPiYin recipe improves cognitive decline by regulating gut microbiota in Zucker diabetic fatty rats– Gu Chunyan – Oncotarget
Animal microbiome
Unique Bacteria Community Composition and Co-occurrence in the Milk of Different Ruminants– Li Zhipeng- Scientific Reports
Plant, root, and soil microbiome
Mycorrhizal specificity does not limit the distribution of an endangered orchid species- Michael Waud – Molecular Ecology
Exploring the symbiont diversity of ancient western redcedars: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of long-lived hosts– Monika A. Gorzelak- Molecular Ecology
Probiotics / prebiotics
Protein kinase C δ signaling is required for dietary prebiotic-induced strengthening of intestinal epithelial barrier function– Richard Y. Wu- Scientific Reports
Antioxidant properties and global metabolite screening of the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii– Suprama Datta- Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Bioinformatics
Rhea: a transparent and modular R pipeline for microbial profiling based on 16S rRNA gene amplicons– Illias Lagkouvardos- PeerJ
Microbes on the market
FishTaco: Systematic Characterization and Analysis of the Taxonomic Drivers of Functional Shifts in the Human Microbiome– Ohad Manor
January 15, 2017
Microbes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, review on the female urinary microbiota, koalas with “wet bottom”, virus metagenomics of the Namib desert, biosignatures in fossils.
Jobs
Microbiome Research Associate Job – Merck Research Laboratories – Cambridge, MA – Science Careers
Human urinary tract microbiome
* Review: The female urinary microbiota, urinary health and common urinary disorders – Linda Brubaker – Annals of Translational Medicine
Human respiratory microbiome
* Host-Microbial Interactions in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis – Philip L Molyneaux – American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Human gut microbiome
The human gut microbiome as source of innovation for health: which physiological and therapeutic outcomes could we expect?: Human gut mibrobiome [SIC] as source of innovation for health – Joël Doré – Thérapie
In French: Microbiote intestinal : qu’en attendre au plan physiologique et thérapeutique ? Le microbiote intestinal comme source d’innovation pour la santé – Joël Doré – Thérapie
Review: Seafood allergen-induced hypersensitivity at the microbiota-mucosal site: implications for prospective probiotic use in allergic response regulation – Linglin Fu – Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Review: Impact Of Human Aging And Modern Lifestyle On Microbiota – Maria Gabriela Valle Gottlieb – Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Review: Effects of environmental pollutants on gut microbiota – Yuanxiang Jin – Environmental Pollution
Animal experiments
Replacing corn with sorghum in the diet alters intestinal microbiota without altering chicken performance – N. S. Fagundes – Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
Divergent functional isoforms drive niche specialisation for nutrient acquisition and use in rumen microbiome – Francesco Rubino – The ISME Journal
Wolbachia Affects Reproduction and Population Dynamics of the Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei): Implications for Biological Control – Yobana A. Mariño – MDPI Insects
Neoagarotetraose protects mice against intense exercise induced fatigue damage by modulating gut microbial composition and function – Na Zhang – Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
Housing Systems Influence Gut Microbiota Composition of Sows but Not of Their Piglets – Tereza Kubasova – PLOS ONE
Effect of Different Lignocellulosic Diets on Bacterial Microbiota and Hydrolytic Enzyme Activities in the Gut of the Cotton Boll Weevil (Anthonomus grandis) – Emiliano Ben Guerrero – Frontiers in Microbiology
Animal microbiome
* Variation in the microbiome of the urogenital tract of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with and without “wet bottom” – Alistair Raymond Legione – bioRxiv
Plant, root, and soil microbiome
* Fossils: Carbonaceous biosignatures of diverse chemotrophic microbial communities from chert nodules of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation – Yuangao Qu – Precambrian Research
