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Aarhus University

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 5, 2024·4 min read

Brain’s Defense Mechanism Against Herpesvirus Identified

Researchers have identified a novel defense mechanism in the brain that prevents herpesvirus from causing severe brain infections, despite the virus being present in over half the population. This discovery highlights the protective role of the TMEFF1 gene, which produces a protein that blocks the virus from entering nerve cells. The findings could lead to a better understanding of brain immunity and its role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for studying brain defense mechanisms and their implications for brain health.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·June 25, 2024·3 min read

How The Brain Predicts Music

A new study reveals how our brains recognize and predict musical sequences, activating areas related to sound, memory, and emotions. This understanding could help develop tools to detect cognitive decline and dementia. The study measured brainwaves of 83 participants, showing the complex neural processes involved in music perception. Future research will explore how these mechanisms change with age and cognitive impairments.

This shows a person surrounded by smoke.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 30, 2023·7 min read

Cigarettes Ignite the Risk of Mental Illness

A new study reveals a direct link between smoking and the increased risk of mental illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder. The research, based on data from 350,000 individuals from the UK Biobank, shows that smoking increases the risk of hospitalization for mental illness by 250%.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·August 29, 2023·6 min read

Genes Behind Depression Could Pave Way for Other Mental Disorders

Researchers completed the largest-ever genetic study on depression, encompassing 1.3 million genomes. Their findings indicate that individuals with hospital-treated depression have an increased genetic risk for other psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.

This shows a figure of a woman surrounded by pink pills.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 7, 2023·7 min read

Birth Control Pills Affect Women’s Stress Hormone Levels

Social activity reduces the levels of stress hormone ACTH in women not on birth control pills, but not in women who are. The study, involving women of an average age of 20.5 years, discovered the stress response in women off birth control depends on their menstrual cycle phase.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 15, 2023·6 min read

Is Cannabis Use Disorder A Stepping Stone to Mental Health Disorders?

A new study sheds light on the strong link between cannabis use disorder and mental health conditions, indicating a much higher risk than previously thought. The research, based on data from over six million Danes, reveals that individuals with cannabis use disorder have almost double the risk of developing depression and two to three times higher risk of bipolar disorder.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 25, 2023·3 min read

Moonlighting Proteasome: Unraveling a Novel Role in Brain Synapses

Researchers reveal a previously unknown role of the 19S regulatory particle, part of the cellular proteasome machinery, at the synapses in the brain. These particles were found to be independently regulating synaptic proteins without the presence of their usual partner, the 20S catalytic particle. This independent function of 19S, described as "moonlighting", could help synapses adapt to various conditions.

This shows a person taking a photo of food.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 22, 2023·7 min read

Viewing Food Images Multiple Times Curbs Appetite

Viewing images of the same food item multiple times can lead to a feeling of fullness. The study found that when participants viewed the same food picture 30 times, they subsequently chose smaller portion sizes compared to those who saw the image just three times.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 4, 2023·5 min read

Higher Risk of Psychiatric Disorders for Children Exposed to Epilepsy Drugs During Pregnancy

A new study from Aarhus University indicates that certain types of epilepsy medication taken during pregnancy may increase the risk of severe psychiatric disorders in children. The research found a worrying link between the antiseizure medication valproate and the child's risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as autism, ADHD and intellectual disability. The study underscores the need for more research to help pregnant women with epilepsy and their doctors make informed decisions about the use of medicine during pregnancy.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 20, 2023·4 min read

Music for Study and Sleep: Surprising Discovery on How Music Boosts Focus and Relaxation

Analyzing data from the popular music streaming service Spotify, researchers found the music we listen to while studying and the songs we prefer while falling asleep share more similarities than music in general.

This shows a woman sleeping with the ear EEG in

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 20, 2023·4 min read

Ear EEG Tests for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s at Home

Researchers are developing and testing a novel EEG system that is worn in the ear, similar to an earbud, that maps brain activities during sleep and could help diagnose neurodegenerative diseases from the data it collects.