2020-04-02_Science_Illustrated

Bacteria in the brain have hitherto

been linked with fatal diseases. But

biologists have now discovered that

the microbes exist permanently in

the brain, where they can influence

mental disorders, trigger mental

energy, and improve your mood.

FEELING

GOOD ABOUT

BRAIN

BACTERIA

NEURON ASTROCYTE

Action centres where

bacteria gather

Scientists have discovered a wealth

of bacteria in four brain areas that

each play a role in motor functions,

awareness, or mental disorders.

Planning centre

The frontal lobes are

involved in planning,

attention, and schizophrenia.

Blood vessel

Axon

Myelin

Two types of nerve cells Myelin

are the homes of bacteria

BACTERIA THRIVE IN INSULATION

1 Neuronsthe brain via long axons. They are send nerve signals through

surrounded by a fatty, insulating myelin

sheath that is full of bacteria.

CELL FEET INCLUDE MICROBES

2 Astrocytesthat moves nutrients from blood vessels are a type of nerve cell

to other nerve cells. The bacteria accumulate

in their feet, located close to other cells.

Foot

SHU

TTE

RST

OCK

SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/CLAUS LUNAU

60 | SCIENCE ILLUSTRATED

HUMANS BRAIN BACTERIA