Researchers have identified two gut bacteria that produce serotonin, a chemical that regulates bowel movements.[1] In experiments with serotonin-depleted mice, these microbes increased serotonin levels, the number of nerve cells in the colon, and normalized bowel movements.[1] One of the bacteria is Limosilactobacillus mucosae.[1] People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have lower levels of Limosilactobacillus mucosae in their stools compared to healthy individuals.[1] This bacterial species contains an enzyme for the production of serotonin.[1] The study comes from the University of Gothenburg.[1] The discovery suggests that gut microbes could be a target for treating digestive disorders.[1]