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An unrecognisable mature pregnant woman lies on a hospital delivery bed as she has fetal monitoring. Cardiotocography is usually called a 'CTG' by medical staff. It can be used to monitor a baby's heart rate and a mother's contractions during pregnancy

Vaginal swabs could be used to predict likelihood of preterm births

12 January 2023

We often don't know the causes of preterm birth – but analysing metabolic substances in the vaginal microbiome may be a way to predict the risk of premature labour
Hand holding cigarette

Gut bacteria may reduce harmful effects of nicotine on the liver

19 October 2022

Smokers with a certain bacterium in their gut that breaks down nicotine have less severe liver disease, and tests in mice suggest this microbe can prevent liver damage
Computer artwork showing how irritable bowel syndrome affects the digestive tract

Faecal transplants ease irritable bowel syndrome for three years

28 June 2022

Two-thirds of people with IBS who received a stool transplant from a donor with a healthier mix of gut microbes had fewer symptoms and better quality of life three years later

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