Harvard Researchers Identify Gut Bacteria's Role in Depression
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a biological mechanism linking the gut bacterium Morganella morganii to major depressive disorder. The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, reveals that an inflammation-triggering molecule produced by M. morganii can activate the immune system, leading to the release of cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are associated with depression. This discovery provides a clearer understanding of how gut bacteria may influence brain health and suggests new targets for diagnosing or treating depression.