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gut-brain axis

·February 18, 2020·5 min read

Parkinson’s biomarker may originate in gut

Using mouse models, researchers seeded alpha-synuclein aggregates in gut neurons and discovered the clumps can travel to neurons in the brain.

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·January 8, 2020·4 min read

Gut microbes may improve stroke recovery

Microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) modulate stroke recovery. The effect was mediated by circulating lymphocytes on microglia activation. The study reports SCFAs could be a potential therapeutic to improve post-stroke recovery.

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·January 3, 2020·6 min read

Fat-dissolving bile acids may help regulate gut immunity and inflammation

Two studies reveal the role bile acids play in immunity and inflammation.

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·January 2, 2020·2 min read

Harnessing the microbiome to improve stroke recovery

Short-chain fatty acid supplementation improves stroke recovery in mouse models.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 4, 2019·3 min read

The gut may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis

Increased levels of Smad7 in T-cells is linked to multiple sclerosis-like symptoms in mice. In the intestines, the T-cells were more frequently activated and migrated to the central nervous system, where they triggered inflammation. Similar activation was seen in human patients with multiple sclerosis. The findings provide further evidence that multiple sclerosis may start in the intestines and spread via the CNS.

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·November 14, 2019·5 min read

Inflammatory bowel disease appears to impact risk of Parkinson’s disease

Study provides new insights into how the immune system and inflammation play a role in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 14, 2019·4 min read

Bacteria in the gut may alter aging process

Transplanting gut microbiota from older mice to younger germ-free mice increased hippocampal neurogenesis and intestinal growth.

This shows the outline of two bodies. One has the head highlighted red, the other has the gut highlighted red

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·November 7, 2019·4 min read

Where does Parkinson’s disease start? In the brain or gut? Or both?

Lewy body disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, comprise of two distinct subtypes. One subtype originates in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of the gut and spreads to the brain. The other originates in the brain, or enters the brain via the olfactory system, before spreading to the brainstem and PNS.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 23, 2019·4 min read

A possible gut-brain connection to ‘chemo brain’

Manipulating gut bacteria in mice before chemotherapy reduces the mental fog of "chemo brain."

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·August 20, 2019·4 min read

Micronutrients affect gut bacteria associated with ADHD in small but promising study

A small-scale study found children with ADHD who took micronutrients had lower levels of gut bacteria previously linked to the disorder, and a healthier range of overall microbiota. The study indicates micronutrient supplements could be a safe therapy for those with ADHD. Researchers stress further research is needed.

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Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·August 6, 2019·6 min read

Looking to the body to better understand the brain

From researching the microbiome and immune system to nociception, scientists are looking beyond the nervous system to gain a better understanding of neurological and mental health disorders.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 22, 2019·5 min read

Gut microbes may affect the course of ALS

Researchers have isolated a molecule that may be under-produced in the gut of those with ALS. Using mouse models of the disease, researchers identified 11 microbial strains that became altered as the disease progressed, or before the development of symptoms.