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Boston University

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 1, 2023·4 min read

Peptide PACAP’s Key Role in Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol, the world's most common addictive substance, leads to $249 billion in annual costs and 88,000 deaths in the U.S. Alcohol use disorder affects millions but is under-treated. Researchers discovered a key player in alcohol addiction: pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP).

Featured Neuroscience

·November 7, 2023·5 min read

Early Manganese Exposure Boosts Learning and Memory in Teens

New research reveals that manganese exposure in early life stages may enhance verbal learning and memory during adolescence. The study, utilizing tooth manganese levels as biomarkers, indicates that prenatal exposure is linked to improved cognitive functions, while postnatal exposure shows no significant association.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 28, 2023·5 min read

Not All Older Adults Reap Cognitive Benefits of Life Satisfaction

A new study delves into the link between life satisfaction and cognitive functioning in older adults. Surprisingly, while many studies advocate life satisfaction as a cognitive booster, this study suggests that it doesn't benefit everyone.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 11, 2023·6 min read

Playing Football Might Elevate Parkinson’s Risk

Researchers identified a potential link between playing tackle football and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In a study using a large online dataset, participants with a history of playing organized tackle football showed a 61% heightened odds of PD diagnosis.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 24, 2023·6 min read

Force, Not Frequency, Key to CTE Onset

Researchers redefined the leading factor contributing to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a severe neurological disorder. Traditionally, CTE was believed to stem from frequent head hits, regardless of concussions.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 18, 2023·6 min read

Brain Connectivity a Potential Indicator of Suicide Risk

Researchers have identified a potential marker in the brain that might indicate an increased risk of suicide. They observed that veterans with a history of suicide attempts demonstrated distinct functional connectivity between cognitive control and self-referential thought processing networks.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 11, 2023·8 min read

Shared Interests, Shared Essence: Unraveling the Psychology of Instant Connections

New research sheds light on the similarity-attraction effect, a psychological principle that governs how we form relationships based on shared interests. The study highlight the critical role of 'self-essentialist reasoning', a belief system where individuals perceive an inherent essence as the driver of their preferences and dislikes.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 31, 2023·5 min read

Centenarians Possess Unique Immunity That Helps Them Achieve Exceptional Longevity

Centenarians harbor a unique immune cell type, immune activity, and highly functioning immune system that has adapted to a history of illness, allowing for exceptional longevity.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 10, 2023·5 min read

Review Strengthens Evidence That Repetitive Head Impacts Can Cause CTE

Study confirms that repeated head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injury are the chief risk factors for the development of CTE.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·January 3, 2023·4 min read

Age-Related Macular Degeneration a Risk Factor for COVID-19 Infection and Severe Disease

More severe COVID-19 outcomes associated with age-related macular degeneration likely arise from a genetic predisposition in addition to higher levels of Pdgf in blood serum.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 16, 2022·4 min read

Higher Sense of Purpose in Life May Be Linked to Lower Mortality Risk

A sense of purpose may have health-protective benefits including a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline associated with aging.