New research shows mouth bacteria change behavior depending on oxygen, with quorum sensing signals playing a key role in whether plaque becomes harmful. By using lactonase enzymes to block AHL chemical “communication,” scientists boosted health-linked oral microbes without killing them. The findings suggest future gum disease treatments could reshape plaque by rewiring bacterial messaging rather than using broad antibiotics.
A new mouse study suggests common artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and stevia may change gut bacteria and metabolism in ways that can persist across generations. Even offspring with no direct exposure could show these biological shifts, challenging the idea that these substitutes are long-term neutral. Researchers say human studies are urgently needed to confirm the findings.
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