Human microbiome research has long focused on barrier surfaces such as the gut and skin. However, a neglected class of "invisible inhabitants" lurks within the body's internal tissues and circulating cells. Though small in number, they may have a profound impact on health and disease. Recently, in a new review published in Immunity & Inflammation, Professor Chen-Yu Zhang's team at Nanjing University systematically proposed the novel concept of “Persistent Intracellular Extraintestinal Microbes” (PIEM). This expands the scope of microbiome research from external surfaces to the body's interior, opening a new direction for understanding the long-term symbiotic relationship between humans and microbes and the pathogenesis of numerous complex diseases.

New research has found that eating habits that align most closely with a woman’s existing routine show promise for losing postpartum baby weight, especially for mothers earlier in the postpartum period. The study identified key factors impacting eating timing and perceived barriers to various chrononutrition approaches, with the ability to share a family evening meal emerging as particularly important. The findings in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (JAND), published by Elsevier, are an important step towards informing the development of chrononutrition interventions for postpartum weight management.

Growing evidence suggests lifelong learning can help combat cognitive decline, but many older adults with dementia avoid traditional classes for fear of not keeping up. Northwestern University researchers addressed this gap by creating the Musical Museum, a live concert and lecture series designed specifically for people with neurocognitive disorders and their caregivers. 

A new paper detailing the program, developed by the Northwestern Music and Medicine Program, found it improves emotional well-being, intellectual stimulation and social interaction. Via surveys, participants reported high satisfaction and significantly improved mood following sessions. 

“This program provided peace, relaxation and occasionally a cathartic release of tears,” reported one participant. Others expressed appreciation for the program’s social benefits, with one participant calling it “a wonderful opportunity to expand our contacts with individuals undergoing similar experiences.”

Researchers at the University of Sydney have harnessed over 30 years of data to build a new method to help more accurately measure the impact of climate change-induced events on the Great Barrier Reef.  

Their framework quantifies reef degradation over time and provides other researchers a 'health check’ tool to assess reef health. It can be used to measure the impact of severe disturbances, including coral bleaching, cyclones and floods, on reefs.  

Mental health care will benefit from a $3 million Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant for Flinders University to help develop the next generation of AI-integrated health systems.

 A new study has found that key antiviral proteins were unable to effectively combat the coronavirus in certain patients because they harbored a large and diverse population of B cells that produced antibodies targeting the interferons themselves.