Nowadays, robots help us do a little bit of everything: Play music, vacuum and — in some cases — cure tummy troubles?
A new research study in Boston says they just might.
Several previous studies have established the gut microbiome as essential to our well-being. The more diverse the colonies of gut bacteria, the better. When that diversity is low and the balance of beneficial bacteria tips, chronic conditions like irritable bowel disease can occur. This has brought about a slew of supplements and fermented foods in an effort to make gut health a priority.
But what if there were a silver bullet that restored gut health to the ideal balance?
Researchers have developed probiotics to do just that — while combating persistent inflammation and turning back the clock on tissue damage. They call them “yeast robots,” a nod to their origin, a type of yeast from which beer, bread and wine are made. Although this strain is not often used in probiotics, it can occur organically as part of a healthy gut.
Of course, in the world of highly individualized gut microbiomes, blanket solutions can be less effective. Accordingly, the yeast robots are engineered to deploy site-specific relief to areas of inflammation within the gut — thus far in mice.
Scientists hope the genetically engineered probiotic’s core function can be replicated to treat inflammation in other tissues, potentially addressing chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Unlike your self-sufficient vacuum, these yeast robots are a ways away from being available at your local store because further research is needed. But maybe one day kombucha will have competition.