Your gut microbes might encourage criminal behavior

technologyreview.comPublished: 5/9/2025

Summary

Microbes living inside our bodies could influence our behavior, potentially explaining criminal actions. With trillions of them in our microbiomes, from gut bacteria to fungi, these organisms interact with the human nervous system through compounds, immune systems, and even the vagus nerve. This interaction could theoretically shape how we act, including criminal behavior. Researchers have coined "legalome" to describe the legal implications of such findings, which could revolutionize crime prevention and treatment by enhancing understanding of microbial influence on human actions.