Study shows gorillas with heart disease have altered gut microbiomes

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in zoo gorillas, but its origins remain unknown. Researchers from the University of Minnesota, including Animal Science associate professor Andres Gomez, in collaboration with national and international partners, studied the trillions of microbes that live in the gastrointestinal tracts of gorillas to find out if there’s a link between the gut microbiome and heart disease. Their findings could have implications for how we may consider addressing cardiovascular issues in human health. 

Read more about the study's findings here.