The Weekly Biome
A clearer view of microbiome science. Expert-developed articles connect mechanisms, evidence, and limitations—so you can understand what a finding means and how much confidence it deserves.
One expert-developed article each Tuesday. Free access on Substack, delivered to your inbox.
Behind every article,
a scientific standard.
A defined question
Each article begins with a focused question and a documented search across relevant peer-reviewed research.
Expert interpretation
Our scientists connect the findings across papers, weigh the evidence, and explain mechanisms alongside uncertainty.
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Claims and references are verified. A member of the team other than the writer reviews the article before publication.
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Read published articles below, or visit Substack for the current editions and subscription options.
Some Gut Bacteria Make Lipids the Host Can Use
Sphingolipids are fats with several jobs. They help build cell membranes and take part in signals that control inflammation, cell survival, and metabolism. Ceramides, one well-known group, are often studied in insulin resistance and fatty
Microbial Metabolites Can Tune the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is often described as a telephone line between gut microbes and the brain. That comparison is useful, but it can be misleading. Most gut bacteria never touch the nerve, and most bacterial
The Sulfate Locks on the Gut’s Mucus Barrier
The mucus lining the colon is more than a passive gel. It is both a protective barrier and a carefully managed food source for certain gut microbes. Its main protein, called MUC2, is covered with
Flagellin Is a Context-Dependent Gut Alarm
Flagellin is the protein building block of a bacterial flagellum, the rotating tail that lets many bacteria move. The immune system detects flagellin with a sensor called Toll-like receptor 5, or TLR5. This basic description
