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Columbia University

·February 20, 2024·4 min read

Brain’s Dual Code for Social Memory Unraveled

Researchers discovered how the brain simultaneously recognizes new and familiar faces while recalling specific details about known individuals. Through mouse studies, the team identified that the CA2 region of the hippocampus uses distinct neural activity patterns to differentiate between novel and familiar social encounters.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 15, 2024·4 min read

Unlocking Cell Death Secrets: Lipids Key to Ferroptosis Control

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying a rare lipid as a crucial factor in ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death. This lipid, characterized by its two polyunsaturated fatty acyl tails, plays a significant role in various conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The findings could revolutionize our approach to treating these diseases by either preventing or inducing ferroptosis.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 18, 2024·6 min read

Positive Adult Bond Buffers Against Depression in Kids Facing Adversity

Positive relationships with parents and other adults during childhood significantly contribute to better mental health in adulthood. Analyzing data from the Boricua Youth Study, researchers found that children with at least one nurturing adult relationship had lower risks of depression, anxiety, and stress later in life. This study, focusing on marginalized and minoritized youth, highlights the importance of supportive adult connections as a resilience factor against mental disorders.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2023·5 min read

Mapping Ketamine’s Impact on the Brain

A study reveals that repeated use of ketamine leads to structural changes in the brain's dopamine system, emphasizing the need for targeted ketamine therapies. The research suggests that specific brain regions should be addressed to minimize unintended effects on other dopamine areas.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 26, 2023·5 min read

Rising Temperatures Show Climate’s Hidden Impact on Substance Use

A new study reveals a direct correlation between elevated temperatures and increased hospital visits due to alcohol and substance disorders. Not only does this shed light on unforeseen implications of climate change but also underscores the urgency for public health interventions, especially during warmer weather.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 30, 2023·5 min read

Marijuana Users Found to Have Elevated Lead Levels

Researchers found marijuana users have significantly higher levels of metals like lead and cadmium in their blood and urine. The study, which is one of the largest of its kind, analyzed data from over 7,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

This shows the outline of a head and neurons.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 22, 2023·6 min read

Parkinson’s Puzzle: Is the Root in the Gut, Not the Brain?

For years, Parkinson's has been labeled a brain disorder. However, intriguing research hints at its origins not in the brain, but the gut.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 3, 2023·5 min read

Adolescence’s Impact on Adult Dopamine Function and Impulsivity

In a novel study, researchers reveal a sensitive developmental phase during adolescence that significantly influences adult impulsivity, aggression, and dopamine function in mice. This study highlights the implications of stimulant drug exposure during this period.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 3, 2023·6 min read

AI Predicts CRISPR’s RNA-Targeting Effects, Revolutionizing Gene Therapy

Researchers developed a deep learning model, TIGER, that accurately predicts on- and off-target activity of RNA-targeting CRISPR tools. This new approach allows the fine-tuning of gene activity in human cells.

This shows a person eating a berry fruit salad.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 29, 2023·7 min read

Memory Boosting Power of Flavanols in Aging Adults

A new study establishes the critical role of flavanols, nutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables, in mitigating age-related memory loss. The research shows a correlation between flavanol intake and scores on memory tests among older adults.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 2, 2023·4 min read

The Lasting Impact of High School Quality on Cognition 60 Years Later

A new study has established a connection between late-life cognition and the quality of education a person was able to access in high school. Sampling over 2000 people who attended high school in the 1960s, researchers found those who had a better educational high school experience faired better in tests of cognitive function later in life than those who had attended a poorer quality high school. The findings could help improve current educational standards and suggest focusing on the quality of high school education can have a significant, beneficial impact on cognition throughout life, especially for minorities who are more likely to attend schools with a lower educational quality.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 25, 2023·5 min read

Depression and Anxiety Linked to Accelerated Biological Aging in Adults

Adults with advanced biological age are at a higher risk of depression and anxiety, according to a study that found participants with older biological age were 6% more likely to develop these mental health conditions at the 8.7-year follow-up compared to those who tested younger biologically.