Gut bacteria linked to OCD risk in large genetic study, shifting focus from brain.
A large genetic study found that certain gut bacteria could actually influence the risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), challenging the idea that OCD is only a brain-based condition. By analyzing genetic data from over 200,000 people, researchers identified six types of gut microbes linked to OCD—some increasing risk and others offering protection—using a method that avoids usual lifestyle biases.
This discovery points to the gut microbiome as a possible target for future OCD treatments, expanding the focus beyond just the brain.
Meanwhile,
A fascinating theory proposed by neuroscientists suggests that we can slow down our perception of time through deliberate control of the mind. While we can’t alter physical time itself, the brain’s processing speed and attention mechanisms can make moments appear to stretch or contract effectively allowing us to experience time differently. This mental phenomenon is rooted in how the brain records and interprets sensory information during high-focus or high-stress moments.
When we are fully present such as during meditation, extreme concentration, or moments of danger the brain processes more details per second. Because more information is being encoded, it feels as though time has slowed down. Scientists believe that by training the brain through mindfulness, meditation, or heightened sensory awareness, individuals can learn to control this perception intentionally.
This discovery highlights how deeply subjective and flexible our experience of time truly is. It bridges neuroscience and philosophy, suggesting that time may not be a fixed experience but a mental construct shaped by awareness. In essence, by sharpening our focus and deepening consciousness, humans might just have the power to bend time from within.
Finally, Did you Know that....
Flavanols are bioactive compounds found in cocoa known for their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. They help improve blood flow to the brain, enhance the connectivity of neurons, and promote the growth of new brain cells. These effects collectively support memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance.
In the study, adults with mild memory impairment consumed a flavanol-rich cocoa beverage daily over a set period. Researchers measured improvements in verbal recall, working memory, and overall cognitive function. The results were striking: participants demonstrated significantly better memory, with performance comparable to individuals decades younger.
Experts suggest that the drink’s effectiveness lies in its ability to stimulate the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for forming and retrieving memories. Enhanced blood flow and neuronal activity in this area improve both short-term and long-term memory retention, making flavanol-rich cocoa a promising intervention for age-related cognitive decline.
Beyond memory benefits, cocoa flavanols may also reduce inflammation, lower oxidative stress, and protect neurons from degeneration, offering a holistic approach to brain health. Researchers are optimistic that regular consumption could serve as a simple, enjoyable, and natural strategy to slow or reverse memory loss, complementing other lifestyle interventions like exercise, mental stimulation, and a balanced diet.
This discovery underscores the incredible potential of functional foods in supporting cognitive longevity. For adults experiencing memory challenges, a daily flavanol-rich cocoa drink may be a delicious and science-backed way to reclaim sharper recall and mental agility.
My Food For Thought for Today:
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