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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MICROBIOME

  • What are the gut microbiota and human microbiome?

    Written by Markus MacGill 10 studies cited

  • Human microbiota: The microorganisms that make us their home

    Written by Maria Cohut, Ph.D.

  • Do gut bacteria contribute to ethnic health disparities?

    We look at how race and ethnicity may influence the composition of the gut bacteria, and the implications this may have for precision medicine.

  • What does your 'microbiome cloud' say about you?

    An innovative study takes the first in-depth look at the chemicals, creatures, and particles that enter our personal space every single day: our exposome.

  • Gut bacteria: The surprising impact of viruses

    Written by Tim Newman

  • Gut bacteria and the brain: Are we controlled by microbes?

    Written by Tim Newman 11 studies cited

THE MICROBIOME & YOUR HEALTH

  • Loss of microbial gut diversity a threat to health?

    Written by Yella Hewings-Martin, Ph.D.

  • 10 ways to improve gut health

    Written by Jayne Leonard 12 studies cited

  • Dementia: Could gut bacteria play a role?

    A new study links changes in gut bacteria to dementia. The researchers hope that their findings might, one day, help develop more effective treatment.

  • Prostate cancer: The role of the microbiome

    Written by Tim Newman

  • High blood pressure: Could gut bacteria play a role?

    Written by Tim Newman

  • How 'good' viruses may influence health

    Written by Tim Newman

  • Altering an unhealthy gut microbiome could stave off chronic disease

    New research in mice shows that turning an unhealthy microbiome into a healthy one may provide an alternative way to stave off cardiovascular disease.

  • COPD: What role does the microbiome play?

    In this article, we examine the potential role of the lung microbiome in people with COPD. Although questions remain, the picture is growing clearer.

THE MICROBIOME & DIET

  • Which foods are beneficial for a healthy gut microbiome?

    Written by Ana Sandoiu

  • What is the microbiome diet?

    Written by Louisa Richards 7 studies cited

  • How different kinds of fiber affect the microbiome

    Written by Yella Hewings-Martin, Ph.D.

  • Why chocolate is good for your gut

    Written by Yella Hewings-Martin, Ph.D.

PROBIOTICS

  • What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?

    Prebiotics and probiotics work together to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria that can improve digestion and support the immune system. Both prebiotics and probiotics occur naturally in many foods. Here, learn more about the differences between them, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into the diet.

  • Probiotics: Does the evidence match the hype?

    Written by Tim Newman

  • Online information about probiotics often misleading

    The internet contains reams of information on probiotics. A new study tests the claims of popular websites and conclude that many are misleading.

  • Could probiotics treat obesity?

    A new study involving nine gastric bypass patients finds that changes to the microbial community in the gut could contribute to weight loss.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MICROBIOME

  • Why baboons may provide clues about human gut microbiome

    New findings suggest that although bonobos and chimpanzees are the closest to humans genetically, baboons have the most similar gut bacteria. Why is this?

  • Does sunlight change our gut microbiome?

    Scientists have found changes in the gut microbiomes of vitamin D deficient volunteers after only three sessions of ultraviolet light exposure.

  • Children's behavior linked to gut microbiome

    A small study involving 5- to 7-year-olds finds a link between the gut microbiome and behavioral problems, as well as socioeconomic stress.

  • Gut bacteria: How bats 'shift the paradigm'

    A recent study investigates the microbiomes of bats. The authors conclude that, in some ways, bats' gut bacteria don't follow the rules.

© 2026 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. See additional information.
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  • © 2026 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. See additional information.
© 2026 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. See additional information.
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