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Showing posts from August, 2023

The Fascinating World of Mikania Plants

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Mikania plants, particularly Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata, have been the subject of various scientific studies and patents due to their significant antibacterial activities. These vines, native to Southeastern Brazil, are not just a part of traditional medicine but are also making strides in modern scientific research. Mikania plants have been the subject of patent filings for over two decades. A Japanese inventor published a patent about odor-suppressing Mikania plants twenty years ago (Ishimaru, 2003). More recently, another patent was filed and granted . Stanley Hazen's team secured this patent for a method involving Mikania extract to inhibit the conversion of choline to trimethylamine (TMA). According to a recent systematic review , Mikania glomerata is among the plant species with the best overall mean MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) values, ranging from 3.5–16 μg/mL. The review also highlighted that of the 76 species from the Asteraceae family with antibac...

Tracking Antibiotic Resistance Genes

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Microbiome Testing and Personalized Wellness

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uBiome, once a prominent player in the microbiome testing market, encountered challenges and controversies that culminated in bankruptcy. However, the void left by uBiome has been filled by many new companies offering microbiome home tests. These tests, ranging in cost from $50 to almost $1,000, are provided by companies including ZOE, Floré, Ombre, Thorne, Verisana, and Wellnicity. Their primary appeal lies in their convenience, allowing individuals to collect their stool samples discreetly, ship them, and receive personalized reports within weeks. It's essential to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve these home test kits, and they should not replace professional medical diagnosis or consultation with healthcare providers. Among these companies, Viome emphasizes personalized nutrition recommendations based on microbiome analysis, taking a holistic approach to health and wellness. ZOE offers advanced analysis of gut bacteria, blood sugar, and blood fat...