Theodicy: the 'good' view of bacteria (Introduction)

by David Turell , Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 16:45 (179 days ago) @ David Turell

Necessary for a healthy placenta:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwHVKrNCLMBRGrsmgtCWGPdBrW

"Infants also acquire bacteria and other microorganisms as they’re born, which fire up their immune and digestive systems and can even aid brain development. Now, research in mice suggests that microbes play an important role in babies’ lives long before that point by promoting the health of the placenta during pregnancy.

"Scientists took pregnant mice and treated some of them with broad-spectrum antibiotics, wiping out the flora living on and in their bodies. In the latter group, the mice’s placentas were much smaller and had fewer blood vessels, which led to smaller baby mice.

"Further investigation revealed that microbiota-deficient murine moms have fewer short-chain fatty acids, small fats which are mainly produced by bacteria in the gut. When the scientists added these fatty acids to the diets of pregnant, antibiotic-treated mice, they saw a corresponding increase in the size and blood vessel complexity of their placentas.

"In humans, deficits in placental size and blood vessel complexity are associated with diseases like preeclampsia and increase the likelihood that a child will develop chronic health problems. The researchers hope their findings will advance our understanding of how microbiomes affect placental development, leading to better health outcomes for all."

Comment: note the need for friendly bacteria in the uterus and the gut. These same bacteria, accidently in the wrong place, can be unfriendly. That is not God's fault.