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gut-brain axis

·May 17, 2024·4 min read

Gut Bacteria Influence Fairness Perception

A new study finds that manipulating gut bacteria through probiotic and prebiotic supplements can increase altruistic punishment behavior in humans. Participants receiving supplements were more likely to reject unfair offers in a money-sharing game, suggesting a link between gut microbiota composition and social decision-making.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 2, 2024·6 min read

Activating Brain-Gut Connection with Light Reduces Depression

A new study reveals how photobiomodulation, a non-invasive light therapy, effectively treats cognitive impairments caused by chronic stress by targeting the brain-gut axis. This innovative approach was shown to significantly improve conditions in lab animal models.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 2, 2024·6 min read

Dad’s Gut Bacteria Affects Child’s Health

Researchers uncovered a significant link between the gut microbiota of male mice and the health and survival of their offspring. The research shows that an imbalance in the gut microbiota, induced by antibiotics, can lead to lower birth weights and higher mortality rates in the next generation.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 22, 2024·6 min read

AI Links Gut Microbiome to Alzheimer’s

Researchers are pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to explore how the gut microbiome influences Alzheimer’s disease. Their latest study employs AI to analyze how metabolites produced by gut bacteria interact with cellular receptors, potentially contributing to Alzheimer's development.

This shows a hand covered in plastic beads.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 15, 2024·7 min read

Microplastics Journey from Gut to Vital Organs

A new study highlights the alarming infiltration of microplastics into human tissues, including the kidney, liver, and brain. The study investigates how these tiny particles, commonly ingested through water, food, and air, breach the gastrointestinal tract to affect major organs and metabolic pathways.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 4, 2024·7 min read

Early Gut Flora Imbalance May Predict Autism and ADHD

Disturbances in gut flora during infancy are linked to the later development of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. Analyzing over 16,000 children from the ABIS study, researchers identified significant biomarkers in cord blood and stool samples that correlate with future diagnoses of these disorders.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 2, 2024·5 min read

Infant Microbiomes Dance to a Circadian Rhythm

Infant gut microbiomes develop circadian rhythms from as early as two weeks after birth, becoming more distinct as they age. The research found that dietary differences, such as breastfeeding versus formula feeding, have minimal impact on these microbiome patterns compared to the effect of aging.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 26, 2024·6 min read

Does Gut Bacteria Drive Sexual Behavior?

Researchers shed light on the complex world of gut microbiota, particularly focusing on the Segatella species, a group previously underexplored due to cultivation challenges. This research, involving high-resolution genomic analyses, discovered five new Segatella species, enriching our understanding of microbial diversity in the human gut.

This shows bacteria and the outline of a person.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·February 12, 2024·4 min read

New Insights Into Gut Microbiome’s Link to Autism

Researchers discovered significant differences in the gut microbiome of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical individuals, suggesting a potential link between gut bacteria and ASD. The study found an increase in alpha diversity and a higher abundance of Bacteriodetes and Bacteroides in those with ASD, challenging existing health paradigms.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 4, 2024·4 min read

Gut-Brain Link: How Vitamin B12-Producing Gut Bacteria Influence Neurotransmitters

A new study reveals a molecular link between gut bacteria producing vitamin B12 in the roundworm C. elegans and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, crucial for memory and cognitive function. Researchers found that certain bacteria reduced seizures in mutant worms, and they all shared the ability to produce B12.

This is a drawing of a man holding his belly.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 25, 2023·5 min read

Gut Instincts: Can Digestive Issues Predict Parkinson’s Onset?

New research posits that particular gastrointestinal issues may be precursors to Parkinson's disease. Utilizing a vast US medical record network, the study contrasted people diagnosed with Parkinson’s against those with Alzheimer’s, cerebrovascular disease, or none of these conditions.