Captivity Changes Gut Bacteria of Pandas and Bears
Captivity reduces natural diversity and alters digestion in pandas and bears by changing their gut bacteria.
A study led by Wei Guo of Chengdu Medical College compared gut bacteria from giant pandas, red pandas, and Asiatic black bears in nature and captivity.
- The team used 16S rRNA sequencing to map microbes and track changes across habitats.
- The gut microbiome, a mix of bacteria, archaea, and fungi, helps break down food and keeps pathogens in check.
- Shifts in the microbiome mix can affect energy use and resilience to disease.
The gut is home to a microbiome that helps break down food, train the immune system, and keep pathogens in check.
Author's summary: Captivity alters gut bacteria in pandas and bears, affecting digestion and health.