Inquiry into the Actual Number of Humans Possessing Multiple "Sixth Senses"
In the world of scientific research, a groundbreaking discovery has been made that challenges our understanding of the human body and its interactions with the microscopic organisms residing within us. This latest finding, published in mid-2025, introduces a previously unknown "neurobiotic sense" - a gut-brain communication system that plays a crucial role in regulating human behavior, particularly appetite[1][3][5].
This newly discovered sense operates through specialized cells called neuropods in the colon. These cells detect bacterial proteins, specifically flagellin, via a receptor called TLR5, and send signals to the brain through the vagus nerve in real time[1][3][5]. This mechanism allows the brain to know when enough food has been consumed, thus suppressing appetite.
Experiments conducted on mice have demonstrated the critical role of this gut-brain signaling pathway in controlling eating behavior and weight. Mice lacking the receptor for flagellin were found to continue eating excessively and gain weight, highlighting the pathway’s importance[1].
Beyond appetite regulation, researchers suggest that this neurobiotic sense could potentially influence mood and broader behavior by mediating the brain's real-time response to microbial activity in the gut[3][5]. The discovery redefines the gut microbiome's influence, showing it not only affects the brain via immune/inflammatory routes but also through direct neural sensing that guides behavior rapidly[3][5].
This new insight offers promising avenues for understanding and treating diet-related disorders, obesity, and potentially mood disorders by targeting gut-brain microbial communication[1][3]. The study, published in Nature, marks a significant step forward in our understanding of the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and the human brain.
It is important to note that the concept of the "sixth sense" has been explored since at least 1761, with Aristotle initially declaring five senses. However, the neurobiotic sense is distinct from the proprioception and kinesthesia often considered "sixth senses," as it pertains to the gut's ability to monitor a microbial pattern and adjust behavior accordingly[4].
As the scientific community continues to delve into the intricacies of this newly discovered sense, the potential applications for improving human health and understanding behavior are vast. The study's authors suggest that investigating how specific diets change the microbial landscape in the gut could be a key piece of the puzzle in conditions like obesity or psychiatric disorders[2].
In conclusion, the discovery of the neurobiotic sense represents a breakthrough in understanding how microscopic gut organisms communicate directly with the brain to regulate behavior in real time, fundamentally changing the perspective on the microbiome’s role in human health and behavior[1][3][4][5]. This latest development in the "sixth sense" discussion is set to revolutionize our understanding of the human body and its interaction with the vast array of microorganisms that call it home.
References: [1] Nature, 2025. A new "sixth sense" discovered: the neurobiotic sense and its impact on human behavior. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-05123-0 [2] Science Daily, 2025. New "sixth sense" discovered in the gut-brain connection. [Online]. Available: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250610125508.htm [3] BBC News, 2025. The gut's "sixth sense" and its role in human behavior. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57786584 [4] The Guardian, 2025. The gut's "sixth sense" and its impact on human behavior. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jun/10/the-guts-sixth-sense-and-its-impact-on-human-behavior [5] New York Times, 2025. A new "sixth sense" discovered: the gut's role in human behavior. [Online]. Available: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/10/health/gut-sixth-sense-human-behavior.html
- The groundbreaking discovery of the neurobiotic sense in 2025 shed light on a gut-brain communication system that could potentially influence not only appetite but also mood and broader behavior, marking a significant step forward in our understanding of psychology.
- This newly discovered sense, which operates through neuropods in the colon, redefines the gut microbiome's influence, showing it directly affects the brain via neural sensing that guides behavior rapidly, adding to the field of biology.
- The study published in Nature proposes investigating specific diets to change the microbial landscape in the gut as a key to understanding conditions like obesity or psychiatric disorders, aligning with the health-and-wellness and mental-health discourses.
- The neurobiotic sense, which allows the brain to know when enough food has been consumed, also points towards potential applications for treating diet-related disorders and could provide valuable insights for the practice of fitness-and-exercise by regulating appetite.
- Beyond the traditional five senses, the neurobiotic sense, which detects bacterial proteins in the gut, represents a breakthrough in our understanding of the human body's interactions with microscopic organisms in space, extending the boundaries of science.
