UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders. Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) have shown that micro-organisms in the gut (intestines) are really important for our brain health. Bacteria in the gut produce fatty acids which are a source of nutrition for cells in this part of the body. Foods such as grains and vegetables contain high levels of fibre and will stimulate gut bacteria to produce these fatty acids. The UCC study involved feeding mice fatty acids normally produced by gut bacteria and then subjecting them to stress. Using behaviour tests, the scientists assessed for anxiety or depressive-like behaviour. The researchers found that there was a decreased level of this type of behaviour when fatty acids were fed, and these results provide new insights on mechanisms related to the impact of the gut bacteria on our brains and behaviour. The Irish Examiner

Junior Cycle Science Food & Human Health: UCC Study: High fibre foods ease

UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders - Junior Cycle Science - Question 14 - 2019

Question 14

UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders. Researchers ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders - Junior Cycle Science - Question 14 - 2019

Step 1

a) Name a type of food that is high in fibre.

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Answer

Foods that are high in fibre include grains and vegetables.

Step 2

b) The study involved feeding mice fatty acids and then subjecting them to stress. Describe a control experiment which the scientists could have used in this investigation.

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Answer

A control experiment could involve having one group of mice that are not fed the fatty acids and are subjected to stress while another group is fed the fatty acids but not subjected to stress. This would help to isolate the effects of fatty acid consumption from the effects of stress.

Step 3

c) What observation did the scientists note about the behaviour of the mice after they had been fed fatty acids?

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The scientists observed decreased levels of depressive-like behaviour in mice that were fed fatty acids compared to those that were not.

Step 4

d) Do you agree or disagree with the use of animals (such as mice) in scientific research? Explain your answer.

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I agree with the use of animals in scientific research because it allows for controlled experiments that can provide valuable insights into human health. However, it is crucial to ensure that animals are treated ethically and that alternative methods are considered whenever possible.

Step 5

e) Human health is affected by environmental factors such as stress. Name another environmental factor which has an effect on human health.

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Pollution is another environmental factor that can significantly impact human health.

Step 6

f) This article highlights a beneficial role of micro-organisms in human health. State another example of how bacteria could have an effect on human health.

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Bacteria can have a detrimental effect on human health by causing diseases, such as causing respiratory infections or foodborne illnesses.

UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders - Junior Cycle Science - Question 14 - 2019

Worked Solution & Example Answer:UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders - Junior Cycle Science - Question 14 - 2019

a) Name a type of food that is high in fibre.

b) The study involved feeding mice fatty acids and then subjecting them to stress. Describe a control experiment which the scientists could have used in this investigation.

c) What observation did the scientists note about the behaviour of the mice after they had been fed fatty acids?

d) Do you agree or disagree with the use of animals (such as mice) in scientific research? Explain your answer.

e) Human health is affected by environmental factors such as stress. Name another environmental factor which has an effect on human health.

f) This article highlights a beneficial role of micro-organisms in human health. State another example of how bacteria could have an effect on human health.

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