Gastroenterology today
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Recent publications from scientific societies, medical journals and research centres. Every headline links to its original source.
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- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishScientists discover how gut bacteria “train” the intestine to fight inflammationA compound made when gut bacteria break down dietary fiber may do more than briefly calm inflammation—it could leave a lasting protective “memory” in the gut. Northwestern Medicine researchers found that butyrate can reprogram intestinal lining cells so they continue encouraging anti-inflammatory immune responses even after the compound is gone. In mice, this effect boosted production of the immu…
- Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & HepatologyIn EnglishPhase I trial of faecal microbiome transplantation for food allergyNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Published online: 20 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41575-026-01254-0 Phase I trial of faecal microbiome transplantation for food allergy
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishJapanese scientists use tiny silver particles to make DNA assembly up to 5x more efficientSilver nanoparticles can precisely slice DNA and create longer “sticky ends,” helping genetic fragments join up to five times more efficiently than conventional methods. The breakthrough could eventually simplify the construction of large DNA sequences for gene therapies, cancer vaccines, engineered drugs, and advanced crops.
- Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & HepatologyIn EnglishSexual dimorphism in the liverNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41575-026-01244-2 In this Review, Jain and Monga describe the mechanisms of hepatic sexual dimorphism in homeostasis and physiological conditions, as well as in the pathophysiology of diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, autoimmune diseases, viral hepatitis and liver …
- Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & HepatologyIn EnglishGlobal epidemiology of metabolic and alcohol-associated liver disease: risk factors, natural history and clinical implicationsNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Published online: 18 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41575-026-01240-6 In this Review, Loomba and colleagues describe the global epidemiology, risk factors, natural history and clinical implications of metabolic and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD).
- Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & HepatologyIn EnglishRelieving IBD with duvakitugNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Published online: 18 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41575-026-01251-3 Relieving IBD with duvakitug
- Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & HepatologyIn EnglishNoninvasive testing for fibrosis and cirrhosis in MASLDNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Published online: 18 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41575-026-01247-z Noninvasive testing for fibrosis and cirrhosis in MASLD
- Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & HepatologyIn EnglishFrom researcher to CEO: closing the gap between discovery and deliveryNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Published online: 18 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41575-026-01249-x A patient advocate asked what decades of fibrosis research meant for the people he represented. I had no answer. That question exposed a gap that the scientific community must now confront: between the knowledge we generate and the means to deliver it to patients.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishTiny 1.7-billion-year-old fossils could reveal how complex life beganScientists are searching some of Earth’s oldest rocks for tiny fossils that could reveal how simple microbial life made the extraordinary leap toward plants, animals, and other complex organisms. Solving that ancient mystery may also help determine whether complex life could emerge on worlds beyond Earth.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishAnimals have been eating nature’s original bioplastic for millions of yearsNature invented biodegradable plastic long before humans did—and animals may have been feeding on it for hundreds of millions of years. Researchers discovered that dozens of animal species possess enzymes capable of breaking down microbial bioplastics called PHAs, a talent once thought to belong only to microorganisms.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishWhen gut microbes run low on fiber, they may start eating youGut microbes need something to eat, and when fiber is limited, they may begin consuming proteins from the mucus lining that protects the gut. Researchers found that fiber can suppress this process, while indigestible plant proteins help microbes produce more beneficial compounds.
- Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & HepatologyIn EnglishAuthor Correction: The dynamic spectrum of steatotic liver disease: the global perspectiveNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41575-026-01245-1 Author Correction: The dynamic spectrum of steatotic liver disease: the global perspective
- Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & HepatologyIn EnglishViral pyroptosis linked to lethal hepatic lipid accumulationNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41575-026-01248-y Viral pyroptosis linked to lethal hepatic lipid accumulation
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists find evidence for two origins of life on EarthScientists probing life’s deepest origins have uncovered evidence that the first free-living cells may have emerged not once, but twice. The findings suggest a striking possibility: life may share one ancient genetic code, yet have undergone two separate transitions into free-living existence.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists discover bacteria that lock toxic uranium into a stable formDeep underground, bacteria may be capable of doing something remarkable: trapping toxic uranium before it spreads. When researchers fed microbes in uranium-contaminated mine water with glycerol, about 95% of the dissolved uranium disappeared within 130 days. The bacteria helped convert it into an unusually stable uranium compound that had rarely been observed before.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists find unexpected life on Ötzi the Iceman’s 5,300-year-old bodyMore than 5,000 years after his death, Ötzi the Iceman is still hosting a remarkable mix of ancient and modern microorganisms. Researchers separated microbes that lived in his body during his lifetime from those that arrived after his death, uncovering traces of his original gut bacteria and cold-loving yeasts that may have survived alongside him in the glacier for millennia.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn English567-million-year-old fossils rewrite the dawn of animal lifeA spectacular fossil site in Canada contains 567-million-year-old creatures that may represent some of the earliest animals to move, reproduce sexually, and develop recognizable body plans. The discovery pushes key evolutionary milestones back by up to 10 million years and suggests complex animal life may have first flourished in the deep ocean.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists catch a “jumping gene” mid-leap between speciesScientists have uncovered a surprising way that “jumping genes” may move between species and speed up evolution. While these mobile genetic elements were thought to travel mainly inside viruses or plasmids, researchers found circular intron RNA from a tiny predatory bacterium inside the dead cells of another microorganism. Because the RNA forms a stable ring that resists breakdown, it may provide…
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishThese underwater bones could solve a mystery about extinct giantsAnimal bones preserved in South Australia’s underwater caves reveal distinctive clues shaped by darkness, algae, bacteria, and other environmental conditions. The findings give scientists a powerful new way to reconstruct how ancient megafauna remains entered and survived in submerged cave systems.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishAncient Arctic carbon is pouring into the sea, but the seabed captures most of itThawing Arctic permafrost is releasing ancient carbon into the ocean, raising fears that microbes could turn it into greenhouse gases and accelerate climate change. But sediment cores collected near Canada’s Herschel Island reveal a more reassuring twist: most of this land-based carbon becomes buried in the seafloor, while only about 10 percent is converted into gases.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishAI reveals a massive algae boom across the world’s oceansAn AI analysis of 1.2 million satellite images shows that floating algae blooms are spreading across the global ocean. The rapid growth of massive seaweed mats could reshape marine habitats while bringing foul-smelling decay, ecological damage, and economic losses to coastlines.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists found two mysterious ‘ghost’ ancestors hiding in our DNAModern humans carry DNA from two mysterious extinct lineages in addition to Neanderthals and Denisovans. Their hidden genetic legacy shows that our evolutionary past was shaped by repeated mixing among many different human groups.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishRice bran compound may help ease irritable bowel symptomsA compound in rice bran may help calm an overactive gut by reducing the calcium signals that cause intestinal muscles to contract. Ferulic acid suppressed contractions triggered by several chemical messengers in laboratory experiments. The discovery could eventually support new dietary approaches for diarrhea-related digestive disorders, although it may make constipation worse.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists found evolution repeating itself in the Galápagos IslandsMore than 150 years after Darwin’s finches helped reshape biology, Galápagos plants are exposing another evolutionary surprise. Giant daisies repeatedly developed similar heat-tolerant leaf shapes, but each lineage used a different combination of genes. Researchers also found major genetic differences among isolated populations, suggesting new species may be forming right now.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishA daily fiber supplement reduced knee arthritis pain and improved strengthA prebiotic fiber supplement reduced knee osteoarthritis pain while also improving grip strength and pain sensitivity in a six-week trial. The results hint at a fascinating gut-muscle-pain connection and suggest that a simple daily supplement may be easier to maintain than digital physiotherapy.