We are living in a microbial world. The microbes were there first, and in terms of genes we are more than 99 per cent microbial. As a neuroscientist it’s humbling to think that the weight of our gut microbes is about the same as our brain. In terms of cells we’re 1.3:1 microbial (next time you go to the bathroom and get rid of some of your microbes, just think: you’re becoming more human).

Remember the story of Pinocchio? The puppet has many adventures, but his creator Geppetto is rarely far away, guiding him along. This parallels the relationships that our brain has with our gut microbes: Who is really in charge?

Link to: Prof Cryans address to the British Psychological Society Annual conference summary

Link to: The Psychologist 2019 Cryan article 'More than a gut feeling'