Vanderbilt researchers, including those from the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, have made significant strides in understanding how the enteric nervous system—sometimes called the "brain" of the gut—forms ...

Preterm births have been rising in the United States since 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Fortunately, the survival rate for infants born before 37 weeks of pregnancy has been ...

The enteric nervous system (ENS) comprises an extensive network of neurons and glia embedded within the gut wall, regulating motility, secretion and blood flow. It operates semi-autonomously yet ...

A recent Nutrients study investigates the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on the neuronal population in the porcine jejunum. Study: Oral Exposure to Microplastics Affects the ...

I suddenly feel the need to use the restroom before an important meeting.”“My stomach starts hurting right before an ...

In recent years enteric glial cells have moved on from being regarded as bit part players passively supporting intestinal epithelial cells, to being recognized as having a fundamental role in ...

The winner receives $25,000 and publication of their essay in the November 3 issue of Science. The enteric nervous system (ENS) – a complex network of neurons and glia often referred to as the “second ...

The enteric nervous system that regulates our gut is often called the body’s “second brain.” Although it cannot solve problems like the brain, this extensive network uses the same chemicals and cells ...

A new study reveals a previously unknown function of opioid receptors in the development of the enteric nervous system, often referred to as the “brain in the gut.” This discovery challenges ...

A still image of a three-dimensional view of the enteric nervous system. This is the first time a three-dimensional view of this part of the colon has been captured by any imaging technique.