Beyond the Gut

The composition of the plaque microbiome can reveal a child’s risk of dental caries months before the decay appears, according to a study.

Determining which critters are present in an infected wound could aid in treatment, particularly of soldiers injured in combat.

The oral cavity contains several distinct and dynamic microbial communities, and some of these commensals may seed the body’s other microbiomes.

Human skin, the barrier between the body and the outside world, is home to diverse microorganisms, some of which can promote immunity or fight invaders.

Although it’s far less populated than the mouth community that helps feed it, researchers increasingly appreciate the role of the lung microbiome in respiratory health.

Circumcision and sexual activity are but two factors that can influence the bacterial communities that inhabit male genitalia.

Moms bombard their babies with bugs both before and after they’re born.

The overly simplistic notion of a Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiome is giving way to an appreciation of diverse and dynamic bacterial communities.

Researchers are beginning to study in depth the largely uncharted territory of the eye’s microbial composition.