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The Second Genome

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How the diverse microbes that live on and in our bodies drive our metabolism and health.

James Gallagher explores how our second genome, the diverse array of microbes that live on and in our bodies, is driving our metabolism and health.

The Second Genome: Gateway to the Mind

24/04/2018

Gateway to the Mind

BBC Radio 4 - The Second Genome, Gateway to the Mind

Could our microbiome have an influence on our mood and behaviour?

James Gallagher explores new research into how our second genome, the vast and diverse array of microbes that live in our bodies, could be influencing our thoughts and feelings.

The microbiome is the strange invisible world of our non human selves. On and in all of us are hoards of microbes. Their impact on our physical health is becoming clear to science, but a controversial idea is emerging too - that gut bacteria could alter what happens in our brains.

In this final episode of the series BBC Science and Health correspondent James Gallagher examines a growing body of research into the gut as a gateway to the mind and why some scientists believe we could be o the cusp of a revolution in psychiatry that uses microbes to improve mental health.

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