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microbiome

This shows a baby in a field of flowers.

·March 18, 2024·6 min read

Serotonin-Producing Gut Bacteria in Newborns Shields Against Allergies

New research highlights the critical role of unique gut bacteria in newborns, producing serotonin to educate immune cells and prevent allergic reactions early in life. The study reveals that these bacteria encourage the development of T-regulatory cells, crucial for suppressing inappropriate immune responses and preventing autoimmune diseases.

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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 26, 2024·5 min read

Gut Bacteria May Play Role in Vision Loss

Researchers found a surprising connection between gut bacteria and inherited eye diseases, potentially opening new treatment avenues using antimicrobials. They discovered that a specific genetic mutation could weaken the body's defenses, allowing gut bacteria to infiltrate the eye and cause sight loss.

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

·February 7, 2024·3 min read

Gut Bacteria Influences Pregnancy Immune Response

Researchers found significant links between a pregnant woman's gut microbiota and changes in her immune system. By analyzing the gut microbiota, metabolite profiles, and cytokine levels of pregnant and non-pregnant women, researchers found distinct differences indicating that specific microbes and metabolites influence the immune response during pregnancy.

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.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·December 28, 2023·6 min read

Eating with Your Eyes and Gut? How Your Brain Decides When to Eat

The science of eating behavior goes beyond hunger cues; it involves sensory stimuli, internal signals, and the gut-brain connection. External cues like food packaging and advertisements influence our eating decisions, but internal signals, such as hunger and fullness, play a profound role.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 22, 2023·4 min read

Childhood Brain Growth Linked to Gut Microbiome

A new study uncovers the significant influence of the gut microbiome on cognitive function and brain structure in healthy children. Analyzing data from 381 children in The RESONANCE cohort, the research identifies specific microbial species linked to higher cognitive abilities, while others correlate with lower cognitive scores.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 14, 2023·5 min read

Stomach Bug Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk

A new study reveals a potential link between Helicobacter pylori infection and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Analyzing three decades of patient data, the researchers found that people over 50 with symptomatic H. pylori infection face an 11% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, which escalates to 24% a decade post-infection.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·November 6, 2023·5 min read

AI Links Sleep and Gut Health to Autism Behaviors

Researchers utilized AI to uncover a link between sleep and gastrointestinal health, and the challenging behaviors in individuals with profound autism, such as self-injury and aggression. The study, which offers new insights into predicting these behaviors, found that for 20% of the subjects, GI issues could forecast next-day behavioral challenges with over 80% accuracy.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 3, 2023·5 min read

Is a Common Bacteria a Trigger For Multiple Sclerosis?

Researchers have discovered a potential link between the microbe C. perfringens and the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The study suggests that an epsilon toxin from the bacteria might degrade the blood-brain barrier, initiating the debilitating symptoms of MS.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 1, 2023·5 min read

Mother’s Microbes Influence Fetal Brain and Gut Development

Researchers discovered the activity of genes in the fetal intestine, brain, and placenta is influenced by the microbes in the mother's body. In a study comparing normal mice with germ-free mice in sterile environments, significant differences were found in gene expressions associated with the immune system, nervous system, and pregnancy regulation.