A new Northwestern University study found that specific types of gut bacteria can protect other good bacteria from cancer treatments mitigating harmful, drug-induced changes to the gut microbiome. By metabolizing chemotherapy drugs, the protective bacteria could temper short- and long-term side effects of treatment.
Researchers find good bacteria can temper chemotherapy side effects ANI | Updated: May 26, 2021 22:58 IST
Washington [US], May 26 (ANI): A new Northwestern University study found that naturally occurring gut bacteria can clean up chemo toxins in the body.
The study says that specific types of gut bacteria can protect other good bacteria from cancer treatments mitigating harmful, drug-induced changes to the gut microbiome. By metabolising chemotherapy drugs, the protective bacteria could temper short- and long-term side effects of treatment. The research was published on May 26 in the journal mSphere.
Eventually, the research could potentially lead to new dietary supplements, probiotics or engineered therapeutics to help boost cancer patients gut health. Because chemotherapy-related microbiome changes in children are linked to health complications later in life including obesity, asthma and diabetes discovering new strategies for prote
Credit: Northwestern University/Big Ten Network
Good news: The bacteria living on your toothbrush reflect your mouth - not your toilet.
After studying microbial communities living on bristles from used toothbrushes, Northwestern University researchers found those communities matched microbes commonly found inside the mouth and on skin. This was true no matter where the toothbrushes had been stored, including shielded behind a closed medicine cabinet door or out in the open on the edge of a sink.
The study s senior author, Erica Hartmann, was inspired to conduct the research after hearing concerns that flushing a toilet might generate a cloud of aerosol particles. She and her team affectionately called their study Operation Pottymouth.