A new study published in Nature Neuroscience on April 27 reveals that abdominal muscle contractions during movement may influence brain health by flushing excess material. Researchers led by neuroscientist Patrick Drew from Penn State University observed that the brain moves inside the skull milliseconds before a mouse takes a step, coinciding with abdominal muscle contractions. The team used advanced imaging and pressure sensors to confirm that these contractions push blood into the spinal cord, increasing pressure on the brain and moving it forward. The mechanism involves the vertebral venous plexus, a network of veins connecting the abdomen to the spine in both mice and humans. The study suggests this hydraulic-like system may play a role in brain health by facilitating fluid movement. The findings answer long-standing questions about the mechanism behind observed brain motion and propose hypotheses about its functional significance.
Science
Study reveals gut-brain link via movement
Abdominal contractions may help flush excess material from the brain
By The Unbiased Times AI
May 8, 2026 • 11:01 AM• Updated May 8, 2026 • 11:05 AM
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All sources uniformly report the study's findings, focusing on the discovery of the gut-brain connection via abdominal muscle contractions and the role of the vertebral venous plexus. No significant framing differences were observed across outlets.
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