Bats have microbiomes much smaller than those of other mammals, something scientists think could be related to flying. (Credit: Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock)

Bat Microbiome

Leslie Nemo

Most mammals have microbiomes specific to their hosts — except bats. It's a trait they share with the other, more feathered, flyers.

Birds And Bats Have Weird, Limited Microbiomes — And That Might Be Due To Flight

(Image Credit: Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock)

Microbiota in the gut

Researchers predicted mortality rates in ICU patients with 84 percent accuracy.

Poop Could Possibly Predict If an Ill Patient Is Likely to Die Within 30 Days

Starving bacteria (cyan) use a microscopic harpoon—called the Type VI secretion system—to stab and kill neighboring cells (magenta). The prey burst, turning spherical and leaking nutrients, which the killers then use to survive and grow. (Image Credit: Glen D'Souza/ASU/Screen shot from video)

Starving Bacteria Use Type VI Secretion System

Learn how some species of bacteria interact with their neighbors when they’re starving, spearing them with needles that spill their absorbable nutrients.

Hungry Bacteria Hunt Their Neighbors With Tiny, Poison-Tipped Harpoons 

(Image Credit: Alpha Tauri 3D Graphics/Shutterstock) 

Gut microbiome and pancreatic cancer

Learn about a new study that suggests our gut microbiome could be used to both diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer.

The Gut Microbiome Could Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

(Image Credit: Pepe Gallardo/Shutterstock)

Illustration of large and small intestine with gas

Meet methanogens — gut microbes that turn fiber into methane and extra energy. But not everyone has them.

How Can the Same Diet Affect People Differently? The Microbiome and Methane May be Why

washing plate with sponge

Learn how your kitchen sponge may be harboring more bacteria than you think, and what a more viable substitute may be.   

To Avoid Bacteria Buildup, Ditch the Kitchen Sponge and Switch to a Brush Instead

Gut microbiome

Learn more about how fungi inside of us may hold the key to curing fatty liver disease.

Our Gut Microbiome Also Has Fungi, and It Could Help Soothe Liver Disease

Birds And Bats Have Weird, Limited Microbiomes — And That Might Be Due To Flight

Most mammals have microbiomes specific to their hosts — except bats. It's a trait they share with the other, more feathered, flyers.

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