New research reveals critical roles for microbiota and environmental factors in human and ecological health. A mouse study demonstrated that human gut bacteria can bioaccumulate “forever chemicals” (PFAS), potentially aiding in their removal from the body. Further, the Microbiota Vault Initiative progressed to protect microbial diversity globally. Also, studies link imbalanced gut microbiota and amino acid changes to increased miscarriage risk in PCOS, while disruptions in skin microbial strain coexistence were investigated.