Published Research

Explore our peer-reviewed publications advancing the science of microbiome diagnostics, personalized medicine, and therapeutic interventions.

Showing 8 publications
Metabolic Health

Gut Microbiome Composition Predicts Response to Personalized Probiotic Interventions in Metabolic Syndrome

Santos M, Costa A, Ferreira J, Silva P
Nature Metabolism
January 2026
45 citations

This longitudinal study investigated the relationship between baseline gut microbiome composition and clinical outcomes following personalized probiotic interventions in 250 patients with metabolic syndrome. Using next-generation sequencing and machine learning algorithms, we identified specific microbial signatures that predicted treatment response with 87% accuracy. Our findings suggest that microbiome-guided personalization significantly improves therapeutic efficacy compared to standard probiotic formulations.

Dermatology

Akkermansia muciniphila Supplementation Improves Skin Barrier Function Through Gut-Skin Axis Modulation

Ferreira J, Santos M, Oliveira R
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
December 2025
62 citations

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examining the effects of Akkermansia muciniphila supplementation on skin barrier function in 180 adults with compromised skin health. Results demonstrated significant improvements in transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and inflammatory markers after 12 weeks. Mechanistic studies revealed enhanced production of short-chain fatty acids and modulation of systemic inflammation as key mediators of the gut-skin axis.

Gastroenterology

Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals Novel Microbial Biomarkers for Early Detection of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Silva P, Costa A, Rodrigues T, Santos M
Gastroenterology
November 2025
78 citations

This multi-center study utilized advanced NGS technology to analyze fecal microbiome samples from 500 individuals, including healthy controls and patients with various stages of inflammatory bowel disease. We identified a panel of 15 microbial biomarkers that demonstrated 92% sensitivity and 89% specificity for early IBD detection. These findings have significant implications for non-invasive screening and early intervention strategies.

Immunology

Postbiotic Metabolites Modulate Immune Function and Reduce Systemic Inflammation in Elderly Populations

Costa A, Silva P, Martins L
Cell Host & Microbe
October 2025
53 citations

We investigated the immunomodulatory effects of specific postbiotic metabolites in a cohort of 200 elderly individuals. Our research demonstrated that targeted supplementation with bacterial-derived metabolites significantly reduced inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP) and enhanced immune cell function. These findings support the therapeutic potential of postbiotics in age-related immune dysfunction and inflammaging.

Neuroscience

Microbiome-Brain Communication: Role of Gut Bacteria in Neurotransmitter Production and Mental Health

Oliveira R, Santos M, Ferreira J
Nature Neuroscience
September 2025
91 citations

This comprehensive study examined the relationship between gut microbiome composition and neurotransmitter production in 300 participants with varying mental health profiles. Using metabolomics and neuroimaging techniques, we demonstrated that specific bacterial strains significantly influence GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into the gut-brain axis and its implications for mental health interventions.

Sports Science

Personalized Prebiotic Interventions Enhance Athletic Performance and Recovery Through Microbiome Optimization

Martins L, Costa A, Silva P
Sports Medicine
August 2025
38 citations

We conducted a 16-week intervention study with 120 elite athletes, comparing personalized prebiotic supplementation based on individual microbiome profiles versus standard nutritional support. Results showed significant improvements in VO2 max, recovery time, and inflammatory markers in the personalized group. Microbiome analysis revealed enhanced production of performance-related metabolites and improved gut barrier integrity.