Picture this: thousands of years ago, humans thrived on diets rich in fiber, packed with tough plant materials like cellulose. Back then, our guts were full of specialized bacteria that could break down these fibers, turning them into fuel for our bodies. Fast forward to today, and with the rise of processed foods and low-fiber diets, many of these helpful microbes have vanished from our guts. But what if bringing them back could unlock new ways to boost our health? Our latest discovery has … [Read more...]

Our recent publication in Nature Microbiology presents findings elucidating the complex dynamics of gut microbial communities, with a focus on the role of plasmids in shaping these interactions. Below is a summary of our main findings: In the lively world of gut microbes, a fascinating tale of microbial warfare and peace unfolds—a story in which plasmids emerge as key players. Plasmids, often likened to "mini-chromosomes," are genetic backpacks bacteria carry alongside their primary … [Read more...]

Shalom! My name is Sabrina Liu, and I am a rising junior from MIT interning at the Mizrahi lab this summer through the MISTI Israel program. Though I am majoring in Biological Engineering, most of the previous research I was involved in at the Koch Institute involved mechanical engineering in relation to biomedical devices. I was excited to not only work in the Mizrahi lab and learn wet lab/analysis techniques directly related to my major, but to meet diverse people and immerse myself in a new … [Read more...]

Hello! My name is Ido, and I’ve been a member of the Mizrahi lab for the past two years. During my undergraduate degree, my involvement in the group began as a lab technician, a year later I become a bachelors project student. Two years have passed and, these days, I am beginning my master degree here in Mizrahi's lab.   At the end of my undergraduate studies, I went through a motivational crisis. Studying for exams semester after semester just for the sake of good grades felt … [Read more...]

Itzik is talking about the rumen microbiome and microbial ecology in Hebrew with Shimon and Yomiran in ”Medabrimmada” - Talking about science - a wonderful podcast platform for popular science Click here  to listen   … [Read more...]

This story begins at a dairy science convention in Jerusalem. When I (Ori Furman) was about to graduate from my Master’s degree, in 2013.  I was interested in pursuing the same course and to continue studying ruminants, a topic that had intrigued me since my high school days in an agricultural school. I specifically was interested in exploring the mechanism that drives the function of the rumen microbiome. I, therefore, decided to attend the Mizrahi group lectures, where I met me Profesor … [Read more...]

Hey there, my name is Johanna, 22 years old, and I am from Germany. I visited Israel and the MizrahiLab in March 2020 for 6 weeks. Or at least I tried to! Because my box of chocolate was not only filled with an awesome country, a new language, many very kind people, new experiences and interesting research, but it was also filled with the problems of the corona virus pandemic. As a German I am used to be on time and like it best when everything goes as planned. But during my stay in Israel … [Read more...]