Flinders University experts are exploring evidence that microbes in the soil and the environments around us can affect human microbiota and the ‘gut-brain axis,’ potentially shaping emotional states and relationship dynamics – including aspects of romantic love.
College of Science and Engineering biology researchers Dr Jake Robinson, Ondi Crino and Associate Professor Martin Breed, with UK neuroscientist Araceli Camargo, outline the idea in a review article proposing how the human gut microbiome might influence hormonal pathways involved in emotions commonly associated with love.
“We’re not claiming microbes ‘cause’ love,” says Dr Robinson. “Our aim is to map plausible biological routes, grounded in microbiology and endocrinology, that researchers can now evaluate with rigorous human studies.”
The mini-review, published in an American Society for Microbiology journal, synthesises evidence that microbes can modulate hormones and key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin.
“We are exploring how the evolutionary underpinnings of microbial-endocrine interactions could provide important insights into how microbes influence emotions beyond love, including hate and aggression.
“If these pathways are confirmed, the findings could open avenues for microbiome-informed strategies to support mental health and relational wellbeing. For now, it provides a roadmap for careful, hypothesis-driven science.”
As part of his research, Dr Robinson and colleagues are also mapping the complex web of interactions between biological, environmental and social systems – focusing on the potentially powerful role of soils in this network.
“As well as emitting important chemical and microbial signals, healthy soils support vegetation that improves air quality, buffer noise and moderate temperature to create immersive environments that affect our nervous, endocrine and immune system,” adds Associate Professor Breed.
“Conversely, soil degradation can increase unhealthy airborne particulates and reduce the richness of the aerobiome, with possible downstream effects on inflammation and mental wellbeing.”
Dr Robinson, the author of nature ecology books Invisible Fri