Violent criminals can now blame their behavior on their internal gut bacteria

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The more we find out about the microbiome, the more we realize how truly profound its effects are in shaping who we become.

We already know that the microbes in our bodies may affect our emotions – including our fear response – but how far does their influence reach in terms of determining our personality?

In a new early-release study published in Translational Psychiatry, scientists have found evidence to suggest that microbiota may even influence people's experience of psychopathy, with researchers discovering links between levels of certain gut and oral microbes and psychopathic personality traits.

While the findings have yet to undergo peer review, the researchers say it's the first time we've found evidence of how microbiota could contribute to psychopathic traits, which remain poorly understood in terms of their biological underpinnings.

Psychopathy is a personality construct marked by characteristics including lack of empathy, antisocial tendencies, impulsiveness, and egoism, but where psychopathic personalities emerge from is still not fully clear.

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