Is your gut thinking for you? The microbial revolution in mental health

In the year 2023, a group of researchers from the California Institute of Technology embarked on an experiment that appeared to blur the lines between reality and the realm of science fiction.

- ARANYAK GOSWAMI BIJU DHARMAPALAN

Researchers transferred gut microbes from people with depression into mice free of germs. The results were surprising: the mice started to show signs of depression-like behaviours.

This experiment contributes to an expanding collection of findings suggesting that our mental health could be affected by the microorganisms residing in our gut—small entities that significantly impact our emotional and cognitive wellness more than we once thought.

In recent years, research has revealed significant links between the digestive system, the mind, and the countless microorganisms in the human body. This burgeoning discipline at the intersection of microbiology, genetics, and artificial intelligence has ignited a transformative shift in our comprehension of the mind. The digestive system is frequently referred to as the 'second brain', and there's a solid rationale behind this designation.

The intricate microbial community within it plays a crucial role in various processes, affecting everything from the production of neurotransmitters to the regulation of the immune system. A growing body of evidence indicates that these microbes are not just passive entities; they could play a significant role in influencing mood, behaviour, and mental well-being.