Plant, soil and microbial controls on grassland diversity restoration: A long-term, multi-site mesocosm experiment – Ellen L. Fry – Journal of Applied Ecology
Pyrosequencing reveals bacterial communities and enzyme activities differences after application of novel chiral insecticide Paichongding in aerobic soils – Jie Chen – Applied Soil Ecology
Cedar and bamboo plantations alter structure and diversity of the soil bacterial community from a hardwood forest in subtropical mountain – Yu-Te Lin – Applied Soil Ecology
The differentiation of soil bacterial communities along a precipitation and temperature gradient in the eastern Inner Mongolia steppe – Minjie Yao – CATENA
Shift in fungal communities and associated enzyme activities along an age gradient of managed Pinus sylvestris stands – Julia Kyaschenko – The ISME Journal
Association between Grape Yeast Communities and the Vineyard Ecosystems – João Drumonde-Neves – PLOS ONE
Water microbiome
High growth potential and activity of 0.2 µm filterable bacteria habitually present in coastal seawater – Yumiko Obayashi – Biogeosciences Discuss
Chronic exposure effects of silver nanoparticles on stream microbial decomposer communities and ecosystem functions – Ahmed Tlili – Environmental Science & Technology
Waste and pollution microbiology
Global profiling of metabolite and lipid soluble microbial products in anaerobic wastewater reactor supernatant using UPLC/MSe – Phornpimon Tipthara – Journal of Proteome Research
Food microbiology
Rapid concentration detection and differentiation of bacteria in skimmed milk using surface enhanced Raman scattering mapping on 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid functionalized silver dendrites – Panxue Wang – Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
Metagenomics and bioinformatics / Viruses and phages
Robust inference of genetic exchange communities from microbial genomes using TF-IDF – Yingnan Cong – Frontiers in Microbiology
* Virome assembly and annotation: a surprise in the Namib Desert – Uljana Hesse – Frontiers in Microbiology
* Metaviromes of Extracellular Soil Viruses along a Namib Desert Aridity Gradient – Olivier Zablocki – Genome Announcements
Metagenome Sequencing of Prokaryotic Microbiota Collected from Rivers in the Upper Amazon Basin – Célio Dias Santos-Júnior – Genome Announcements
Restoring the Duality between Principal Components of a Distance Matrix and Linear Combinations of Predictors, with Application to Studies of the Microbiome – Glen A. Satten – PLOS ONE
New approach for studying mobile genes using metagenomic analysis – Kazuyuki Ishihara – Oral Diseases
Archaea
New insights into marine group III Euryarchaeota, from dark to light – Jose M Haro-Moreno – The ISME Journal
Techniques
MPLEx: A method for simultaneous pathogen inactivation and extraction of samples for multi-omics profiling – Kristin Burnum-Johnson – Analyst
An explanation of the Nagoya Protocol and Access and Benefit Sharing, and its implication for microbiology – David Smith – Microbiology
Microbes in the news
You’re probably showering way too often – Rafi Letzter – Business Insider
Viruses May Be Responsible For Life As We Know It – Ryan F. Mandelbaum – Gizmodo
Boost your intake of resistant starch to help your gut thrive – Leslie Beck – The Globe and Mail
We now know bacteria can communicate electrically, and we should be worried
They’re organised – David Nield – Science Alert
Proceed with caution: Autism Causes Update: The Gut-Brain Connection And How A Common Probiotic May Ease Symptoms – Lizette Borreli – Medical Daily
Study provides fundamental insights into functioning of microbiota and human-gut flora symbiosis – News Medical
Microbes on the market
Bristol-Myers Squibb and Enterome Announce Immuno-Oncology Collaboration Focused on Microbiome-Derived Biomarkers, Drug Targets and Bioactive Molecules – SAT Press Releases
Bik’s non-microbiology picks
The Physics of Everyday Life. Why popcorn pops and ducks don’t freeze when swimming in icy water. John Gribbin reviews “Storm in a Teacup” by Helen Czerski – Wall Street Journal
January 11, 2017
Vaginal microbial communities associated with HIV acquisition or protection, evolution and function of the appendix, microbes and bird evolution, soil microbes followed for 17 years, and bone microbiome and cause-of-death of an 18th century child.
