FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·January 17, 2025·7 min readMapping IL-1’s Role in Mood, Memory, and Sensory CircuitsA comprehensive study mapped neuronal IL-1R1 (nIL-1R1) expression in the mouse brain, highlighting its role in sensory processing, mood, and memory regulation. Researchers found that neurons expressing IL-1R1 integrate immune and neural signals, revealing connections between inflammation and brain disorders like depression and anxiety.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 23, 2024·6 min readYouth Face Rising Risks of Harassment and Exploitation in the MetaverseA new study reveals that youth are vulnerable to various forms of harm in the metaverse, including bullying, harassment, and sexual exploitation. Using data from over 5,000 U.S. teens, researchers found significant incidents of hate speech, sexual harassment, and grooming behavior in virtual reality (VR) spaces.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 1, 2024·6 min readAI Reveals How Infants Learn to Interact with EnvironmentResearchers used artificial intelligence (AI) to study how infants transition from random movements to purposeful actions. By tracking infant movements in a baby-mobile experiment, AI models like 2D-CapsNet accurately classified these movements and identified significant changes in foot movements as infants learned to interact with their environment.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 10, 2024·6 min readAI Determines How the Brain Predicts and Processes ThoughtsSummary: A new study using artificial intelligence has provided novel insights into how the brain predicts future events and processes...Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 7, 2024·5 min readChild Signals: Vocal Cues Shape Adult PerceptionsHuman children depend on caregivers for extended periods, employing complex vocal and cognitive cues to elicit adult attention and care. Recent research shows that adults prioritize vocal cues when assessing children's emotions and perceived helplessness, while cognitive cues weigh more in evaluating intelligence.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 30, 2024·4 min readPrenatal Amphetamine Exposure Impacts Brain DevelopmentA new study used C. elegans to study the long-term effects of amphetamine exposure during embryogenesis, finding significant alterations in dopamine-related genes and proteins. These changes lead to increased sensitivity to amphetamines in adulthood, highlighting potential risks for humans. The study emphasizes the need for careful consideration of amphetamine use during pregnancy due to its lasting impact on brain function.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·March 12, 2024·5 min readCurve Walking Reveals Cognitive Decline in ElderlyResearchers have discovered that curved path walking is more revealing of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults than traditional straight path walking tests. By employing a depth camera to analyze gait during these walks, the study identified 50 gait markers that varied significantly between healthy older adults and those with MCI.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 14, 2023·6 min readDiminishing Addiction Cravings by Altering Vivid ImageryA new study introduces a novel approach to combat addiction by using Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to alter the vivid imagery associated with addiction memories. This innovative therapy, coupled with cognitive behavioral therapy, shows promise in significantly reducing cravings and negative thought patterns in substance use disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 18, 2023·5 min readHow Babies Unravel the Origin of Conscious Awareness and PurposeResearchers delved into the age-old question of agency, using human infants as their study subjects. By tethering an infant's foot to a crib-mounted mobile, they observed the moment a baby realizes they can influence the environment.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 25, 2023·5 min readRunning Rewires the Aging Brain: Exercise Protects Memory FunctionPhysical activity, particularly running, has been found to rewire aging brains, helping to preserve memory functions. Researchers revealed long-term running keeps older neurons wired, potentially preventing age-related memory loss and neurodegeneration. This effect is believed to be especially beneficial for neurons born during early adulthood, whose circuitry is modifiable through midlife exercise. The findings underscore the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining cognitive health as we age.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 9, 2023·4 min readAll Work, No Independent Play Cause of Children’s Declining Mental HealthThe rise in childhood mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression may be linked to the decline in opportunities to play, explore, and engage in activities independent of parental control and oversight.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 12, 2022·2 min readGut-Brain Axis: The Connection Between Illnesses of the Digestive and Nervous SystemsA new study aims to investigate the interaction between the digestive and nervous systems, or the gut-brain axis, to discover more about the links between digestive health and neurodegenerative diseases.Read More
