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The Behavioral Microbiome

How microbes influence one’s health and one’s self

Sex
Dopamine, Intelligence, and Sex Drive: An Intriguing Nexus

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on May 3, 2024

Dopamine mediates the desire for sexuality and also ingenuity. A heightened dopaminergic system in the brains of geniuses may lead them to seek more sexual experiences in their private lives.

Dopamine mediates the desire for sexuality and also ingenuity. A heightened dopaminergic system in the brains of geniuses may lead them to seek more sexual experiences in their private lives.

Personality
Hacking an Individual's Personality Through Their Gut Contents

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on April 1, 2024

The impact of the gut microbiome on cognition motivates us to explore ways to manipulate the gut microbiota of psychological patients by transferring microbes from healthy donors.

The impact of the gut microbiome on cognition motivates us to explore ways to manipulate the gut microbiota of psychological patients by transferring microbes from healthy donors.

Microbiome
How Gut Microbes Affect Sexual Health

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on March 22, 2024

Gut microbiota can influence immune response, inflammation, insulin action, and the function of sex hormones, which may also play a role in reproduction and sexual health.

Gut microbiota can influence immune response, inflammation, insulin action, and the function of sex hormones, which may also play a role in reproduction and sexual health.

Aging
Zombie Cells Contribute to Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on February 26, 2024

The accumulation of aging cells in the body causes systemic inflammation, which can then spread to the brain and cause neuroinflammation, impacting normal brain functioning.

The accumulation of aging cells in the body causes systemic inflammation, which can then spread to the brain and cause neuroinflammation, impacting normal brain functioning.

Diet
Where Does the Temptation to Eat Fatty and Sweet Foods Come From?

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on February 12, 2024

We inherited the desire for fatty and sweet foods from our ancestors. Excessive consumption of these rewires the brain's reward circuits, leading to a desire to eat more of them.

We inherited the desire for fatty and sweet foods from our ancestors. Excessive consumption of these rewires the brain's reward circuits, leading to a desire to eat more of them.

Aging
Does the Brain Slow Down Our Aging Process?

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on January 22, 2024

The central nervous system's effect on inflammation and the role of inflammation in age-related conditions persuade us to acknowledge the mind's influence on the rate of aging.

The central nervous system's effect on inflammation and the role of inflammation in age-related conditions persuade us to acknowledge the mind's influence on the rate of aging.

Education
Does Obesity Affect Learning?

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on January 5, 2024

Evidence suggests that obesity can negatively affect cognitive function and memory, including in children whose brains are still developing.

Evidence suggests that obesity can negatively affect cognitive function and memory, including in children whose brains are still developing.

Microbiome
Does the Microbiome Make Us Eat Special Foods?

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on December 5, 2023

In addition to the influence of genetics, it seems that microbiome populations also determine our preferences for certain foods and dietary habits.

In addition to the influence of genetics, it seems that microbiome populations also determine our preferences for certain foods and dietary habits.

Depression
Cellular Aging and Age-Related Illness

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on November 22, 2023

Senescence is both a cause and a consequence of aging. Senescent cells, similar to zombie cells, transfer their traits into normal cells, such as immune cells.

Senescence is both a cause and a consequence of aging. Senescent cells, similar to zombie cells, transfer their traits into normal cells, such as immune cells.

Identity
Is the Microbiome a Part of Our Identity?

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on October 25, 2023

Our moods are influenced by numerous factors, such as gut microbes, food, and genetics, but we often mistake them for a reflection of ourselves.

Our moods are influenced by numerous factors, such as gut microbes, food, and genetics, but we often mistake them for a reflection of ourselves.

Microbiome
Could Skin Microbiome Transfer Slow Aging?

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on October 12, 2023

Skin aging hurts self-image, self-esteem, and skin function. As a transferable factor, the skin microbiome plays a central influence in skin health and age-related disorders.

Skin aging hurts self-image, self-esteem, and skin function. As a transferable factor, the skin microbiome plays a central influence in skin health and age-related disorders.

Sleep
A Good Night's Sleep Shows Its Face

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on September 17, 2023

Some diseases, aging, and blue light at night can disrupt the sleep/wake cycle and impact overall health, including the condition of the skin.

Some diseases, aging, and blue light at night can disrupt the sleep/wake cycle and impact overall health, including the condition of the skin.

Laughter
From Mind to Body: Type 2 Diabetes and the Power of Laughter

Hamid Zand Ph.D. on August 23, 2023

The role of mental states in the development and treatment of physical diseases is often overlooked. However, laughter may improve diabetes and blood sugar control.

The role of mental states in the development and treatment of physical diseases is often overlooked. However, laughter may improve diabetes and blood sugar control.