Jobs
Faculty Position in Microbiome Research – National University of Singapore – Science Careers
Pregnancy and early life
The Role of Early Life Nutrition in the Establishment of Gastrointestinal Microbial Composition and Function – Erin C. Davis – Gut Microbes
Human vaginal microbiome
* Lactobacillus-Deficient Cervicovaginal Bacterial Communities Are Associated with Increased HIV Acquisition in Young South African Women – Christina Gosmann – Immunity
- Press: Certain kinds of vaginal bacteria can actually boost HIV risk – Kate Baggaley – Popular Science
- Some vaginal bacteria can increase the risk of HIV by more than four times – Léa Surugue – International Business Times
Diagnosis and microecological characteristics of aerobic vaginitis in outpatients based on preformed enzymes – Zhi-liang Wang – Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Human respiratory microbiome
Review: The microbiome in mechanically ventilated patients – Yin, Yudong – Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
Human gut microbiome
* Morphological evolution of the mammalian cecum and cecal appendix – Heather F. Smith – Comptes Rendus Palevol
- Press: Appendix may have important function, new research suggests – Science Daily
- Your appendix might serve an important biological function after all – Bec Crew – Science Alert
- The Appendix Might Not Be So Useless After All: “reservoir” for beneficial gut bacteria – Tom Hale – IFL Science
- New research suggests the appendix has a purpose after all – Katherine Ellen Foley – Quartz
Exploring the Efficacy of Pooled Stools in Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Microbiota-Associated Chronic Diseases – Abbas Kazerouni – PLOS ONE
Review: Role of Vitamin D in the Hygiene Hypothesis: The Interplay between Vitamin D, Vitamin D Receptors, Gut Microbiota, and Immune Response – Allison Clark – Frontiers in Immunology
Review: Bacterial Signaling to the Nervous System via Toxins and Metabolites – Nicole J. Yang – Journal of Molecular Biology
Animal experiments
Metabolite exchange between microbiome members produces compounds that influence Drosophila behavior – Caleb Fischer – eLIFE
Gut Microbiota Mediates Protection Against Enteropathy Induced by Indomethacin – Xue Xiao – Scientific Reports
Faecal parameters as biomarkers of the equine hindgut microbial ecosystem under dietary change – P. Grimm – Animal
Characterisation of Early-Life Fecal Microbiota in Susceptible and Healthy Pigs to Post-Weaning Diarrhoea – Samir Dou – PLOS ONE
Animal microbiome
Metagenomic analysis of microbial community of a parasitoid wasp Megaphragma amalphitanum – A.V. Nedoluzhko – Genomics Data
* Review: Ecoimmunology and microbial ecology: Contributions to avian behavior, physiology, and life history – Jessica K. Evans – Hormones and Behavior
Archaeology microbiome
* The Cause of Death of a Child in the 18th Century Solved by Bone Microbiome Typing Using Laser Microdissection and Next Generation Sequencing – Valeria D’Argenio – International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Plant, root, and soil microbiome
Phyllosphere Methylobacterium bacteria contain UVA-absorbing compounds – Shigenobu Yoshida – Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Major Crop Species Show Differential Balance between Root Morphological and Physiological Responses to Variable Phosphorus Supply – Yang Lyu – Frontiers in Plant Science
* Links between soil microbial communities and plant traits in a species-rich grassland under long-term climate change – Emma J. Sayer – Ecology and Evolution
Water and extremophile microbiome
Two microcrustaceans affect microbial and macroinvertebrate-driven litter breakdown – Sophie Chambord – Freshwater Biology
Biofilms Confer Resistance to Simulated Extra-terrestrial Geochemical Extremes – Adam H Stevens – bioRxiv Preprint
Bioinformatics, statistics, and metagenomics
From Genomes to Phenotypes: Traitar, the Microbial Trait Analyzer – Aaron Weimann – mSystems
Structural zeros in high-dimensional data with applications to microbiome studies – Abhishek Kaul – Biostatistics
More microbiology
Mutations in Cas9 Enhance the Rate of Acquisition of Viral Spacer Sequences during the CRISPR-Cas Immune Response – Robert Heler – Molecular Cell
Press: Researchers Learn to Enhance Bacteria’s Ability to Form Genetic Memories – SciCasts
Microbes in the news
Meet Canada’s ‘poop lady’: “I got to know people up there very well over the years, said Girard, 28. – EurekAlert
A new year for our journal club! – Fiona Whelan – Human Microbiome Journal Club
Oral bacteria linked to preterm labor in Hawaiʻi – Desiree Uyeda – University of Hawai’i News
Mayo’s microbiome study targets diabetes – Brett Boese – Post Bulletin
MicrobEYEome: Liver Cancer Patients Have a Signature Microbiome – GastroEndo News
Presentation: The role of the microbiome in Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) – Megan Niederwerder – YouTube
Based on the title this appears to be a good candidate for the “Overselling The Microbiome Award” by Jonathan Eisen: How Sexual Attraction Is Shaped by Gut Bacteria, Infectious Diseases, and Parasites – Kathleen McAuliffe – BigThink
Latest Dengue Update: Bacteria Strain That Stops Dengue Transmission In Mosquitoes Dies In Hot Environment – Minnow Blythe – Counsel Heal
Microbes on the market
Allergan (AGN) Enters Licensing Agreement with Assembly Biosciences (ASMB) to Obtain Worldwide Rights to GI Programs – StreetInsider
La Roche-Posay Introduces Prebiotic Skincare Line – PR NewsWire
Indigo’s Preliminary Commercial Data Demonstrate Significant Yield Gains for Growers with Plant Microbiome Product – PR NewsWire
Bik’s non-microbiology picks
The Association of Hot Red Chili Pepper Consumption and Mortality: A Large Population-Based Cohort Study – Mustafa Chopan – PLOS ONE
January 9, 2017
Events
Reminder: Microbiome meetup (SF Bay Area) – Tools & Techniques for analysis
by SF Bay Area Microbiome Meetup – January 31, 2016, Illumina, San Francisco. Free.
