Gut viruses affect brain function
It is widely accepted that bacteria in our intestines affect everything about our health. But viruses, it turns out, are important, too.
These aren’t the viruses that cause the common cold. They are viruses that infect bacteria (and human cells) and affect their genes, with no outward effect.
In a study published in March 2022, scientists followed 114 people as they underwent a series of cognitive tests - tests of their ability to think, remember, and problem-solve.
Participants with higher levels of a bacteriophage called Caudiovirales performed better.
Participants with a higher level of Microviridae perfomed worse.
When feces from the high performers was transplanted into mice, the mice performed better on testing. The same held true for fruit flies (I’ve no idea how they test fruit flies’ thinking, but they do).
For me, a study like this always begs the question, “How can I get some of that into me?” For now, we can’t. But since we know that living in proximity leads to microbiome sharing, I revert back to my mom’s advice - choose your friends carefully.
Mayneris-Perxachs J et al. Caudovirales bacteriophages are associated with improved executive function and memory in flies, mice, and humans. Cell Host Microbe 2022 Mar 9; 30:1.
