Marked by delusions and hallucinations, schizophrenia is not uncommon. More than 50 million people or 1% of humans suffer with this devastating psychiatric disorder. What causes schizophrenia? Researchers believe that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environment contributes to … [Read more...] about A Look at Microbes in Schizophrenia
Clinical Corner
In Melanoma, Microbes Show Game in the Skin
Skin: We ignore it, tattoo it and burn it on beaches and tanning beds. Besides its brutish name, skin also gets little respect for its crucial job of protecting the human body from toxins and dehydration. Skin is the largest organ we have, beating out big hearts and hungry stomachs by a long … [Read more...] about In Melanoma, Microbes Show Game in the Skin
As Obesity Soars, Microbes Get a Closer Look
Americans are getting fatter. New data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (tens of thousands surveyed) revealed stark numbers: Nearly 40% of adults are obese, up significantly from previous years. Hispanic and blacks--both adults and children-- counted more obesity than … [Read more...] about As Obesity Soars, Microbes Get a Closer Look
Good News When Probiotics Become Habit
While humans have been eating probiotics by way of cheeses and yogurts for tens of thousands of years, use of supplements for beneficial bacteria is only decades old. Most studies concentrate on immediate effects of pills and capsules. No reliable data exists on “longer-term … [Read more...] about Good News When Probiotics Become Habit
Probiotics in Pregnancy May Prevent Baby’s Eczema
Eczema in infants is painful to see and even worse for them. Soaring in numbers, this allergic skin disease is caused by genetic defects and foreign substances, often food. But surprisingly, it’s not only the diet of the baby which figures. Probiotics in the mother’s diet before birth may prevent … [Read more...] about Probiotics in Pregnancy May Prevent Baby’s Eczema
Bowel Prep for Colonoscopies Disrupts Microbes
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for finding and removing polyps which could cause colon cancer. Prepping for the test requires imbibing volumes of laxative solutions to cleanse (via diarrhea) the bowel for better viewing. Not fun, but the doctor needs to see a clear picture. One interesting … [Read more...] about Bowel Prep for Colonoscopies Disrupts Microbes