microbiome/microbiota

Clostridium difficile bacterium, 3D illustration
January 28, 2026

Gut microbiome differs according to C. diff symptom status

In a study of children with symptomatic or asymptomatic C. diff, symptom status loomed as the strongest association with differences in gut microbial abundance and diversity.

By Paul Govern
Mariana Byndloss, DVM, PhD
October 9, 2025

Mariana Byndloss honored by microbiology society

Byndloss, who joined the Vanderbilt faculty in 2018, studies the links between the gut microbiota (the microorganisms that reside in the intestines), host metabolism and disease.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 7, 2025

Human milk pasteurization method impacts preterm infant microbiome

Researchers used whole-metagenome sequencing to assess the composition, diversity and functional enrichment of the preterm infant gut microbiome — the microorganisms that aid digestion, immune function and metabolism.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 13, 2024

Study to explore antibiotics’ role in childhood asthma

Goal is to inform the design of microbiome-based therapeutics that can help deliver antibiotics safely during early life and reduce the burden of childhood asthma.

By Jessica Pasley
(Adobe Stock)
August 29, 2024

Study finds human milk component may protect adult intestinal health

The research may lead to new treatments for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and mucositis, a severe complication of chemotherapy.

By Bill Snyder
June 21, 2024

Salmonella bacteria ‘steal’ nutrients from gut’s resident microbes

The discovery could point to novel strategies for treating food poisoning and other types of gastroenteritis.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 15, 2024

Mariana Byndloss receives FASEB Excellence in Science Award

The annual awards highlight outstanding achievements by women in the biological sciences.
By Leigh MacMillan
December 8, 2023

Gut microbiota metabolite protects against obesity: study

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that beneficial bacteria in the small intestines produce a compound that protects against obesity.
By Leigh MacMillan
November 21, 2023

Commensal gut bacterium protects from severe intestinal infection

The commensal bacterium Turicibacter sanguinis could be used to protect against severe intestinal infections, Vanderbilt researchers discovered.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 27, 2023

Study discovers role for gut bacteria in host-pathogen competition for nutrients

Vanderbilt research shows that commensal gut microbes impact the host-pathogen competition for iron and has implications for therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing pathogens from acquiring essential nutrients.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 25, 2023

COVID alters respiratory microbiota

COVID-19 infection alters the microbes of the upper respiratory tract for at least several weeks, and such disturbances could impact disease severity and be targets for therapeutic interventions.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 23, 2023

Mathers Foundation award supports study of bacterial physiology

Vanderbilt's Wenhan Zhu, PhD, has received a three-year award from the G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Foundation to support his research that aims to answer a fundamental question about bacterial physiology and engineer probiotics to improve gut inflammatory diseases.
By Leigh MacMillan
February 6, 2023

Gut microbiota and lung fibrosis

Microorganisms residing in the gut influence the severity of lung fibrosis in mouse models, suggesting that modifying the gut microbiota may offer therapeutic benefit for patients.
By Leigh MacMillan