What scientists just found between coffee and antibiotics may surprise you
New lab study reveals caffeine may reduce antibiotic sensitivity in E. coli but experts say your morning coffee is still safe
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
The relation between protein and caffeine
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Drinking coffee is part of daily life for millions of people, but new research shows it might have an unexpected effect on the bacteria living in our bodies.A laboratory study by scientists in Germany suggests that caffeine may make E. coli bacteria less sensitive to some antibiotics. E. coli is a common type of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly in the gut but can cause infections such as food poisoning or urinary tract infections The study, published July 22 in the journal PLOS Biology, looked at how E. coli responded to 94 different chemicals, including medicines like aspirin, natural compounds in the body, and ingredients in food like vanilla and caffeine.What the researchers found was surprising, caffeine reduced the levels of a protein called OmpF, which helps certain antibiotics, like ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin, enter the bacterial cell. If there's less OmpF, the antibiotics can't get inside the bacteria as easily, which could make them less effective.But before you consider giving up your morning coffee, scientists want to make one thing very clear, this does not mean drinking coffee will stop antibiotics from working in your body.The scientists even tested caffeine's effect on a real E. coli sample taken from a patient with a urinary tract infection. The same thing happened, the bacteria made less of the OmpF protein . Still, this was a lab study, not a real-world clinical trial. That means we don't yet know if caffeine affects antibiotics the same way inside the human body.The study also found that a gene regulator called Rob was involved in many of the changes. This protein helps bacteria turn other genes on or off, and it may be more important than researchers previously thought.In short, caffeine might change how bacteria react to antibiotics, but experts say more research is needed. For now, doctors say to keep drinking your coffee and follow your doctor's instructions if you're taking antibiotics.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
5 key reasons colon cancer is rising among young people; and ways to prevent
Colorectal cancer, once mostly affecting older adults, is increasingly striking younger people under the age of 50. This trend is being seen worldwide, with countries like the US, UK, Chile, and New Zealand reporting consistent annual increases in early-onset colorectal cancer. Surprisingly, many of those affected have no family history or visible health issues. A recent study has begun shedding light on why this silent shift is occurring, and the causes go far beyond genetics. From gut bacteria to lifestyle habits, several interconnected factors are raising red flags. Understanding these causes is essential to help prevent, screen for, and catch colon cancer earlier in young populations. Why more young adults are getting colon cancer: Lifestyle and gut health factors Health researchers have identified a dramatic increase in colon and rectal cancer cases in individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The US alone has seen a two-fold increase in cases under age 55 in just the past two decades. Colon cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second most common in young women. The traditional belief that only age and heredity are to blame is now outdated, as most of these cases are not genetically driven. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When Knee Pain Hits, Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away (It's Genius) Read More Undo Key factors contributing to colon cancer 1. Unhealthy diets and obesity Modern diets, especially in urban and Westernized societies, are filled with ultra-processed foods, red meat, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while being low in fiber. These eating habits are now directly linked to increased colon cancer risk. In addition, obesity and diabetes are becoming more common in young adults and play a significant role in increasing inflammation and cancer risk in the colon. 2. Gut microbiome & bacterial toxins A new study identified a gut bacterial toxin called colibactin, produced by some strains of E. coli, which damages DNA and may trigger colon cancer. Younger patients were far more likely to carry these colibactin-induced mutations, especially if they were exposed in childhood. Gut imbalance caused by poor diet, antibiotic overuse, or pollution may further worsen the risk. 3. Environmental exposures Microplastics, endocrine disruptors, air pollution, and other environmental chemicals may contribute to rising cancer rates by disrupting hormonal and metabolic processes. These generational exposures can damage gut health early in life. 4. Sedentary lifestyle Young people today are spending more time sitting, whether due to work, screen time, or lack of outdoor activity. This inactivity, combined with poor diet, raises the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. 5. Low screening rates and late diagnosis Until recently, colon cancer screening typically began at age 50. As a result, many young adults are diagnosed late, after the disease has advanced. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained fatigue, or persistent changes in bowel habits are often ignored or misdiagnosed in younger people. Precautionary tips to lower risk early Start screening earlier: If you're over 45, get screened for colorectal cancer, even sooner if you have symptoms or family history. Eat a fiber-rich, whole-food diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your daily meals. Reduce intake of red meat, sugar, and ultra-processed foods. Support a healthy gut microbiome: Include probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, bananas, garlic, and oats. Limit unnecessary antibiotic use. Stay physically active: Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to keep your metabolism healthy and inflammation in check. Know the warning signs: Don't ignore early symptoms like blood in stool, abdominal pain, or long-term changes in bowel movements. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both are known contributors to colorectal and other forms of cancer, even in younger people. Also read | Are varicose veins a sign of poor blood circulation? Here's what you need to know
