Gut microbes’ partnership helps body extract energy from food, store it as fat

Researchers have found that two common organisms collude and collaborate to increase the amount of calories harvested from a class of carbohydrates found in food sweeteners. In the study, conducted in previously germ-free mice, colonization with two prominent human gut microbes led to fatter mice. Scientists at the School of Medicine called the results an illustration of how understanding the menagerie of microorganisms that live in our guts can provide new insights into health.

Spring cleaning

Photo by Kevin LowderStudents washed dogs at a Campus Y fund-raiser, raising $200 for the Animal Protective Association & the St. Louis Animal Regulation Center.

New roles for Roloff, Hoffner

John Klein announced that Roloff will become vice chancellor for capital projects; Hoffner will become assistant vice chancellor for real estate.