New Popular Science Book Exploring the Secrets of the Gut

We are delighted to announce the publication of a new popular science book for the general public, co-authored by Dr. Anita Annaházi, Assistant Professor at our Department, together with three internationally renowned German researchers. The German-language book, entitled *“Unser Darm – schlauer als man denkt”* (*“Our Gut – Smarter Than We Think”*), is already available for pre-order and will soon be released in bookstores across Germany. The book explores the structure and function of the gut–brain axis and the gut's own nervous system, while also providing insights into diseases associated with disturbances of the microbiota–gut–brain axis. In addition to offering practical advice on healthy digestion, the book draws on the latest scientific findings to address the following and many other fascinating questions: - Can the gut learn? - Why is the gut often referred to as our “second brain”? - What hidden risks might be associated with fecal microbiota transplantation from one person to another? - Do identical twins have the same bacteria in their guts? - Which type of nut contains naturally occurring radioactive substances? - Is fasting good for our health? - Does chocolate really make us happy, and can yogurt influence our mood? - Can autism be treated through the gut? - Could the gut play a role in the development of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease?

Szent-Györgyi Student Scholarship

Our Department’s TDK student, Sára Pető, has been admitted to the Szent-Györgyi Student Programme of the National Academy of Scientist Education (NASE) as a scholarship recipient. Coordinated by the National Biomedical Foundation, the programme aims to support outstanding students committed to the biomedical sciences and to foster their scientific development and future research careers. Sára’s mentor is Prof. Dr. Eszter Farkas, and her junior mentor is Dr. Rita Frank. Through the programme, she will have the opportunity to expand her scientific knowledge, further develop her research skills, and gain valuable professional experience. We warmly congratulate Sára on her successful admission and wish her continued success in her research!

New scientific publication

A research project led by Dr. Ádám Dénes (“Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest) investigated how immune cells in the brain – microglia and border-associated macrophages – influence the function of cerebral blood vessels during inflammation. The study also explored how these cells contribute to the regulation of cerebral blood flow. As part of this research, we in Szeged monitored cerebrovascular responses in parallel with EEG recordings. Our experimental results helped determine whether the observed changes in vascular responses were associated with alterations in neuronal activity. The findings of this collaborative research involving teams from Hungary, France, Germany and the United Kingdom were recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications. We are delighted and proud to have contributed to this research!

Students’ research competition essay

At the Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School of the University of Szeged, students have the opportunity to submit TDK research papers four times a year. In response to the latest call, our TDK student Elsherbini Abdelrahman Mohamed submitted his research paper entitled “Electric muscle stimulation exerts a cardioprotective effect in post-stroke mice,” supervised by Dr. Ákos Menyhárt. We are proud to announce that, based on the reviewers’ evaluations, the TDK Council awarded the research paper first prize! We warmly congratulate our student and his supervisor and wish them continued success in their research!

iCSD 2026

The 2026 International Conference on Spreading Depolarization (iCSD) was held from September 18–22, 2026, at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, USA. Our Department was represented by our Chair, Prof. Eszter Farkas, who gave a talk presenting some of the latest highlights from our research. It was a pleasure to be part of this multidisciplinary community of clinicians, scientists, engineers, and innovators dedicated to advancing our understanding of spreading depolarization (SD) and its implications across the spectrum of neurological diseases. This year’s conference aimed to balance fundamental insights and discoveries in SD physiology (Knowledge) with translational research driving clinical and preclinical applications (Wisdom). Together, these pillars support the broader mission of advancing SD research within the neuroscience community and raising awareness of conditions in which SD is thought to play a central role (Education).

New Popular Science Book Exploring the Secrets of the Gut

Szent-Györgyi Student Scholarship

New scientific publication

Students’ research competition essay

iCSD 2026

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