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
J&K LG hails women-led devp in agri, allied sector
Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Monday hailed the women-led development in agriculture and allied sector. Jammu and Kashmir Lt. governor Manoj Sinha and state CM Omar Abdullah during the 9th Convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu on Monday. (PTI) Addressing 9th convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University for agricultural sciences and technology Jammu, he said, 'In areas like climate smart crops, pest management, biotech solutions, organic farming, the participation of women scientists has made invaluable contributions.' 'I am extremely proud that out of eight gold medallists in post-graduate and graduate students, seven are our daughters. Out of 35 certificates of merit in PhD and post-graduate, 32 merit certificates were awarded to our daughters.' 'It is a symbol of the rising influence of Nari Shakti in agriculture and allied sectors and I believe they will be driving innovation for sustainable agriculture and enhancing farmers' income,' he added. The LG spoke on the need for a stronger innovation and modern technology ecosystem for sustainable agricultural practices to prioritise farmer incomes, risk mitigation and strengthening farmer-industry linkages. 'Farmer welfare is the top priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The positive impact of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project in J&K (JKCIP) on farmers' income is now visible,' he said. The LG called upon the new generation of scientists and experts to focus on smart farming. CM Omar Abdullah advocates organic farming and climate-resilient agriculture Underscoring the critical role of agriculture in shaping the economic future of J&K, chief minister Omar Abdullah said that agriculture and allied sectors are 'fields of promise as well as of responsibility', and acknowledged their growing complexity in the face of climate change, resource depletion and emerging global standards. He observed that fragmented land holdings, depleting water resources and the unchecked use of chemical-based fertilisers are issues that demand urgent course correction, calling for a decisive shift toward sustainable and organic practices. He also emphasised the rising concerns around microplastics in the food chain and climate vulnerability, noting that environmental awareness is no longer optional, but an operational imperative. Encouraging the graduating students, Omar urged them to imbibe the ideals of SKUAST and contribute to the broader mission of rural transformation. 'Let your innovation create employment, let your knowledge build enterprises and let your compassion redefine agriculture,' he said, calling on the new graduates to be job creators rather than seekers. Commending the university's efforts, the CM appreciated the launch of the ex-situ Gene Bank, highlighting its role in conserving native seed varieties and crop diversity. 'Such infrastructure will only bear fruit when paired with the right talent,' he said, urging students and faculty to make full use of the facilities to address the evolving challenges of agri-science.
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
Raw Milk Tied to E. Coli and Campylobacter Outbreak in Florida, Sickening 21
(Bloomberg) -- Raw milk has been linked to an ongoing E. coli and campylobacter outbreak in Florida that has already sickened 21 people, including six children under the age of 10, the state department of health said. Seven people have been hospitalized and at least two developed severe infections, which can lead to kidney failure, the Florida Department of Health announced on Monday. The agency urged residents to make informed decision about consuming raw milk, which can be tainted with the bacteria that causes both potentially deadly infections. While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to drink pasteurized milk to protect themselves, the popularity of raw milk has grown as wellness influencers, podcasters and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow tout its supposed benefits. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the US secretary of Health and Human Services, is a self-proclaimed fan. The Florida health department noted that consumers report benefits of raw milk consumption, including better taste and protective effects for asthma and allergies, in a press release before detailing the complications tied to the outbreak stemming from one farm. 'Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases,' the agency said. It didn't name the farm. The infections were diagnosed in northeast and central Florida. Severe infections of E. coli can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, which causes kidney failure. Young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at most risk for both infections, according to the CDC. The US Food and Drug Administration has banned raw milk sales across state lines since 1987. Advocates believed Kennedy's ascension to the top spot governing the nation's health policy would lead the FDA to drop the ban on interstate sales, but no plans have been made public. Individual state regulations vary widely. In Florida, it's illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption. However, it is legal for pet consumption, creating a loophole for people to still buy raw milk for themselves, said food safety lawyer Bill Marler. Kennedy's raw milk supplier, Mark McAfee said the secretary encouraged him to apply for a position with the FDA to oversee raw milk policy and standards last fall. McAfee, a producer from California, said he was denied a meeting with the agency and told raw milk wasn't a priority for the administration. More stories like this are available on
