Your Cart is Empty
Living bacteria could become the next frontier in cancer treatment. Researchers have discovered an amphibian gut bacterium that wiped out solid tumors in mice with a single dose, pointing to a potential therapy that targets tumors directly rather than simply changing the gut microbiome.
While previous research on gut microbes and cancer has focused on changing the microbiome through dietary changes or probiotics, this study used a completely different strategy. Researchers isolated specific bacterial strains from amphibian intestines, grew them in the lab, and introduced them into the bloodstream so they could directly seek out and target tumors.
Of the 45 bacterial strains isolated from Japanese tree frogs, Japanese grass lizards, and Japanese fire-bellied newts, nine demonstrated tumor-fighting properties. Ewingella americana proved to be the most effective.
When the researchers tested E. americana in mice with colorectal cancer, a single intravenous dose produced striking results. Tumors disappeared in every treated mouse, resulting in a 100% complete response rate, an outcome rarely seen with current cancer treatments.
The researchers found that E. americana appears to suppress tumors through a dual approach. The bacteria directly target cancer cells while simultaneously boosting the body’s immune response. Remarkably, the bacteria concentrated almost entirely in tumors and were largely absent from healthy tissues.
Compared with standard treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and liposomal doxorubicin, the bacterial therapy showed greater effectiveness in the study. The researchers caution that more work is needed before it can be considered for human use, but they say the results demonstrate the potential of bacteria-based cancer treatments.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Discovery and characterization of antitumor gut microbiota from amphibians and reptiles: Ewingella americana as a novel therapeutic agent with dual cytotoxic and immunomodulatory properties
Muscles are essential to keeping the body healthy and functioning well. In addition to allowing us to move, they help regulate blood sugar, support metabolic health, and protect our joints while helping us remain independent. Yet, as we grow older, muscle strength and size naturally decline. This gradual loss can affect stability, raise the risk of falls, and make it take longer to bounce back after an injury or illness.
The strength of the skeleton is often assessed by measuring bone mineral density, which reflects how well bones can withstand damage and resist fractures. According to research, changes in the skeleton could also provide important clues about cognitive aging. A new study points to a potential connection between reduced spinal bone density, changes in the brain, and a more rapid decline in brain aging.
Many Americans consume soybean oil regularly, often without realizing how frequently it appears in processed foods. Researchers are now investigating whether this widely used ingredient may play a part in the development of obesity. In a study involving mice, scientists compared the effects of different fats on weight gain and metabolism, focusing primarily on soybean oil.