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishColorectal cancer warning signs younger adults should never ignoreColorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among people under 50, and cases in younger adults continue to rise. Warning signs can include persistent bowel changes, recurring rectal bleeding, dark or narrow stools, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms often have harmless causes, but they should not be dismissed, especially when they are new or ongoing. Early detecti…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishScientists found mystery bacteria inside one of the ocean’s most elusive whalesScientists studying decades of pygmy sperm whale strandings have uncovered three previously unknown types of Helicobacter bacteria hiding in the animals’ stomachs. All four infected whales showed serious digestive damage, including inflammation, ulcers, scarring, and parasite infestations, although the bacteria were not confirmed as the cause of death.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishKoalas nearly went extinct before humans arrived, DNA study revealsA major DNA study has rewritten the koala's evolutionary story, revealing that the species suffered a dramatic population collapse about 100,000 years ago, long before humans arrived in Australia. By calculating the koala's mutation rate for the first time and analyzing hundreds of genomes, researchers discovered that every living koala traces back to a small group that survived extreme climate s…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishScientists tested 39 sweeteners and found unexpected gut effectsA large laboratory study found that many commonly used sweeteners can directly change the growth of gut bacteria. Researchers identified more than 100 cases in which sweeteners behaved differently when combined with medications, caffeine, or flavorings. The combination of isosteviol and the antidepressant duloxetine was especially disruptive, reducing beneficial bacteria and overall microbial div…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishScientists finally solved how a common gut bacterium triggers colon cancerResearchers solved a long-standing mystery behind how a bacterial toxin associated with colorectal cancer damages the colon. The toxin first binds to a receptor called claudin-4, giving it access to attack the cells' protective barrier. After identifying this weak point, the team designed a decoy protein that successfully blocked the toxin in mice. The discovery could pave the way for new therapi…
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists finally solved why some frogs survive a deadly fungusA deadly fungus has wiped out amphibian populations around the globe, yet some mysteriously recover. Researchers discovered that survivors develop powerful immune defenses while they are still tadpoles, giving them a head start before the fungus can attack after metamorphosis. The study also uncovered a vast collection of previously unknown antimicrobial peptides that could someday inspire new dr…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishEating chili peppers may raise the risk of one deadly cancerA major review found that people who consumed the most chili peppers had a substantially higher risk of esophageal cancer, though the evidence was less clear for stomach and colorectal cancers. Researchers emphasize that the findings show an association, not proof of cause and effect, and that more research is needed to determine whether moderate consumption carries similar risks.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishDeep-sea life has a secret food source scientists never expectedScientists discovered that extreme deep-sea pressure squeezes valuable nutrients out of sinking organic particles, providing an unexpected food source for ocean microbes. The finding could rewrite our understanding of both deep-ocean ecosystems and how carbon is stored on Earth.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishExperimental drug reverses severe fatty liver disease by repairing the gutAn experimental drug called DT-109 reversed severe fatty liver disease in animal studies by repairing the gut and preventing harmful toxins from damaging the liver. The discovery could open the door to a new class of treatments for MASH and potentially other diseases tied to gut health.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishScientists discover the one nutrient beneficial parasites can't live withoutA new study found that dietary fiber can determine whether beneficial intestinal worms help reduce inflammation or become essentially inactive. With plenty of fiber, the worms remained healthy and supported an anti-inflammatory response, while a low-fiber diet pushed them into a hibernation-like state that eliminated those benefits. Researchers also found that fiber-rich diets promoted healthier …
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists finally crack nature's secret for building better cancer drugsResearchers have cracked the code behind bacteria's ability to naturally manufacture multiple versions of powerful anti-cancer drugs. The discovery could make it much easier to engineer new cancer treatments inspired by nature, including improved versions of existing medicines.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists resurrect 3.2-billion-year-old enzyme to reveal how life began on EarthResearchers rebuilt long-extinct versions of a crucial enzyme that helps make nitrogen available to life, offering an unprecedented glimpse into Earth’s distant past. The breakthrough could aid the search for extraterrestrial life while helping scientists tackle future food-production challenges on Earth and beyond.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists solve a 30-year rye pollen mystery that could transform cancer researchScientists have finally solved a nearly 30-year-old mystery surrounding two unusual molecules found in rye pollen that once showed an intriguing ability to help animals fight tumors. By determining their exact 3D structures, researchers have unlocked the blueprint needed to investigate how these natural compounds interact with the immune system and which parts may be responsible for their cancer-…
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists want to quarantine alien life on the Moon before it reaches EarthScientists are calling for a lunar quarantine facility where samples from Mars, the Moon, and beyond would be examined before being brought to Earth. They warn that even a tiny alien microorganism could have unpredictable effects on Earth's ecosystems. By using robotic handling systems on the Moon, researchers hope to eliminate the risk of accidental exposure or release.
