mother

From Mother’s Gut to Milk

breastfeeding1

Source: Milk Genomics Consortium
From Mother’s Gut to Milk

In a world filled with harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, it seems quite paradoxical that a human infant would be born with an immature and inefficient immune system. That is, of course, until you realize the infant benefits from mom’s immune system hard at work in mucosal surfaces. The process of transferring immunity, also known as passive immunity, begins during pregnancy with the transfer of Immunglobulin G (IgG) cells from maternal to fetal circulation through the placenta. At birth, the mammary gland takes over, providing numerous types of immunogloblulins (antibodies) and other immune factors. But the mammary gland isn’t working alone–the antibodies in milk are derived from antibodies the mother produced in her own gut. This link between the mammaries and the gut, known as the entero-mammary pathway, means that infants are not just ingesting generic antibodies with their milk; they are getting antibodies specific to pathogens in their own environment.

Mother Trees Symbiotic Neural Networks

Mother Trees Symbiotic Neural Networks

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Thank You Oma Harriet

Thank You Oma Harriet

My heart is full of gratitude that I had the opportunity to know this unique and precious woman. Oma (grandma) Harriet passed away on Friday the 3rd of August, 2012. Hella Delicious was originally her idea and she has been our best supporter and kept me going through all the rough patches since we s ...

Bolivia Set to Pass ‘Law of Mother Earth’

Bolivia Set to Pass ‘Law of Mother Earth’

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