What’s the Score on the Microbiome?

Source.

by Elio

Just for kicks, let’s count up recent papers that say the microbiome is a good thing and those that say otherwise.

Just count titles.

For instance:

Socially transmitted gut microbiota protect bumble bees against an intestinal parasite

Drosophila Microbiome Modulates Host Developmental and Metabolic Homeostasis via Insulin Signaling

Successful Transmission of a Retrovirus Depends on the Commensal Microbiota

Intestinal Microbiota Promote Enteric Virus Replication and Systemic Pathogenesis

So, right now, the score is 2 to 2. It will change soon.

Especially if you send us some to add to the list.

Comments

[T. Dangelo]

Here is an NPR article outlining a study on misquito preference for less diverse skin microbiota.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/12/29/144448160/body-odor-may-explain-why-mosquitoes-prefer-certain-people

[Rodney Sobieski]

Is the use of the term any different from years ago when "recombinant" may have been an often found word in titles? Terms such as these seem to reflect the current level of technology/research tools used to explore the world we live in...

[Mark O. Martin]

The real question, Elio, is what the points of view of the microbiota are on *us*, its host. I could imagine papers from the perspective of microbiota, investigating how our actions impact the majority partner in the holobiont! After all, more cells, more genes, etc. Hmmm....

[Mark O. Martin]

This is a bit controversial, but I love the relationship between insect gut microbiota and how Bacillus thuringiensis toxin works:

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7007/7/11

Just my two cents!