- ScienceDaily · Cáncer colorrectalIn EnglishMillions may be getting the wrong cholesterol testA new study suggests that apoB, a blood test that measures harmful cholesterol particles, is better than standard LDL cholesterol testing for deciding who needs more intensive treatment. Researchers found it could prevent more heart attacks and strokes while remaining cost-effective for the U.S. healthcare system.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishScientists find the “Achilles’ heel” of deadly gut bacteriaResearchers discovered an “Achilles’ heel” shared by E. coli, Shigella, and other diarrhea-causing bacteria: enzymes they use to breach the gut’s protective mucus layer. By targeting this common vulnerability, scientists may be able to develop a single vaccine that prevents several major diarrheal infections before they even begin.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishScientists discover a completely different way to fight virusesResearchers have uncovered an unexpected antiviral defense system in sea anemones that works very differently from the one humans use. The discovery suggests evolution developed multiple ways to combat viruses, challenging long-held ideas about how animal immune systems evolved.
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishThese tiny soil microbes could rescue crops from salty farmlandResearchers have discovered that beneficial soil bacteria give plants an unexpected survival advantage in salty soils. Instead of helping plants keep salt out, the microbes stimulate the production of lignin, a natural compound that strengthens roots and makes plants more resilient. Greenhouse and field tests showed healthier plants and higher yields in salty conditions. The findings could lead t…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishThis common vitamin deficiency can mimic normal agingVitamin B12 is needed in microscopic amounts, but a shortage can have major effects on health and energy. The vitamin was first linked to a lifesaving liver treatment for pernicious anemia nearly 100 years ago. Today, researchers are finding that B12 may also help keep cellular powerhouses called mitochondria functioning properly. This could explain why some people experience fatigue and brain fo…
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishWhy South Africa’s leopards shrank to half their normal sizeA hidden population of South African leopards has revealed a remarkable evolutionary story. Researchers analyzing entire leopard genomes discovered that the Cape Floristic Region’s leopards are not only much smaller than most African leopards, but also genetically distinct after being isolated for roughly 20,000 years. Surprisingly, despite their small population, they have retained much of their…
- ScienceDaily · MicrobiotaIn EnglishOne tiny mutation may explain how bat viruses become human threatsScientists found that one tiny genetic change can completely alter how a coronavirus behaves in different species. Comparing SARS-CoV-2 with a closely related bat-only virus, they showed that a single amino-acid difference affects whether the immune system fights back or gets suppressed. This may help explain how some animal viruses make the leap to humans and become far more dangerous.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishScientists discover gut bacteria that may help protect against autism and ADHDA major study suggests that some of the groundwork for brain development may be shaped before birth through a surprising partnership between a baby’s genes and gut microbes. Researchers found that epigenetic changes present at birth can influence how the gut microbiome develops during the first year of life, and certain combinations were linked to early signs of autism and ADHD by age three.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishIntermittent fasting triggers surprising changes in the brainLosing weight may involve rewiring the gut and the brain at the same time. In a study of obese adults, an intermittent fasting-style diet led to significant weight loss, healthier metabolic markers, and notable shifts in gut bacteria. Brain scans also revealed changes in regions tied to appetite, cravings, and self-control. The results suggest the gut microbiome and brain may work together to inf…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishScientists discover hidden gut-brain circuit that triggers protein cravingsWhen the body runs low on protein, the gut sends powerful signals to the brain that reshape cravings and push animals to seek essential amino acids instead of sugar. Researchers say this newly discovered gut-brain network could transform our understanding of appetite, nutrition, and obesity.