Human gut microbiome
Water activity does not shape the microbiota in the human colon – Doris Vandeputte – Gut
Review: The thyroid, the eyes and the gut: a possible connection – D. Covelli – Endocrinological Investigation
Review: Role of intestinal microbiota and metabolites on gut homeostasis and human diseases – Lan Lin – BMC Immunology
Review: Gut microbiota and colorectal cancer – R. Gao – European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
Review: How the Gut Affects Bone Metabolism – Marie-Hélène Lafage Proust – Joint Bone Spine
The role of gut microbiota in health and disease: In vitro modeling of host-microbe interactions at the aerobe-anaerobe interphase of the human gut – Julius Z.H. von Martels – Anaerobe
Animal experiments
Replacing corn with sorghum in the diet alters intestinal microbiota without altering chicken performance – N. S. Fagundes – Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
Quantitative analyses of the bacterial microbiota of rearing environment, tilapia and common carp cultured in earthen ponds and inhibitory activity of its lactic acid bacteria on fish spoilage and pathogenic bacteria – Pierre Marie Kaktcham – World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
Plant, root, and soil microbiome
Distinct bacterial communities across a gradient of vegetation from a preserved Brazilian Cerrado – Ademir Sergio Ferreira de Araujo – Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
Soil microbial communities are shaped by vegetation type and park age in cities under cold climate – Nan Hui – Environmental Microbiology
Water and extremophile microbiome
The effect of coagulants and antiscalants discharged with seawater desalination brines on coastal microbial communities: A laboratory and in situ study from the southeastern Mediterranean – Natalia Belkin – Water Research
DNA metabarcoding reveals that 200 μm size-fractionated filtering is unable to discriminate between planktonic microbial and large eukaryotes – Lemian Liu – Molecular Ecology Resources
Waste and pollution research
Microbial community redundancy in anaerobic digestion drives process recovery after salinity exposure – Jo De Vrieze – Water Research
Proteomics
The rumen microbial metaproteome as revealed by SDS-PAGE – Timothy J. Snelling – BMC Microbiology
Microbes in the news
Deadly, Invisible Bacteria Melioidosis Spreads In Top End Monsoon – Cayla Dengate – The Huffington Post
I’m Fasting For Science: Will It Help Tame My Multiple Sclerosis? – Brandie Jefferson – NPR
December 20, 2016
Events
Registration open: Environmental Microbial Biofilms and Human Microbiomes: Drivers of Future Sustainability – Singapore, 12-15 February 2017
Pregnancy and early life
Sensitive Quantitative Analysis of the Meconium Bacterial Microbiota in Healthy Term Infants Born Vaginally or by Cesarean Section – Ravinder Nagpal – Frontiers in Microbiology
Remodeling of the gut microbiota and structural shifts in Preeclampsia patients in South China – J. Liu – European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
Human respiratory microbiome
Same-day diagnostic and surveillance data for tuberculosis via whole genome sequencing of direct respiratory samples – Antonina A Votintseva – bioRxiv
Human oral microbiome
Effect of 12-month weekly professional oral hygiene care on the composition of the oral flora in dentate, dependent elderly residents: A prospective study
Maude Wikström – Gerodontology
Human gut microbiome
Roles of the gut in the metabolic syndrome: an overview – L. Fändriks – Journal of Internal Medicine
Review: Microbiome and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases – Jan Wehkamp – Journal of Molecular Medicine
Animal experiments
Resetting microbiota by Lactobacillus reuteri inhibits T reg deficiency–induced autoimmunity via adenosine A2A receptors – Baokun He – Journal of Experimental Medicine
Press: Replacing missing gut bacteria could help treat children with rare autoimmune disease – News Medical
