GI tract

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GI tract

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 14, 2019

Targeting alpha-synuclein in the gut may slow down Parkinson’s disease

Scientists are conducting experiments to see if targeting the enteric nervous system with a compound can inhibit the aggregation of alpha-synuclein and slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Read More

This shows a person holding his tummy as if in pain

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2019

Study explains why a moody gut often accompanies depression

Mice with a genetic mutation linked to severe depression had impaired ability for neurons in the gut and brain to create serotonin. The reduction of serotonin in the gut led to a deterioration in the gut's lining, slowing the movement of contents through the GI tract and resulting in constipation. However, treatment with 5-HTP increased neurogenesis in the gut, restoring normal function. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·March 30, 2019

Had Enough Water? Brain’s Thirst Centers Make a Gut Check

Hydration signals from the gut travel via the vagus nerve to activate thirst neurons in the SFO. These neurons signal to cells in the median preoptic nucleus, driving animals to drink and the kidneys to conserve water in the bloodstream. Read More

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 7, 2019

The Gut’s Link to Parkinson’s: Hype or Hope?

Researchers review the evidence that Parkinson's disease may, at least for some patients, begin in the gut. Read More

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·June 16, 2018

Piglet Study Sheds Light of How Stress is Bad For Your Body

A new study reports early life stress in pigs impacts their health, specifically their GI tract, later in life. The findings could have implications for developing new stress relieving therapies in humans. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 21, 2018

Some Gut Feelings Are A Red Flag

Researchers report gut-to-brain signals can influence emotions, mood and decision making, prompting people to avoid situations that make them feel uneasy. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 2, 2017

It’s Not Just What You Eat, It’s What’s Eating You

Autophagy allows sensory neurons and nutrient levels to work together to influence lifespan, a new study reveals. Read More

Autism Featured

·July 12, 2017

Diet Not Connected to GI Problems in Autistic Children

A study recently presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research suggests gastrointestinal problems commonly seen in children with ASD may be a result of stress, and not diet, as previously assumed. Read More

Image shows a head with the brain exposed.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 27, 2017

Parkinson’s Associated Protein Linked to Human Upper GI Tract Infections

A new study reports chronic infections of the upper gastrointestinal tract could be linked to Parkinson's disease. Researchers say alpha synuclein, a Parkinson's linked protein, is released during upper GI infections, inducing an immune response. Findings suggest frequent chronic infections could overwhelm the body's ability to remove the protein, leading to the onset of Parkinson's. Read More

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Videos Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 7, 2016

A Window to the Gut’s Brain

Researchers have developed a new system that allows for real time viewing of the enteric nervous system, and could provide a new way to identify gastrointestinal disorders. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·May 27, 2016

That Gut Feeling

A new study reports how sensory neurons detect fullness and nutrients after eating. Read More

Featured Genetics

·May 17, 2016

Genetic Switch Turned on During Fasting Helps Stop Inflammation

Researchers report a molecular pathway that activates during fasting could help halt the spread of intestinal bacteria into the bloodstream. Read More