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishMIT scientists discover amino acid that helps the gut heal itselfMIT scientists have identified cysteine — an amino acid found in foods like meat, dairy, beans, and nuts — as a potent trigger for intestinal repair. In mice, a cysteine-rich diet activated immune cells that released healing signals, helping stem cells rebuild damaged intestinal tissue after radiation exposure. Researchers say the discovery could eventually lead to new dietary therapies for cance…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishBlack licorice compound shows promise against inflammatory bowel diseaseResearchers have developed a stem cell-based model of the human intestine that may transform how new IBD treatments are discovered. After testing thousands of compounds, they identified glycyrrhizin — a natural substance found in black licorice — as a promising anti-inflammatory candidate. In both lab-grown tissue and mice, the compound reduced intestinal damage and cell death linked to IBD.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishScientists just discovered what coffee is really doing to your gut and brainCoffee doesn’t just energize—it actively reshapes the gut and mind. Researchers found that both caffeinated and decaf coffee altered gut bacteria in ways linked to better mood and lower stress. Decaf even improved learning and memory, while caffeine boosted focus and reduced anxiety. Together, they show coffee works through multiple pathways beyond just caffeine.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishYour gut takes a “double hit” from stress and late-night eatingChronic stress is already tough on your gut—but new research suggests late-night eating could make things even worse. Scientists analyzing thousands of people found that those under high stress who also ate a large portion of their calories after 9 p.m. were far more likely to suffer from constipation and diarrhea. The combination appears to hit the gut twice, not only disrupting digestion but al…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishMIT scientists turn chaotic laser light into powerful brain imaging toolScientists at MIT discovered that chaotic laser light can spontaneously form a highly focused beam instead of scattering—if the conditions are just right. This “pencil beam” enabled them to image the blood-brain barrier in 3D at speeds 25 times faster than existing techniques. The method also lets researchers watch how drugs move into brain cells in real time. It could dramatically accelerate the…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishHarvard scientists link gut bacteria to depression through hidden inflammation triggerA gut bacterium may be quietly fueling depression through an unexpected chemical twist. Researchers found that when Morganella morganii interacts with a common pollutant, it produces a molecule that triggers inflammation—something strongly linked to depression. This finding helps explain how gut microbes can influence brain health at a molecular level. It also raises the possibility of new treatm…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishHidden virus in your gut may be linked to colon cancerA newly discovered virus hiding inside a common gut bacterium could help explain one of medicine’s long-standing mysteries: why a microbe found in both healthy people and cancer patients is linked to colorectal cancer. The research suggests that the interaction between bacteria and the viruses they carry may be key to understanding disease risk. It may even lead to future screening tests that det…
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishCan sparkling water boost metabolism and help with weight loss?Sparkling water is often seen as a simple, healthy drink—but could it also help with weight loss? New research suggests it may slightly boost how the body processes blood sugar and energy. However, the effect is very small, meaning it’s no substitute for diet and exercise.
- ScienceDaily · Aparato digestivoIn EnglishThe people you live with could be changing your gut bacteriaSpending time with close companions might do more than strengthen bonds—it could also reshape your gut bacteria. In a study of island birds, those with stronger social ties shared more gut microbes, especially types that require direct contact to spread. This suggests that social interaction itself—not just shared space—drives microbial exchange. The same process may be happening in human househo…
- ScienceDaily · Cáncer colorrectalIn EnglishStudy finds two types of colon polyps can raise bowel cancer risk fivefoldResearchers studying over 8,400 colonoscopies discovered that having both adenomas and serrated polyps in the bowel can raise the risk of serious precancerous changes by up to five times. These two polyp types may represent separate cancer pathways that can occur at the same time. Nearly half of patients with serrated polyps also had adenomas, making this high-risk combination more common than ex…
- ScienceDaily · Cáncer colorrectalIn EnglishA simple hand photo may be the key to detecting a serious diseaseResearchers at Kobe University have developed an AI system that can detect acromegaly, a rare hormone disorder, by analyzing photos of the back of the hand and a clenched fist. The disease often develops slowly and can take years to diagnose, even though untreated cases may shorten life expectancy.
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