That inflammation is a common element in humankind’s top killers—heart disease and cancer—is unlikely to be serendipitous. The intricate link between inflammation and modern chronic diseases is rooted in our evolutionary history. In order to survive infections, famine, and other…
There is a yin and yang to inflammation that is analogous to using a fire hose. Too little water pressure in the hose and the fire—be it a germ or another intruder—wins. Too much and the body can turn on…
As the amount of concrete and glass in a neighborhood increases, the diversity of microbial species on peoples’ skin decreases, and their risk for allergies and asthma goes up. Developed nations with thriving, modern economies have the highest rates of…
In 2014, researchers comparing the National rugby team of Ireland and sedentary men reported in the journal Gut that being physically fit was associated with a greater diversity of gut bugs. But correlation vs causation was debated, as with many microbiome studies. Newer research…