The human body is home to trillions of microbes, outnumbering human cells. These tiny organisms, residing mostly in our guts, can produce compounds that affect our nervous system and even communicate with our brains via the vagus nerve. A fascinating case involved a Belgian man in his 30s who was acquitted of drunk driving after being diagnosed with auto-brewery syndrome. His blood alcohol level was four times the legal limit, yet he hadn’t consumed alcohol. Instead, microbes in his body fermented carbohydrates into ethanol. This rare condition has led to the acquittal of at least two individuals. Research also suggests that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which affects rodents’ behavior, may influence human aggression and impulsivity. In a 2013 study, fecal transplants between timid and gregarious mice swapped their behaviors, demonstrating the potential of gut microbes to alter behavior. While direct links between specific microbes and criminal behavior remain elusive, the emerging field of the “legalome” explores how microbiology could impact legal proceedings and crime prevention.
Source: www.technologyreview.com

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