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gut-brain axis

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·May 14, 2019·4 min read

How stressed-out gut bacteria may trigger autoimmune response

Chronic social stress in mice induces the expression of virulent genes in the gut microbiota. The altered microbiota increases the presence of effector T helper cells in the lymph nodes and induces myelin autoreactive cells. Exposure to chronic stress, therefore, may increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases for some individuals with a susceptibility.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 10, 2019·4 min read

Inflamed monkey guts produce Parkinson’s-related proteins

Inflammation of the colon is associated with alterations in alpha-synuclein expression and phosphorylation in the myenteric plexus of common marmoset monkeys. The findings support the growing body of evidence that inflammation may play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease.

This is a diagram of the intestinal tract with the appendix labeled

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 9, 2019·2 min read

Appendix removal associated with development of Parkinson’s disease

Using data collected from 62.2 million Parkinson's patients, researchers discover a relationship between appendectomies and an increased risk of developing the disease. According to the analysis, patients who had their appendix removed were more than three times as likely to develop Parkinson's than those who had not.

This shows a person holding his tummy as if in pain

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2019·7 min read

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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·May 6, 2019·5 min read

Transplanting gut bacteria alters depression-related behavior, brain inflammation in rats

The gut microbiome contributes to depression-like behaviors and inflammation in the ventral hippocampus, according to a new rat study. Fecal transplants from rats with lower levels of Clostridia reduced depressive behaviors and inflammation in vulnerable rodents.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 16, 2019·3 min read

Researchers discover crucial link between brain and gut stem cells

The insulin-like growth factor II gene plays a critical role in adult stem cell maintenance of both the intestine and the brain. Findings suggest IGF-2 is essential for multiple stem cell types, including those implicated in cognitive function and renewing the lining of the small intestine.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 9, 2019·10 min read

Autism symptoms reduced nearly 50% two years after fecal transplant

Arizona State University researchers claim microbiota transfer therapy reduces symptoms associated with autism and gastrointestinal problems for two years post-treatment. The study suggests MTT may be a promising option for helping to treat children with ASD who also have GI problems. The researchers stress further research, including double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials with a larger cohort be carried out.

this is the chemical structure of cortisol

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 3, 2019·4 min read

Stress in childhood and adulthood have combined impact on hormones and health

Stressed adults who report high-stress exposure as children have altered cortisol levels associated with negative health outcomes. Findings suggest early life stress may calibrate the stress response system in the brain, with health consequences that last into adulthood.

This shows a sad looking child in a garden

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 31, 2019·4 min read

Gastrointestinal complaints in children could signal future mental health problem

A correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms, adversity and childhood anxiety has been identified by researchers at Columbia University. Studying fMRI data and fecal samples, researchers noted adversity was associated with microbial diversity changes and differences prefrontal cortex activation in response to emotional faces.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 30, 2019·5 min read

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.