From a rise of superbugs in Southeast Asia, the earliest recorded evidence of tapeworm, and the microbial community of the mother influencing that of her child, represent three of the biggest microbiology news items this month. We delve deeper.

To explore the inner complexities of the human gut microbiome, researchers have developed a 3D-printed pill that can sample bacteria found in the gut. This is designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to a shifting microbiome.

Anorexia is primarily a psychological condition and there are many underlying factors. One new factor to come to light, which may well play an influence, is with the microbiome of the human gut, according to British researchers.

Understanding as much as possible about the human microbiome carries important implications for our understanding of health and disease. Unravelling the complexities proves challenging, and here new mathematical models may help.

Following the death of one patient and another falling seriously ill, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for greater controls over fecal transplants. The patients became infected with a multi-drug resistant bacterial infection.

Microbiome research has advanced considerably since the first results from the U.S. National Institutes of Health led Human Microbiome Project were released. One area of interest is the connection between our microorganisms and anxiety symptoms.

Health for Life Capital II™, which is the second iteration of one of the first microbiome-focused funds, has announced its first close after attracting $200 million in investment. The fund will support microbiome related medicinal research.

SeedLabs is focused on solving ecological problems, like honeybee colony collapse. The company has developed a BioPatty,TM a blend of probiotics for honeybees, that has demonstrated success in prevention and treatment of a fatal bacterial disease.

Are artificial sweeteners harmful? This a question that scientists have been grappling with for several decades. While sweeteners help with weight-loss programs, new evidence suggests they affect our microbiome.

Microbiologists have stated that a microbial 'Noah's Ark' is needed in order to protect global health. This is due to a widespread loss of microbiota diversity around the world.

Colds vary in their severity and for how long they last for. The reason is not solely down to the type of virus or the relative health of individuals. The bacterial population of the nose is also a factor, according to new research.

An interesting discovery has been made about several species of bacteria that inhabit the human intestines and which constitute part of the human microbiome. These organisms have been shown to generate electricity.

New research draws a connection between the health of an expectant mother's gut and autism in her yet to be born child. The inference that follows is that changing an expectant mother's diet could lower autism risks. However, further research is required.

The body’s intestinal microbiome influences our metabolism, through interacting with the immune system. A new study demonstrates how 'good’ (or beneficial) bacteria keep the body metabolically fit and how an imbalance can cause ill-health effects.

New research will surprise those who think they have a high level of personal hygiene. A microbiological study of the sleeping areas of chimpanzees and human beds has found that, socially, the sleeping areas of chimps are cleaner.

The nature vs. nurture debate is one of the most hotly debated areas of science, in terms of predicting physiological outcomes. This issue has been reignited in terms of the human microbiome in a new study from Israel.

Research into to the human microbiome continues to produce new medical findings of interest. The latest news is a connection between an imbalance of microorganisms in the human gut and feelings of despair.

Moving from a field of academic research to commercialization, interest in the human microbiome has been accelerating over the past year with several big biotechnology companies involved. We take a look at the reasons why.

Budapest - A new study indicates that a naturally synthesized prebiotic can target and increase the growth of bacteria in the human gut which lead to a reduction in cholesterol levels. The research comes from the University of Reading in the U.K.

Understanding the types of microorganisms found in a typical hospital and whether they are pathogens is an important part of good governance. Such investigations need to go further and understand changes over time.