Thursday, April 05, 2007

Told you so!!!!! Nah nah nah nah

A recent study found that the bacteria Mycobacterium accae, commonly found in soil,
increased serotonin levels in the brains of mice.

A lack of serotonin is thought to cause depression in humans. Researchers became interested in the bacteria after cancer patients being treated with it began unexpectedly reporting lifted moods and better quality of life.

The study was small, but researchers hope to look into the connection between the bacteria, healthy immune systems and depression to find out if there would be benefit from developing treatment options from this or other kinds of bacteria.

Gardeners already know that digging in the dirt and soaking up the springtime sunshine make them feel happy and rejuvenated, but as Dr. Chris Lowry -- lead author of this study -- says, "They (these studies) leave us wondering if we all shouldn't be spending more time playing in the dirt."

1 comments:

Emerld said...

Hi Judith!

Glad you're doing well. I want to let you know I have a new blog address: http://emerld232.blogspot.com/

Stupid Google! I upgraded and cannot access the old one! Drives me nuts.

Say Hi to Mary for me!

It's so cold here, I won't plant for at least 2 more weeks. Brrr


Love

jen