Psychology and More

A BBC article reports on a study linking immune system functioning to serotonin production, and mental health. The study is currently in press for the journal Neuroscience. Click here for the abstract.

To stimulate immune response, the researchers used Mycobacterium vaccae, a particular bacteria that is commonly found in dirt.

BBC NEWS | Health | Dirt exposure ‘boosts happiness’:

Lead researcher Dr Chris Lowry said: “These studies help us understand how the body communicates with the brain and why a healthy immune system is important for maintaining mental health.

”They also leave us wondering if we shouldn’t all spend more time playing in the dirt.“

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