When bacteria take control

What if the bacteria in our gut had an effect on our brain? As part of Brain Week*, the UM invites you to a conference on these discreet hosts that seem to have so much influence on our health and behavior.


Help, bacteria are invading! Nothing to worry about. Not only bacteria, but also viruses, parasites and fungi, our bodies are home to numerous micro-organisms that proliferate in our various mucous membranes, particularly in the intestine. Scientists call this lively community "microbiota". And, as Philippe Berta explains...

2 kg microscopic hosts

"Man's digestive tract alone is home to some 100,000 billion micro-organisms: 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 this professor at the University of Nîmes, who is responsible for the Biology-Health master's program at the UM.
"Microbiota"? It's a term that was unfamiliar just a few years ago... We used to talk about "intestinal flora". That was before we realized its importance, and above all, made an astounding discovery: this "flora" is anything but vegetative, and is in fact intensely active. It is said to influence digestive, metabolic, immune and neurological functions. So much so, in fact, that some researchers now consider the intestinal microbiota 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, multiple evidences suggest the capacity of this same microbiota 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, autism, stress, even Alzheimer's.
"Bacteria and the brain, the story of a meeting"
WednesdayMarch15, 2017 from 6pm to 7pm
Site des Carmes, Nîmes

* The brain from every angle!
From March 2 to 21, it's Brain Week: meetings between the general public and researchers to take a tour of the brain, that still poorly explored planet. Conferences, film debates and video cafés, science bars, fun workshops and theater: in short, a whole host of events in Montpellier, Sète, Nîmes and Frontignan, all fun, educational and exciting. All free of charge.
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