How your gut may be key to a mysterious chronic disease

RJ Hamster

2 years ago

Thursday, March 9, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we examine the suddenly contentious psychoactive drug that could save lives, explore the gut/fatigue connection, trail a pioneering woman aviator … and learn swearing is good for you.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARTIN OEGGERLI, MICRONAUT. KINDLY SUPPORTED BY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL BASEL AND SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES, FHNW

A mysterious ailment with no known treatments may begin with a problem in your gut.

Two new studies have found a lack of certain gut bacteria in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting the microbiome plays a major role. The work could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the illness, which is common in people with long COVID. What’s the next step?

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Pictured at top: In this magnified image, a plant fiber has passed a human intestinal tract almost unharmed and spans across the frame (center). On the right hand side (half-cut) a large and spherical shaped structure turns out to be the cyste of a Giardia parasite (brown). Read more.

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS HELLIER/CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES

Wheels up: In the early 1900s, planes were made from wires, bamboo, fabric, Nat Geo reports — and they often went down.

Still, the draw to flight broke gender and race stereotypes, and many women flew for the feeling of freedom. Like Raymonde de Laroche (pictured): the first woman to receive a pilot’s license.

TAKE FLIGHT

PHOTO OF THE DAY

PHOTOGRAPH BY @JASPERDOEST

Music to furry ears: Where do foster farm animals find a place of solace just south of Istanbul? In Mert Akkök‘s home (pictured), where his flute playing mellows and comforts over 70 four-legged friends — including his blind horse, Reyhan. More than 110,000 people liked this image on our Instagram.

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LAST GLIMPSE

PHOTOGRAPH BY EDUARD FLORIN NIGA

A big look at tiny insects: Photographer Eduard Florin Niga takes a close up look at over 30 species of the most numerous animals on Earth. Coming face-to-face with queens, soldiers, and workers, Niga uses the power of photography to reveal the intricate lives of ants. (Pictured above, Camponotus fulvopilosus, a carpenter ant from southern Africa.)

ZOOM IN

Today’s soundtrack: Empire Ants, Gorillaz
Today’s newsletter was curated and edited by David Beard, Hannah Farrow, and Jen Tse. Let us know what you think and send us story ideas
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