A low-fiber "Western diet" causes damage to the protective mucus barrier in the gut, and such damage can increase the risk of inflammation and infection. By studying the gut bacteria of people who ...

This story is part of a series exploring human anatomy and physiology complexities. Each story in this collection showcases discoveries reshaping our understanding of the body's inner workings, ...

Many biological processes exhibit daytime differences governed by rhythmic exposure to sunlight, termed circadian rhythms.

The human gastrointestinal tract is in a constant state of flux; it hosts a diverse and dynamic community of microbes known as the gut microbiome, and is constantly exposed to things in the ...

The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem within the human intestinal tract, is increasingly recognized for its vital role in human health and disease. Notably, its relationship with intestinal damage ...

The terms "intestinal barrier" and "intestinal permeability" describe two different aspects of the same anatomical structure, the intestinal wall composed of four layers, the mucosa, the submucosa, ...