It is well documented that the microbiome can impact both the development of disease and the efficacy of therapeutics. The microbiome also is consistently cited as a significant contributor to preclinical study variability and reproducibility, in part due to its effects on a mouse model’s predictability. With a strong incentive to better understand the role […]

A team of scientists led by CABI’s Dr. Matthew Ryan has outlined a series of challenges and opportunities presented in a necessary review of how microbiomes—biological communities including bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, protists and viruses—can be ‘banked’ and preserved for generations to come. The researchers, who call for a prioritized list of what should be […]

How do you determine whether to buy laboratory rodents from a commercial vendor or to produce them with an in-house breeding colony? This is dependent on your lab’s specific situation and research needs. Check out this webinar at your leisure to hear from a panel of experts at Taconic Biosciences who will discuss the critical […]

Genetically engineered mouse colitis models are increasing the flexibility and predictive validity of preclinical colitis models in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research. These powerful tools are increasingly supplementing or replacing traditional chemically induced models (e.g. DSS- or TNBS-induced colitis), and offer important translational and mechanistic insights in IBD drug development. View this webinar to learn […]

The 6th Annual Translational Microbiome Conference is carrying on as a “VIRTUAL” event this year on April 21st through the 24th. We’ve recently adjusted our agenda to accommodate a virtual event. Here are a few details regarding this event in case you’d like to join us: 4 days of learning via our virtual conference platform […]

Dr. Paula Roesch recently presented a webinar on microbiological monitoring of germ-free and gnotobiotic colonies. Taconic Biosciences has decades of experience in this area and Dr. Roesch presented a thorough look at all aspects of the process, starting from tools and approaches to process validation and monitoring and moving into isolator monitoring techniques. She even […]

In order to maintain germ-free colonies, researchers must implement specialized techniques and husbandry requirements not needed in standard vivariums. This is critical to prevent contamination within a gnotobiotic facility. Download this webinar to learn about appropriate validation of supply sterilization and recommended monitoring techniques for germ-free and gnotobiotic isolators. By watching you can learn: Autoclave, […]

Dr. Cristina Weiner recently presented a webinar featuring a novel approach to germ-free derivations. She discussed the importance of understanding baseline performance and making incremental process improvements as well as how Taconic Biosciences developed and implemented a new facility design which supports improved germ-free derivation success. Q: You stated during the presentation that, on balance, […]

The microbiome needs no introduction – it has been several years since you could pick up a biomedical research journal and not run into an article on possible connections of human gut bacteria and disease. There were thousands of such papers last year alone. But it’s a very hard field to work in. You can […]

Abstract The central nervous system has historically been viewed as an immune-privileged site, but recent data have shown that the meninges—the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord—contain a diverse population of immune cells1. So far, studies have focused on macrophages and T cells, but have not included a detailed analysis of meningeal humoral […]

Abstract Background The human gut microbiota has emerged as a key factor in the development of obesity. Certain probiotic strains have shown anti-obesity effects. The objective of this study was to investigate whether Bifidobacterium longum APC1472 has anti-obesity effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and whether B. longum APC1472 supplementation reduces body-mass index (BMI) […]

Abstract Irreproducibility is a well-recognized problem in biomedical animal experimentation. Phenotypic variation in animal models is one of the many challenging causes of irreproducibility. How to deal with phenotypic variation in experimental designs is a topic of debate. Both reducing and embracing variation are highlighted as strategies for reproducibility. In this theoretical review, we use […]

Abstract Biomedical research relies on the use of animal models, and the animals used in those models receive medical care, including antibiotics for brief periods of time to treat conditions such as dermatitis, fight wounds, and suspected bacterial pathogens of unknown etiology. As many mouse model phenotypes are sensitive to changes in the gut microbiota, […]

Abstract Tributyltin (TBT), an organotin compound once widely used in agriculture and industry, has been reported to induce obesity and endocrine disruption. Gut microbiota has a strong connection with the host’s physiology. Nevertheless, the influences of TBT exposure on gut microbiota and whether TBT-influenced gut microbiota is related to TBT-induced toxicity remain unclear. To fill […]

Abstract Background The gut-brain axis and the intestinal microbiota are emerging as key players in health and disease. Shifts in intestinal microbiota composition affect a variety of systems; however, evidence of their direct impact on cognitive functions is still lacking. We tested whether faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from aged donor mice into young adult recipients […]

Abstract ‘Dysbiosis’ of the maternal gut microbiome, in response to challenges such as infection1, altered diet2 and stress3 during pregnancy, has been increasingly associated with abnormalities in brain function and behaviour of the offspring4. However, it is unclear whether the maternal gut microbiome influences neurodevelopment during critical prenatal periods and in the absence of environmental […]

Abstract Particles released from implants cause inflammatory bone loss, which is a key factor in aseptic loosening, the most common reason for joint replacement failure. With the anticipated increased incidence of total joint replacement in the next decade, implant failure will continue to burden patients. The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as an important factor […]

Abstract Persistence of Gulf War illness (GWI) pathology among deployed veterans is a clinical challenge even after almost three decades. Recent studies show a higher prevalence of obesity and metabolic disturbances among Gulf War veterans primarily due to the existence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic fatigue, sedentary lifestyle, and consumption of a high-carbohydrate/high-fat diet. […]

Significance Studies using experimental models have indicated that multiple sclerosis (MS)-like disease can be triggered in the gut following interactions of brain autoimmune T lymphocytes with local microbiota.

Gnotobiotics, edited by Trenton Schoeb and Kathryn Eaton, is invaluable to those developing or managing gnotobiotic facilities.

Brigham Young University: We all know that a poor diet is unhealthy, but a new BYU study finds that stress may just as harmful to our bodies as a really bad diet.

Abstract For more than three decades it has been recognized that small amounts of vector saliva can significantly alter the infectivity of vector-borne pathogens and subsequent in vivo dynamics.

Abstract Mouse models have enabled breakthroughs in our understanding of the immune system, but it has become increasingly popular to emphasize their shortcomings when translating observations to humans.

Highlights •Systematic analysis of longevity-promoting microbial genetic variations •Colanic acid as a pro-longevity natural compound effective in different species

The GMFH editing team recommends these book selections on the topic.