The Science Archives

31 08, 2024

Physical activity and microbiota: a two-way relationship?

Laura_Exden2024-08-14T14:25:49+02:0031 August 2024|That's your concern, The Science|Comments Off on Physical activity and microbiota: a two-way relationship?

Physical activity is associated with a host of muscular, cardiovascular and bone-related benefits, and it would appear that it is also beneficial for intestinal health. Conversely, the intestinal microbiota seems to improve physical performance. Impact of microbiota on sports performance What if certain intestinal bacteria helped to improve sporting performance? Researchers have discovered a bacterium, Veillonella atypica, that is capable of boosting sports performance. It is found in large quantities in the faecal samples of marathon runners. When athletes' muscles have used up all their glycogen reserves, they ferment to produce energy, producing a waste product called lactate. This molecule [...]

28 06, 2024

Ageing: Are microbiota affected? What effects?

Laura_Exden2024-06-28T09:31:40+02:0028 June 2024|That's your concern, The Science|Comments Off on Ageing: Are microbiota affected? What effects?

Could balance microbiota be the secret to healthy ageing? What changes are observed as the intestinal microbiota ages? The intestine is one of the organs most seriously affected by ageing. Various aspects of ageing affect the intestinal microbiome: Decreased appetite; Decreased production of gastric acid; Reduced production of digestive enzymes; Reduced intestinal barrier function; Increased intake of medication, particularly antibiotics. These phenomena influence the state of the microbiota and are associated with increased fragility, increased inflammation and a higher potential for intestinal disorders (constipation, bloating, etc.). Protective bacteria such as Bifidobacteria generally decline in the intestine with age. Bifidobacteria account [...]

30 05, 2024

Sperm microbiota implicated in male infertility?

Laura_Exden2024-05-30T14:27:41+02:0030 May 2024|The Science, Unusual|Comments Off on Sperm microbiota implicated in male infertility?

Around 3 million people in France are thought to be affected by infertility, 30% of whom are men. Worldwide, it affects one couple in six. A recent study suspects that sperm microbiota is a cause of male infertility. Male infertility: definition, causes and key figures ‘Infertility is a disorder of the male or female reproductive system defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse’ (WHO*). It is now estimated that 30% of infertility cases are male. Male infertility can be caused by several factors, including: Obstruction of [...]

3 04, 2024

Book – The extraordinary powers of the belly

Laura_Exden2024-04-03T16:27:26+02:0003 April 2024|Digest, That's your concern, The Science|Comments Off on Book – The extraordinary powers of the belly

Did you think that the intestines in the belly were only useful for digestion? Not true! The digestive system plays a key role in a number of functions: immunity, mood, resistance to stress and disease... Follow two nano-explorers named Harry and Judy as they discover the hidden world of our guts! Journey to the heart of our belly This comic is the result of a meeting between a great scientist and a talented cartoonist. Harry SOKOL is Professor of Gastroenterology at the Sorbonne and head of an INSERM* research team working on the role of the microbiota in intestinal diseases. He [...]

18 08, 2023

Sleep: what impact on intestinal microbiota?

Laura_Exden2023-08-17T11:09:36+02:0018 August 2023|The Science|Comments Off on Sleep: what impact on intestinal microbiota?

Almost a third of our lives are spent sleeping. Necessary for the body to function properly, sleep should not be neglected. We now know that reducing the amount or quality of sleep has an impact on several functions. But did you know that going to bed at irregular hours also has an impact on the intestinal microbiota? At least, that's what a recently published British study suggests. Social jetlag: a shifted sleep pattern Sleep can be altered by several factors, whether associated with lifestyle (screens, night work, etc.) or the environment (lights, etc.). Research has shown that it disruption can have [...]

21 07, 2023

Faecalibacterium: a promising next generation probiotic?

Laura_Exden2023-07-26T14:46:34+02:0021 July 2023|The Science|Comments Off on Faecalibacterium: a promising next generation probiotic?

Researchers have brought together all the latest scientific advances on Faecalibacterium in a recently published review. What are new-generation probiotics? According to the WHO, probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Lactic acid bacteria are their main representatives, most of which are derived from fermented food products. Next generation probiotics are bacteria isolated from the human microbiome. Faecalibacterium is a bacterial genus belonging to this new category of probiotics. It is part of our commensal intestinal microbiota. Presentation of Faecalibacterium This is a bacterial genus that has attracted growing [...]

12 05, 2023

INFOGRAPHIC – What is the role of the microbiota, SCFA and “biotics” in exercise?

Laura_Exden2023-05-15T13:08:09+02:0012 May 2023|The Science|Comments Off on INFOGRAPHIC – What is the role of the microbiota, SCFA and “biotics” in exercise?

Glossaire Microbiota Short Chain Fatty Acids Probiotics References Pictures: Freepik SALES KM, REIMER RA. Unlocking a novel determinant of athletic performance: The role of the gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, and "biotics" in exercise. J Sport Health Sci. 2023, 12(1):36-44

31 03, 2023

Microbiota of the penis: the influence of sexual intercourse

Laura_Exden2023-04-03T11:58:41+02:0031 March 2023|The Science|Comments Off on Microbiota of the penis: the influence of sexual intercourse

A recent clinical trial provides new data on the microbiota of the penis. It reveals that bacteria in the male urethra come from two distinct sources, one of which is specific to men who have vaginal sex. The urethra is not spared, and like many organs, it is colonised by micro-organisms. However, it is possible to distinguish not one, but two microbiota within the penis. In a study published on 21 March 2023 in Cell Reports Medicine on 110 men, the results reveal the presence of bacteria in the male urethra from two different sources. These two microbiotas, named in the [...]

3 02, 2023

Cancer: probiotics, a potential help?

Laura_Exden2023-02-06T15:35:25+01:0003 February 2023|That's your concern, The Science|Comments Off on Cancer: probiotics, a potential help?

Cancer is a real curse on a person's life and a constant battle. There are many victims: those affected by the pathology but also collateral victims. In order to cure them, therapeutic aids are applied. However, these can sometimes cause significant undesirable effects, making the life of patients even less pleasant. Strategies are then developed to improve their comfort. Could probiotics be one of them? Cancer: when the cells go wild Cancer is a scourge that continues to grow in our society. According to the WHO, nearly 10 million deaths are expected in 2020 (which is close to one in six), [...]

20 01, 2023

Does meditation improve health via the microbiota?

Laura_Exden2023-01-18T16:36:10+01:0020 January 2023|Brain-Gut, The Science|Comments Off on Does meditation improve health via the microbiota?

A team of researchers has analysed the composition of the intestinal microbiota of Buddhist monks to determine the impact of meditation on health. Many studies have shown the positive impact of regular meditation exercises on physical and mental health. Reduced anxiety, modulation of emotions, regulation of attention... these are just a few examples that can be cited. In addition, more and more scientific studies have confirmed the influence of the intestinal microbiota on the brain, with an action on mood, stress, and cognition via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Therefore, a team of researchers has put forward the following hypothesis: could it [...]