At distances, farther from these “fracking” wells, researchers found no evidence of compromised infant health.

Gastric bypass surgery in mice alters the microbial makeup of their gut, and these changes may contribute to the rapid weight loss experienced after the surgery, according to a new study appearing in the 27 March issue of the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Researchers found that transplanting microbes harvested from mice that underwent surgery, into mice with no gut bacteria, led to weight loss (up to 5% of body weight) and decreased fat tissue in the mice who received the transplants.

Weight loss by gastric bypass surgery alters the metabolism of individuals in ways that are different from the effects of dieting, reports a new study in the 27 April issue of Science Translational Medicine. The results are preliminary but could help researchers find new ways to treat diabetes.

“The rapid reversal of diabetes after gastric bypass surgery points to mechanisms other than weight loss involved in improved glucose levels,” said lead author Blandine Laferrère, assistant professor in medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.