Your Cart is Empty
In recent years, the link between the gut microbiota and cancer has garnered significant interest, with most research emphasizing indirect strategies like microbiome modulation or fecal microbiota transplantation. In a new study, researchers have identified a bacterium isolated from the intestines of Japanese tree frogs, that demonstrates extraordinarily potent anticancer effects.
The researchers identified nine bacterial strains with antitumor activity, with E. americana, isolated from Japanese tree frogs, exhibiting the most potent effects. Cancer rarely develops naturally in amphibians and reptiles, even in tough, pathogen-heavy environments. This rarity led the team to suspect that intestinal bacteria, not just the animals' own biology, might offer built-in tumor resistance and include strains with powerful medical applications.
This strain was administered to tumor-bearing mice via a single intravenous dose. Following injection, E. americana infiltrated the tumor microenvironment. It rapidly eradicated the cancer cells, and was subsequently cleared by the host immune system without persisting in healthy tissues, leaving behind long-term protective immunity.
It outperformed standard treatments such as immunotherapy and chemotherapy, while showing excellent safety with no colonization of healthy organs. This discovery highlights the untapped therapeutic potential of microbial biodiversity from amphibians and reptiles.
Researchers outlined the next phases of development as testing the bacterium's effectiveness against other solid tumors, including breast, pancreatic, and melanoma cancers, while optimizing delivery methods and administration strategies.
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
As we age, it becomes harder to lose body fat without also losing valuable muscle. A new study suggests one type of exercise may offer the best of both worlds. Researchers found that while all forms of exercise helped healthy older adults reduce body fat, only high-intensity interval training (HIIT) preserved lean muscle mass.
We know that obesity can raise the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other health conditions. And, for years, BMI has been one of the most common ways to assess weight-related health risks. But for older adults, BMI may not provide the full picture. In a new study, an increased waist size was associated with an increased risk of premature death among adults 65 and older.Waist size is a simple way to estimate the amount of visceral fat a person may have.
Millions of people around the world start their day with a cup of coffee. In 2021 alone, approximately 10 billion tons of coffee were consumed globally. With consumption at such a high level, researchers are taking a closer look at how these beverages may affect health. A recent study suggests that how much coffee you drink may influence its benefits, adding to evidence that coffee may have several positive effects on eye health.