Brain Power

a healthy brain is about feeling good

However, the picture is complicated by evidence suggesting that activity of antibiotics on the microbiome might also help people with persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia or those with depression who are resistant to standard treatments. So the role of antibiotics on the microbiome – in both the treatment and prevention of disease – is likely to become a hot topic in the years to come.

they developed symptoms similar to those seen in humans – including depression, anxiety, anorexia and alcoholism. Of course, these symptoms aren’t exactly the same as in people, but are a proxy – for instance, mice displaying anxiety will spend less time in the middle of an open field, preferring to stick to the edges.

or keeping our wits about us in the long term.

germ-free mice. These are mice that are bred without any microbes and raised in a sterile environment, allowing scientists to see what effect exposure to various microbes has on them. Pioneering

Why might eating less be good for us?

We’ll also be looking at ways we can all give our mood an instant boost –

We’ll also be looking at ways we can all give

It is worth noting that while

whether that’s an immediate burst of attention