Science Journal for Kids and Teens: How Are Aging and Gut Bacteria Related?
Science Journal for Kids and Teens recently highlighted findings from a study by Cedars-Sinai investigators showing that aging has critical effects on the gut microbiome, the diverse community of bacteria in the small intestine that affects metabolism and healthy immune function.
Investigators found that the diversity of the gut microbiome decreases with age, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. They also found that, in addition to age, medications and diseases affect the microbiome.
The study was the first of its kind to examine the microbial composition of the small intestine.
Science Journal for Kids and Teens is an online magazine for students and educators featuring peer-reviewed science research rewritten in an age-appropriate language. Principal investigator on the study Ruchi Mathur, MD, director of the Diabetes Outpatient Treatment and Education Center at Cedars-Sinai, credited the journal for making research accessible.
“It’s fantastic to see complex scientific concepts and principles translated in a way that kids can understand,” Mathur said. “Getting children involved in critical thinking and having them ask questions is so crucial to their overall development. It’s never too early to spark an interest in science. I hope more researchers take the opportunity to share their work in this way.”
Click here to read the complete article from Science Journal for Kids and Teens.