Here are a few links to scientific studies that caught my attention in just the past week:

1) a whole special issue of Science magazine dedicated to the gut microbiome (subscription or buy it in a good bookstore): http://www.sciencemag.org/site/special/gut_micro/index.xhtml

2) Mayo clinic press release today on the gut microbiome and rhematoid arthritis: http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2012-rst/6933.html

3)An article in Nature to be available tomorrow at 13:00 EST, here's the teaser:

"Western Diet Changes Gut Bacteria and Triggers Colitis in Those at Risk Certain saturated fats that are common in the modern Western diet can initiate a chain of events leading to complex immune disorders in those with a genetic predisposition. This study provides the first plausible mechanism showing step-by-step how Western-style diets contribute to the rapid and ongoing increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease. (Embargoed until 13-Jun-2012, 13:00 ET) Nature —University of Chicago Medical Center"

(I'll update with the link tomorrow when it's out from under the embargo)

I know it's not a question, really, but happy reading if you're interested. :)