News Microbes

Missing gut microbes linked to childhood malnutrition

Gut check suggests possible treatments for kids with deficient diets

mice and microbes

MICROBES MATTER  Bacteria living in the gut are essential for young animals’ growth. Mice with these bacteria (left) grow bigger than mice lacking the bacteria (right). 

Vincent Moncorgé

By Meghan Rosen

- More than 2 years ago

In children suffering from malnutrition, the right mix of microbes might be what’s missing.

The bacteria living in kids’ guts play a starring role in growth and development, three new studies published February 18 in Science and Cell suggest.