AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·April 14, 2025·5 min readGut Imbalances in Autism Linked to Brain and Behavior ChangesNew research reveals that gut imbalances in children with autism may influence brain activity and behavior by disrupting the production of key neurotransmitters like serotonin. Scientists found that changes in gut-derived metabolites are linked to differences in brain structure and function in children with autism.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·April 8, 2025·4 min readOral Bacteria May Help Detect Autism with 81% AccuracyA new study has identified a strong link between oral microbiota and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), revealing 11 bacterial species with potential as biomarkers. By analyzing oral samples from children aged 3–6, researchers developed a prediction model that identifies autism with 81% accuracy.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·January 31, 2025·5 min readImaging Reveals Gut-Brain Connection in Alzheimer’s DiseaseScientists have used advanced X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) to uncover how gut health may influence Alzheimer’s disease. The study found structural changes in the gut of Alzheimer’s-affected mice, revealing abnormalities in intestinal cells, neurons, and mucus secretion.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·January 28, 2025·3 min readOral Microbiome May Influence Cognitive Decline and Brain HealthThe microbial ecosystems in our mouths may impact cognitive function as we age, with pathogenic bacteria linked to cognitive decline. Researchers found that beneficial bacteria, such as Neisseria, are associated with improved memory and attention, while harmful bacteria like Porphyromonas correlate with mild cognitive impairment.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·January 18, 2025·7 min readProcessed Red Meat Linked to Higher Dementia RiskA study of over 133,000 individuals found that consuming processed red meat daily increases dementia risk by up to 13%, while replacing it with alternatives like nuts, legumes, or fish may lower the risk by 20%. Higher processed meat intake was associated with accelerated cognitive aging and increased subjective cognitive decline (SCD).Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·January 4, 2025·4 min readMediterranean Diet Improves Memory via Gut Microbiome ChangesA new study reveals that the Mediterranean diet may enhance cognitive function by altering gut microbiota. Rats fed a Mediterranean-style diet showed distinct bacterial changes linked to better memory, cognitive flexibility, and working memory compared to those on a Western diet.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 20, 2024·8 min readChronic Gut Virus May Play a Role in Alzheimer’s DevelopmentResearchers have linked chronic intestinal infections caused by cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to a unique subtype of Alzheimer’s disease. The virus may travel from the gut to the brain via the vagus nerve, altering immune responses and contributing to hallmark Alzheimer’s changes like amyloid plaques and tau tangles. While HCMV infection is common and typically harmless, this study found that it may cause chronic brain inflammation in certain individuals.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·December 12, 2024·8 min readGut Serotonin Plays Role in Depression and MoodSerotonin in the gut epithelium plays a critical role in modulating mood and may provide a safer target for treating depression and anxiety. In animal studies, increasing gut serotonin improved mood symptoms without causing digestive issues, unlike systemic antidepressant treatments.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 3, 2024·5 min readGut Microbes May Have Powered Evolution of Larger BrainsA new study suggests that gut microbes played a key role in the evolution of larger brains in primates by influencing energy production and usage. Researchers implanted microbes from humans, squirrel monkeys (large-brained species), and macaques (small-brained species) into mice, observing that microbes from larger-brained primates enhanced energy production, while those from smaller-brained primates favored fat storage.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 2, 2024·6 min readPersonal Gut Environments Shape How We Digest, Absorb FoodIndividual differences in gut physiology and environment play a major role in shaping our gut microbiome and how we process food. Using a smart capsule to measure pH, temperature, and pressure, researchers found significant variations in digestion time and gut conditions between people.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 21, 2024·5 min readParkinson’s Medication Alters Microbiome, Induces Iron DeficiencyThe Parkinson's drug entacapone disrupts the gut microbiome by inducing iron deficiency, favoring the growth of potentially harmful bacteria like E. coli. Using advanced molecular techniques, researchers identified that entacapone interferes with iron availability, a critical resource for many gut microbes.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 21, 2024·4 min readStimulating the Vagus Nerve to Tackle Gut Inflammation in IBDResearchers have discovered that vagus nerve stimulation may reduce gut inflammation and improve outcomes for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study reveals how electrical stimulation of this brain-gut nerve impacts SUMOylation, a cellular process driving immune responses, to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.Read More