Characterization of meningeal type 2 innate lymphocytes and their response to CNS injury – Sachin P. Gadani – Journal of Experimental Medicine
Press: Team discovers powerful defenders of the brain—with big implications for disease – Medical Xpress
Examination of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis mixed genotype infections in dairy animals using a whole genome sequencing approach – Fraser W. Davidson – PeerJ
Insights into Broilers’ Gut Microbiota Fed with Phosphorus, Calcium, and Phytase Supplemented Diets – Daniel Borda-Molina – Frontiers in Microbiology
Animal microbiome
Fecal microbiota of three bactrian camels (Camelus ferus and Camelus bactrianus) in China by high throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene – Lei Yuan – Journal of Arid Land
Plant, root, and soil microbiome
Metagenomic assembly unravel microbial response to redox fluctuation in acid sulfate soil – Jian-Qiang Su – Soil Biology and Biochemistry
Effect of New Auxin Herbicide Formulations on Control of Herbicide Resistant Weeds and on Microbial Activities in the Rhizosphere – Vijay K. Nandula – American Journal of Plant Sciences
Screening of rhizobacteria from rhizosphere of healthy chili to control bacterial wilt disease and to promote growth and yield of chili – Yulmira Yanti – Biodiversitas
Mycorrhizal colonization of chenopods and its influencing factors in different saline habitats, China – Yinan Zhao – Journal of Arid Land
Water and extremophile microbiome
Degradation of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic in an urbanized stretch of the River Tiber – Anna Barra Caracciolo – Microchemical Journal
Spatial distribution of planktonic bacterial and archaeal communities in the upper section of the tidal reach in Yangtze River – Limin Fan – Scientific Reports
Biological Potential of Chitinolytic Marine Bacteria – Sara Skøtt Paulsen – Marine Drugs
http://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/14/12/230/htm
Microbial Diversity of Extreme Regions: An Unseen Heritage and Wealth – Saxena AK –
Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources
Stable and Variable Parts of Microbial Community in Siberian Deep Subsurface Thermal Aquifer System Revealed in a Long-Term Monitoring Study – Yulia A. Frank – Frontiers in Microbiology
A theoretical basis for a nanomolar critical oxygen concentration – E. J. Zakem – Limnology & Oceanography
Bacteria can survive in oxygen-free marine environments – Sumaya Aamir – i4u.com
Simons Foundation Supports Study That Finds Bacteria Can Survive In Oxygen-Free Marine Environments – Philanthropy New York
DNA markers distinguish between harmless, deadly bacteria – Jennifer Chu – Phys.org
Waste and pollution microbiology
Bacterial community structure within an activated sludge reactor added with phenolic compounds – Selene Gómez-Acata – Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Microbial ecology
Editorial: Development of microbial ecological theory: stability, plasticity and evolution of microbial ecosystems – Shin Haruta – Frontiers in Microbiology
Microbes in the news
Borborygmus: The Rumble in your Tummy. Video about the microbiome for kids. Eat your veggies, kids. Do it for Borborygmus.
6 Things We Learned About Gut Health And The Microbiome In 2016 – Cayla Dengate – Huffington Post
Research highlight: Rhythm and bacteria – Ashley York – Nature Reviews Microbiology
Baylor investigates antibiotic use, children’s improved autism symptoms – Healio
Microbes on the market
How bacteria from your stomach can fight disease. Start-up secures £8m to develop novel therapies – Matt Gooding – Cambridge News
Spin-out seeks to be world leader leveraging microbiome biology’s potential – The PharmaLetter
Sanger Spins Out Microbiotica to Develop Bacteriotherapies – GenEngNews
Science, publishing, and career
Evidence of the Superiority of Female Doctors. New research estimates that if all physicians were female, 32,000 fewer Americans would die every year – James Hamblin – The Atlantic