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environmental neuroscience

·November 24, 2024·6 min read

Brain Mapping Unveils Secrets to Designing Livable, People-Centric Cities

Researchers have demonstrated how brain activity can predict behavior in urban environments, providing a roadmap for improving urban planning. Using functional MRI scans, the study identified activity in the brain's reward system, specifically the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, as a key predictor of why people visit certain urban areas. Participants rated photos of Lisbon's urban spaces, and their brain responses were linked to visitation patterns, showing that people are drawn to areas of perceived value.

This shows a green area and a darker street.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 12, 2024·5 min read

Satellite Data Reveals How Environment Shapes Kids’ Brain Health

A new study links satellite data with brain imaging to reveal how environmental factors like light pollution, green spaces, and urban density affect the mental health and brain development of children. Researchers examined data from over 11,800 children in 21 U.S. cities, finding links between physical surroundings and brain structure. They observed that green areas correlated with positive cognitive health, while light pollution and urban density were associated with less favorable outcomes.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 1, 2024·5 min read

Air Pollution Linked to Poor Learning and Memory in Kids

Exposure to ammonium nitrate, a component of fine particulate pollution from agricultural emissions, is associated with reduced learning and memory in children. This type of pollution, also linked to neurodegenerative risks in adults, highlights how air quality impacts brain health across ages.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 17, 2024·5 min read

Chemical Mixtures in Blood Show Additive Neurotoxic Effects

A new study has found that even low concentrations of chemicals, when mixed, can have cumulative neurotoxic effects on human cells. Using blood samples from a cohort of pregnant women, researchers identified and analyzed the presence of over 300 chemicals.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 6, 2024·6 min read

Microplastics Found in Human Brains, Raising Health Concerns

A new study has found microplastics in human brains for the first time, raising concerns about the potential health impact. Researchers analyzed samples from autopsies and discovered an accumulation of plastic particles in brain tissue, likely due to exposure through food, water, and air.

This shows a teen awake at night with a bottle of water in their hand.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 4, 2024·7 min read

80-Minute Sleep Loss in Teens Exposed to “Forever Chemicals”

igher blood levels of four specific types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," are linked to poorer sleep quality in young adults. These chemicals, found in everyday products and the environment, have been shown to disrupt genes responsible for regulating sleep and wake cycles, leading to decreased sleep duration and more sleep disturbances.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 6, 2024·5 min read

Environment and Hippocampal Size Impact Depression in Youth

Challenging social environments and the size of the left hippocampus in children aged 9-11 contribute to an increased risk of depression. Researchers found that children with larger hippocampal volumes are more sensitive to negative social environments, amplifying depressive symptoms over a two-year period.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 6, 2024·3 min read

Nighttime Light Pollution Linked to Higher Alzheimer’s Risk

A recent study has found a positive correlation between nighttime light pollution and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the United States. Researchers discovered that higher levels of light at night are associated with increased AD rates, particularly among individuals under the age of 65.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 4, 2024·6 min read

“Forever Chemicals” May Disrupt Brain Development

Exposure to PFAS, chemicals found in everyday products, can disrupt brain development in zebrafish, a model often used to predict effects in humans. Researchers discovered that PFAS activate specific genes related to behavior changes in zebrafish larvae, particularly those in the ppar gene group.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 4, 2024·3 min read

Cadmium Exposure Linked to Memory Issues

A recent study explored the link between cadmium exposure and cognitive decline, finding that higher cadmium levels may be associated with thinking and memory problems in white people. The study followed 2,172 people over 10 years, with results showing no association overall but revealing a possible link when analyzing Black and white participants separately.

This shows a man surrounded by bright light.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 23, 2024·7 min read

Bright Light, Sharper Mind: Lighting Affects Cognition

A new study explores how different light levels impact cognitive function by influencing hypothalamic activity in the brain. The study utilized advanced 7 Tesla fMRI to show that higher levels of light improve cognitive performance during complex tasks.

This shows a hand covered in plastic beads.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 15, 2024·7 min read

Microplastics Journey from Gut to Vital Organs

A new study highlights the alarming infiltration of microplastics into human tissues, including the kidney, liver, and brain. The study investigates how these tiny particles, commonly ingested through water, food, and air, breach the gastrointestinal tract to affect major organs and metabolic pathways.

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environmental neuroscience

Brain Mapping Unveils Secrets to Designing Livable, People-Centric Cities

Satellite Data Reveals How Environment Shapes Kids’ Brain Health

Air Pollution Linked to Poor Learning and Memory in Kids

Chemical Mixtures in Blood Show Additive Neurotoxic Effects

Microplastics Found in Human Brains, Raising Health Concerns

80-Minute Sleep Loss in Teens Exposed to “Forever Chemicals”

Environment and Hippocampal Size Impact Depression in Youth

Nighttime Light Pollution Linked to Higher Alzheimer’s Risk

“Forever Chemicals” May Disrupt Brain Development

Cadmium Exposure Linked to Memory Issues

Bright Light, Sharper Mind: Lighting Affects Cognition

Microplastics Journey from Gut to Vital Organs

Warmth and Hugging Strengthen the Feeling of Being You

Microplastics Accelerate Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Damage

Growing Fear of Nature: Study Reveals Causes of Rising Biophobia

Mutation in Key Enzyme Triggers Ferroptosis and Childhood Dementia

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