The aim of this project is to understand how different populations of gut bacteria influence brain function and behaviour in humans. 

Did you know some of the bacteria in your gut produce the same chemicals that your brain uses every day? We want to know if these chemicals affect the way your brain functions and whether increasing the amount of "good" bacteria in your gut improves your ability to perform different tasks. 

This exciting project includes two studies using state-of-the-art technology to investigate the gut-brain axis in 250 healthy male volunteers. As the largest study of its kind, its outcomes are expected to change how we understand the link between the gut and the brain function in humans, and could contribute to the understanding of complex disorders such as autism spectrum disorders and anxiety.

If you would like to take part in the study, please follow this link to see if you are eligible.

If you have any questions about the study, you can check out or Frequently Asked Questions, or you can get in touch with us via email @ gutbrain@reading.ac.uk