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.
Review before release
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.
Butyrate and Immune Regulation: More Than an Anti-Inflammatory Metabolite
Butyrate is usually described as an anti-inflammatory compound produced when gut bacteria ferment fiber. That description is useful, but it misses an important part of its biology. The intestinal immune system cannot simply reduce its
The Gut’s Hidden Gatekeeper: Why Scientists Are Rethinking Zonulin
For a long time, the intestine seemed easy to understand. Food went in, nutrients came out, and whatever the body did not need was sent on its way. That picture is now looking remarkably outdated.
Can Stress Actually Reshape the Bacteria in the Gut?
The gut and the brain are in constant conversation. That much is well established. But whether psychological stress can actually reshape the bacterial communities living in the digestive tract has remained surprisingly unclear. A systematic
Could Your Gut Bacteria Be Influencing Your Mood?
Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach before a big presentation or noticed your digestion change during a stressful week? These sensations hint at something scientists are now exploring in depth: the connection between
