Read the following article, ignoring the empty spaces (1-5) for the time being. Then, check
the alternative that shows the sequence of words that CORRECTLY fill in the gaps:
What controls our emotions? The same two people might see the same tragic newspaper headline,
(1) __________ one is much more emotionally affected than the other. Why is that? According to an
international team led by UCLA researchers, these emotions may be partially driven by an unlikely
source: our gut bacteria. In fact, the bacteria that colonize our intestines may influence the architecture of
the brain itself.
The experiment examining the relationship between brain development and the gut microbiome was
conducted with mice. Specific strains of mice, one that lacked a complete gut microbiome and one that had
a normal microbiome, were compared in terms of their brain development and behavior. The influence of
microorganisms is not limited to brain development.
Interestingly, the mice with the ―normal‖ microbiome had more anxiety and moved less than the mice
without the microbiome. (2) __________ exposed to a microbiome early in life, the active, calm mice
began to act more anxious and reduced their movements. Microbiota evidently had this influence by
affecting hormonal expression and building particular pathways in the brain associated with anxiety. The
influence on brain development apparently occurred at a particular point early in the mouse‘s life, so it‘s
possible early exposure to a proper microbiome is important for normal development. The researchers
speculate that the microbiome helps the mice develop an appropriate sense of caution.
The influence of microorganisms is not limited to brain development. (3) __________ no conclusive link
has been established, a few studies have detected abnormalities in the gut microbiomes of children with
Autism Spectrum Disorders compared to non-affected children. Nor is microorganism influence limited to
gut bacteria. A separate study in hyenas (also awaiting conclusive proof) suggests that individual hyenas
use a specific cocktail of stinky bacteria in their scent markers left as a message to other hyenas.
(4) __________ some fungus can get in on the act, hijacking ants and forcing the unfortunate insects to
relocate to a place favorable for a fungus to grow. The ant does not survive, but it makes great fungus food.
(5) __________ a growing body of evidence from other animals, until the UCLA study there was not much
direct research on how the microbiome affects humans. But given its potential importance, hopefully there
will soon be more research along these lines. Going with your gut, indeed!
Disponível em:< https://daily.jstor.org/your-gut-youremotions/?utm_term=YOUR%20GUT%2C%20YOUR%20EMOTIONS&utm_campaign=jstordaily_08032017&utm_content=e
mail&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email>. Acesso em: 15 Set. 2017.
Check the CORRECT alternative.