Like Genes, Our Microbes Pass from Parent to Child

We all know that our parents pass on heritable traits, including skin color and height, to us through their genes. Now, the Human Microbiome Project – a department of the National Institute of Health – has produced findings to suggest that our microbial genes are also transmitted vertically from our ancestors. Before we explore this exciting discovery, let’s start with some basics:

The Gut of Mice Communicates with the Brain Through the Vagus Nerve

Previous research has shown that the gut-brain connection, which refers to signaling between the digestive and the central nervous systems, is based on the transport of hormones, but a study published today (September 21) in Science suggests there may be a more direct link—the vagus nerve.

The Mysteries of the Thyroid

When Alejandro Junger, M.D. first introduced us to Anthony William—author of the fascinating read, Medical Medium Thyroid Healing—we were immediately taken by his readings: He can scan the body from afar, and with the help of “Spirit,” explain what ails or does not, whether it’s a benign growth near the liver, an over-taxed adrenal system, or a rare blood disorder that might become a nuisance.

Brain structure and response to emotional stimuli as related to gut microbial profiles in healthy women.

Objective: Brain-gut-microbiota interactions may play an important role in human health and behavior. However, while rodent models have demonstrated effects of the gut microbiota on emotional, nociceptive and social behaviors, there is little translational human evidence to date. In this study we identify brain and behavioral characteristics of healthy women clustered by gut microbiota profiles.