When bacteria take control
What if the bacteria in our intestines affected our brains? As part of Brain Awareness Week*, UM invites you to a conference on these discreet guests who seem to have such an influence on our health and behavior.
Help, bacteria are invading us! Don't worry: there's nothing to alarm you. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi... our bodies are home to many microorganisms that proliferate in our various mucous membranes, particularly in the intestine. Scientists refer to this vibrant community as the "microbiota." And they all coexist in harmony, explains Philippe Berta...
2 kg of microscopic guests
"Humans host some 100,000 billion microorganisms in their digestive tract alone: in the intestine, they weigh a total of 1.5 to 2 kg! And they contain up to 10 times more bacteria than the total number of cells in an individual," continues the professor at the University of Nîmes, who is responsible for the Biology-Health master's degree program at UM, BIOTIN course.
"Microbiota"? A term that was unknown just a few years ago... Because in the past, we used to talk about "intestinal flora." Before realizing its importance, and above all making an astonishing discovery: this "flora" is anything but vegetative, and is even known to be intensely active. It is thought to influence digestive, metabolic, immune, and neurological functions. So much so that the intestinal microbiota is now considered by some researchers to be an organ in its own right.
"The microbiota regulates many aspects of our physiology, including nutrition, maturation, and the functioning of our immune system. Today, there is a wealth of evidence suggesting that this same microbiota has the ability to regulate the development of our brain, its functioning, and even our behavior,"explains Philippe Berta, who will present examples of recent data on the possible contribution of this microbiota to various pathological situations: Parkinson's disease, autism, stress, and even Alzheimer's disease.
"Bacteria and the brain: a story of an encounter"
Wednesday, March 15, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Site des Carmes, Nîmes
* The brain from every angle!
From March 2 to 21, it's Brain Awareness Week: meetings between the general public and researchers to try to explore the brain, this still poorly understood planet. Conferences, film discussions, video cafés, science bars, fun workshops, and theater: in short, numerous entertaining, educational, and exciting events in Montpellier, Sète, Nîmes, and Frontignan. And they're free.
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