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.
When Gut Bacteria Rewrite Dietary Fat
Dietary fat does not pass through the gut unchanged. Enzymes from human cells and microbes can alter the shape of a fat molecule before the body absorbs or stores it. One bacterial reaction is especially
Vitamin B12 Is Also a Microbial Resource
Vitamin B12 is usually described as a human nutrient. It supports DNA production, red blood cell formation, and the nervous system. A deficiency needs proper diagnosis and treatment. Bacteria in the colon also need B12
How Probiotic Bacteria Send Tiny Packages to Gut Cells
A bacterium does not need to stay in the intestine, or even remain intact, to leave a biological signal behind. Many bacteria release tiny bubbles made from their outer covering. Scientists call these particles extracellular
How Methane-Making Microbes Change Gut Fermentation
Methane is easy to notice because it can be measured in breath. But methane appears at the end of a longer microbial exchange. It begins when gut bacteria ferment carbohydrates and release hydrogen as a
