FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 4, 2020A new and unique mutation in coronavirusA new genetic sequencing study reveals SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for coronavirus, originated from a single source in Wuhan, China. However, many of the localized cases in the US show Europe as the most likely source of infection. The study also identified a SARS-CoV-2 mutation that has never been seen before, where 81 of the letters have been permanently deleted from the genome. The mutation mirrors a large deletion that occurred during the 2003 SARS outbreak. During the mid-to-late phases of the 2003 SARS infection, the accumulated mutations attenuated the virus, leaving a weakened form of infection that resulted in less severe symptoms. Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 4, 2020Anterior insula activation restores prosocial behavior in animal model of opioid addictionUsing chemogenetic methods, researchers activated neurons in the anterior insular and increased prosocial behavior in rodent models of opioid addiction. Read More
FeaturedNeuroethicsNeurosciencePsychology·February 17, 2020Our digital afterlifeWith so much of our lives shared online, researchers question what will happen to our social media information after we die. Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 20, 2020Infants integrate firsthand and social experiences to decide when and how to tryChildren as young as 18 months combine information from their own first-hand experiences and the experiences of others to decide whether to persist in trying to solve a problem. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·September 27, 2019Common nutrient supplement choline may hold the answers to combating Alzheimer’sTaking dietary choline supplements may help to protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease. Choline reduces the activation of microglia which, when overactivated, contribute to neuroinflammation and apoptosis associated with Alzheimer's. Choline also helps block the production of amyloid plaques. Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 28, 2019Teens are using a highly potent form of marijuanaMany teens are turning away from using traditional marijuana and are using marijuana concentrates. Marijuana concentrates increate the risk for addiction, psychosis, and cognitive impairment. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·August 26, 2019An innovative new diagnostic for Lyme diseaseResearchers have discovered six candidate biomarkers for Lyme disease. A newly developed test can help identify the disease which, until now, has been notoriously difficult to detect. Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 18, 2019How people engage with science can promote unbelief or beliefs about God(s)Study suggests those who feel in awe of scientific discoveries are more likely to believe in a god, while those who are more inclined to logical thinking were less likely to believe in a deity. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·June 12, 2019Women caught in a pickle by their own immune systemsPregnancy Compensation Hypothesis may explain why women are more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis and lupus, than men. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·March 6, 2019More Than Just Memories: A New Role for the Hippocampus During LearningA new role for the hippocampus involving pattern separation and conjunctive representation in reinforcement learning is discussed. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurology·January 8, 2019Choline Helps Fight Alzheimer’s Across GenerationsResearchers report when mice bred to display Alzheimer's like symptoms were given diets high in choline, their offspring showed improvements in spatial memory compared to those exposed to normal levels of choline in the womb. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 7, 2018Hysterectomy Linked to Memory DeficitsA new rat study reveals animals who underwent hysterectomies with their ovaries left in tact experienced memory deficits. Researchers believe the uterus may have functions beyond reproduction. Read More
