PhysOrg reports on Flinders University researchers who have found that soil microbes can affect our gut biota, which in turn can influence our emotional lives, including our feelings of romantic love:
College of Science and Engineering biology researchers Dr. Jake Robinson, Ondi Crino and Associate Professor Martin Breed, with UK neuroscientist Araceli Camargo, outline the idea in a review article in mSystems proposing how the human gut microbiome might influence hormonal pathways involved in emotions commonly associated with love.
“We’re not claiming microbes ’cause’ love,” says Dr. Robinson. “Our aim is to map plausible biological routes, grounded in microbiology and endocrinology, that researchers can now evaluate with rigorous human studies.”
The mini-review, “Does a microbial-endocrine interplay shape love-associated emotions in humans? A hypothesis,” synthesizes evidence that microbes can modulate hormones and key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin.
“We are exploring how the evolutionary underpinnings of microbial-endocrine interactions could provide important insights into how microbes influence emotions beyond love, including hate and aggression.
“If these pathways are confirmed, the findings could open avenues for microbiome-informed strategies to support mental health and relational well-being. For now, it provides a roadmap for careful, hypothesis-driven science.”