News in Brief Life MicroRNAs manage gut microbes Tiny bits of genetic material help out by micromanaging intestinal bacteria By Tina Hesman Saey January 19, 2016 at 6:23 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Share on X (Opens in new window) X Print (Opens in new window) Print Tiny pieces of genetic material known as microRNAs do a big job: They control gene activity inside bacteria in the intestines, a new study finds. The little RNAs also control the mix of microbes living in the gut. Those functions help keep the intestines healthy, researchers report January 13 in Cell Host & Microbe.