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microbiome

·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.

This shows a baby in a field of flowers.

Featured Neuroscience

·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.