http://www.newsweek.com/scientists-reveal-hidden-factor-childhood-brain-development-1855048

The first years of our lives are critical when it comes to brain development and cognition. But reading books and learning times tables can only go so far when driving this cognitive development.

Our bodies are home to trillions of microbes, collectively known as our microbiome. These microbes rapidly colonize our body from the moment we leave our mother's womb—through contact with the birth canal (if birthed vaginally), caregivers, food, breastmilk and our environment—and continue to change throughout our lives.