Both wisdom and loneliness appear to be influenced by microbial diversity within the gut, a new study reports. Read More
Immune cells in the uterus and placenta of stressed pregnant mice were not activated, but researchers found increased levels of inflammation in the developing fetal brain. Additionally, prenatal stress led to reductions in gut microbial strains and functions, especially in those linked to inflammation. Read More
A meta-analysis study reveals alterations in the gut microbiome may trigger gastrointestinal problems associated with Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the gastrointestinal problems may occur years before other Parkinson's symptoms develop. Read More
Researchers found significant differences in samples from the appendix of people with Parkinson's disease, specifically in microbial composition correlating with higher levels of toxic bile acids. Read More
A new "organ on a chip" system helps researchers uncover how bacteria in the human digestive tract can impact neurological diseases. Read More
A newly discovered microbiome-controlled anti-inflammatory subset of astrocytes helps researchers better understand inflammation of the central nervous system and its regulation. Read More
The hunger hormone ghrelin doesn't just influence where and when animals eat, it also appears to have an impact on memory. Disrupting signaling of ghrelin to the vagus nerve caused rats to forget they had just eaten, even though the animals remembered they had just had access to food. Findings suggest disrupted ghrelin signaling could negatively impact episodic memory. Read More
Study provides evidence of gut dysbiosis associated with Huntington's disease. Some of the gut measures were associated with disease symptoms such as movement and cognitive impairment. The findings could provide a new avenue of treatment for the neurodegenerative disease. Read More
Sensory neurons that send signals from the intestines to the brain stem extend to the interface of areas of the intestine that are exposed to high levels of microbial compounds. Turning off the neurons, researchers observed activated neurons in the brainstem as well as activation of gut neurons that control intestinal motility. The findings shed light on the potential mechanisms behind neurological abnormalities and intestinal diseases, including IBS. Read More
Changes in gut mucus may contribute to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological disorders. Researchers noted changes in types of gut mucus bacteria in those with a range of neurological disorders compared to their healthy peers. Findings suggest those with reduced gut mucus protection may be more susceptible to gastrointestinal problems. Read More
Researchers have traced neural pathways that connect the brain to the gut. The findings provide a biological mechanism that explains how stress can cause ulcers. Read More
Study reveals a new gut-brain connection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The gut microbiome could influence the severity of the neurodegenerative disease. Altering the bacteria in the gut may prevent or improve symptoms of ALS. Read More
