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environmental neuroscience

·April 2, 2024·4 min read

Environmental Toxins Shorten Happy Lifespans

Researchers made a groundbreaking discovery linking environmental contaminants to a reduced span of emotional wellbeing. By utilizing a novel risk assessment tool, the study calculates the loss of happy life expectancy (LHpLE) due to exposure to environmental carcinogens like radon, arsenic, and fine particulate matter, and psychological distress.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 25, 2024·4 min read

Household Chemicals Linked to Brain Health Risks

Certain household chemicals, including those found in personal-care products and furniture, pose a risk to brain health, potentially contributing to diseases like multiple sclerosis and autism. The study reveals that these chemicals damage oligodendrocytes, essential cells for nerve cell protection.

This shows a young child walking in a neighborhood.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 22, 2024·4 min read

The Impact of Violent Neighborhoods on Brain Development

Children living in violent neighborhoods exhibit increased amygdala reactivity, signaling heightened sensitivity to threats, which can affect mental health and socioemotional functioning. However, nurturing parenting can protect against these adverse effects, reducing exposure to community violence and its impact on the brain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 1, 2024·5 min read

Dementia’s Rarity in Greek and Roman Times

Severe memory loss, akin to today's dementia epidemic, was extremely rare in ancient Greece and Rome, indicating these conditions may largely stem from modern lifestyles and environments. Analyzing classical texts, the study found minimal mentions of cognitive impairments in these ancient civilizations, contrasting sharply with current dementia rates.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 18, 2024·3 min read

Climate Change May Shorten Lifespan by 6 Months

Climate change may reduce the average human lifespan by six months. The research analyzed data from 191 countries over 80 years, focusing on temperature, rainfall, and life expectancy.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 22, 2023·6 min read

Urban Living’s Impact on Early Childhood Development

A new study highlights the significant impact of urban environments on the growth and development of children during their first 2000 days, from conception to age five. The study synthesized findings from 235 articles across 41 countries, identifying seven key areas of environmental exposure in urban settings.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 14, 2023·4 min read

Warming World, Changing Minds: Climate’s Effect on the Brain

A new study highlights the potential impact of climate change on human brain function. This international collaboration points out that environmental factors, including extreme weather events and air pollution, could significantly alter brain structure and cognitive abilities.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 27, 2023·6 min read

Fumes from Indoor Cooking Fuels Linked to Developmental Delays

Researchers explored the link between indoor air pollution from cooking fuels and child development. The study found a connection between exposure to unclean cooking fuels and developmental delays in children.

This shows the outline of a person, fire, and smoke.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 28, 2023·5 min read

How Wildfire Smoke Can Alter Brain Health and Trigger Inflammation

Researchers discovered that wildfire smoke can trigger long-lasting inflammation in the brain. Their study shows that this inflammation specifically targets the hippocampus, a brain area crucial for learning and memory.

This shows a man spraying pesticides in a field.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 18, 2023·5 min read

Identifying Pesticide Culprits in Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers pinpointed 10 pesticides that significantly damage neurons involved in the onset of Parkinson’s disease. The study utilized California's extensive pesticide use database and innovative testing methods to identify pesticides directly toxic to dopaminergic neurons, which are crucial for voluntary movement.

This shows the outline of a man and a brain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 16, 2023·6 min read

Prolonged TCE Chemical Exposure Linked to 70% Increased Parkinson’s Risk

A new study reveals a significant link between long-term exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and a 70% increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared Parkinson’s diagnoses in approximately 160,000 Navy and Marine veterans, half of whom were stationed at Camp Lejeune, where TCE contamination occurred.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 21, 2023·3 min read

Tiny Polystyrene Particles Detected in the Brain Just Two Hours After Ingestion

Two hours after ingestion, tiny particles of polystyrene, a widely used plastic commonly used for food packing, can be detected in the brain. These plastic particles can increase the risk of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.