Women and men exhibit distinct gut microbial profiles linked to colorectal cancer development

The paradigm of this research is the established understanding of the human gut microbiome's role in health and disease, specifically in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study operates within the bounds of existing methodologies like metagenomic sequencing and statistical analysis, aiming to refine and expand upon prevailing knowledge rather than challenge fundamental assumptions.

This study investigates the influence of sex on the gut microbiome and its association with colorectal lesions within an established paradigm. It explores known connections between gut microbiome composition, lifestyle factors, and CRC risk, employing standard research methodologies. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing further evidence of sex-specific differences in gut microbial profiles and their link to colorectal lesions. This detailed analysis of sex-specific variations strengthens the current understanding within the established paradigm, characteristic of normal science. While acknowledging the limitations of a cross-sectional design that prevents causal inference, the study's large sample size and robust statistical methods solidify its contribution to normal science. No fundamental shifts in understanding or challenges to existing theoretical frameworks are proposed. Instead, it adds to the existing body of literature, refining the understanding of a complex relationship within the existing scientific paradigm.