The liver and pancreas are the main actors in glucose metabolism, but not the only ones. Muscles, adipose tissue and the brain play different roles. However, the prize for the best new actor in glucagon production goes to the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which, according to a study published in Science, respond to intestine neuron signals traveling to the pancreas to control glucose.

Medtronic plc’s next-generation pill-sized camera saw its first use in a recent appointment, during which it captured thousands of high-definition images of the small bowel mucosa. The company hopes that the new Pillcam Genius SB Kit will transform small bowel diagnostics, as it provides clearer imaging, and greater accessibility and ease for both patients and clinicians.

Esocap AG aims to transform the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis with its drug delivery technology, ESO-101, designed to increase mucosal contact time and drug deposition in the esophagus. Data from the recent ACESO study showed that ESO-101 was safe and well tolerated and improved both histologic and endoscopic outcomes in patients with active eosinophilic esophagitis.

Sequana Medical NV received premarket approval from the U.S. FDA for its Alfapump system to treat recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. Data from the Poseidon pivotal study showed the implantable device, which removes ascites from the abdomen into the bladder, can eliminate the need for therapeutic paracentesis, improving the quality of life of patients.

An international consortium of thousands of scientists is creating the Human Cell Atlas, a three-dimensional map of all the cells in the body. The goal is to understand all the cells that make up human tissues, organs and systems, which will enable multiple medical applications. This collection of cell maps is openly available for navigation at single-cell resolution, identified through omics analyses that reveal the tridimensional distribution of each cell.

Many studies have linked the presence of specific bacteria to various diseases. But a general overgrowth of gut bacteria can be a symptom of different conditions, including colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. A study counting gut microbiome proposes that microbial load, rather than the disease, could explain the presence of certain pathogens.

Medtronic plc obtained a CE mark for its next generation Endoflip 300 system which measures pressure and dimensions in the esophagus and pylorus, in adults. The Endoflip can be used to help diagnose and treat thousands of people across Europe suffering with esophageal motility disorders.

In what represents the first patenting from Cerathrive Ltd., its co-founder and CEO, Sarah Turner, describes their development of the Cera system, which they claim to be the first and only U.S. FDA-cleared red-light device that targets the gut-brain axis to improve focus and energy levels.

According to World Health Organization data, endometriosis affects about 10% of reproductive-age females globally. That already makes endometriosis a wildly underresearched and underfunded disease in relation to its prevalence. Plus, Rama Kommagani thinks even 10% is an underestimation. “Diagnosis is very underreported, particularly in low- and middle-income countries,” Kommagani, who is an associate professor of pathology at Baylor College of Medicine, told BioWorld.

Endostart s.r.l obtained CE marking for the expanded use of its magnetic balloon system for use in endoscopic procedures, Endorail, to enteroscopy. The company believes that Endorail, which helps resolve intestinal looping, will make the procedure more accessible and improve patient care.