Science

What evolved first—our brain or gut?

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 19/10/2026, 13:55:26 UTC.

Briefings

Flinders University researchers propose that the gut's nervous system evolved first, acting as the body's original brain, while the brain developed later to support gut functions. This challenges the traditional view that the brain evolved first to serve the gut. The study suggests the gut's nervous system is the primary control center, with the brain evolving subsequently to assist it. The evidence comes from a single article published in October 2026, which presents a hypothesis rather than established facts. The research remains unverified and lacks further supporting data or peer review.

Key points

• Scientists at Flinders University argue the gut's nervous system evolved first, serving as the body's original 'brain' before the brain evolved to support it.

Context

A single article published in October 2026 by Flinders University presents a hypothesis that the gut's nervous system is the body's original brain, challenging the traditional view that the brain evolved first to serve the gut.

Limitations

The evidence consists of one article from October 2026, which presents a hypothesis rather than established facts. The research lacks peer review, further supporting data, or additional studies to validate the claim.

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