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The composition of the intestinal flora can predict the chances of developing serious infections such as pneumonia. Researchers followed more than 10,000 people for six years. More than 600 people who had less healthy intestinal flora developed a serious infection, with this leading in some cases to death. The 602 people who were hospitalized due to an infection showed at the start of the study that they had fewer butyrate-producing bacteria in their microbiome. Butyrate is a small fatty acid that is known to have a positive impact on the immune system of mice. It has also been seen before...

An estimated 500 to 1,000 bacterial species reside in each person's gut, perhaps numbering 100,000 trillion microorganisms. Researchers used mouse models to explore how diet and feeding patterns affect these intestinal microbes—and the health of the hosts, particularly with obesity and type 2 diabetes. "It's important to realize that the gut microbiome is constantly changing, not only based on what we're eating, but also based on the time of day," said Amir Zarrinpar, MD, Ph.D. "And what we've learned is that cyclical changes in the gut microbiome are quite important for health since they help with the circadian clock, and...

It gives a completely new meaning to the phrase 'rock 'n' roll'. For boffins have invented a cutting-edge gadget combining a portable music player and a toilet paper dispenser. The state-of-the-art device - called an iCarta - makes it easier for people to listen to beats while using the bathroom. It is designed, according to the US manufacturers, to "enhance your experience in the smallest room". The gadget, which costs around $99, or £54, merges an iPod docking station with a loo roll dispenser. After music lovers have downloaded songs from the internet on their iPod, they can place it...

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