how the microbiome affects brain and behavior?
There is a lot of research going on around the microbiome and its relation to brain and behavior. But what does this all mean?
What is the microbiome?
The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that live in or on the body. This includes bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. The microbiome can be found in different parts of the body, such as in the gut, skin, and mouth.
What is its relation to brain and behavior?
There are a few ways that the microbiome can potentially affect brain and behavior. First, microbiota can produce chemicals that affect mood or cognitive function. Second, there is growing evidence that gut bacteria may play a role in inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain. Finally, changes in gut bacteria may be linked to certain psychiatric conditions.
How is this research being done?
Researchers are studying how changes in gut microbiota relate to brain and behavior by using different techniques, such as analyzing stool samples, measuring cytokines (a type of protein), and imaging techniques like MRI.
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