FeaturedNeuroscienceVisual Neuroscience·July 3, 2024·7 min readOzempic Linked to Increased Risk of Blinding Eye ConditionA new study reveals that patients prescribed semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) for diabetes or weight loss have a higher risk of developing NAION, a potentially blinding eye condition. Diabetic patients on semaglutide were over four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION, while overweight patients were over seven times more likely. The findings suggest the need for careful discussions between patients and doctors about this risk. NAION remains a rare but serious condition with no effective treatments.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·June 17, 2024·6 min readMaternal Alzheimer’s: A Risk Factor for Brain ChangesA new study finds that inheriting Alzheimer's risk from your mother, regardless of her age at onset, is linked to increased amyloid levels in the brain. This protein is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest maternal history of memory impairment, even without a formal diagnosis, could be a crucial factor in identifying individuals at risk of Alzheimer's.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·June 13, 2024·3 min readNew Gene Discovery Could Halt Metastatic Cancer SpreadA new study identifies the Gstt1 gene as crucial for metastatic cancer cell growth. Researchers found that silencing Gstt1 in metastatic cells prevents their spread. This gene helps cancer cells modify their environment, facilitating growth in new body locations. The findings offer potential new therapeutic strategies to target metastatic cancer, especially in aggressive types like pancreatic cancer.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 10, 2024·4 min readPlacental Cells Indicate Fetal Brain HealthFetal placental macrophages can serve as indicators of fetal brain microglia health, which are crucial for brain development. Immune activation in pregnant women, such as from infections or obesity, can negatively affect fetal brain development. The study used mouse models and found that male fetuses are more affected by maternal obesity than females. This research opens avenues for early identification and intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 20, 2024·5 min readAltered States of Consciousness More Common Than Believed in Mind-Body PracticesA new study finds that altered states of consciousness (ASCs), like those experienced during meditation, are more common than previously thought. 45% of respondents reported experiencing ASCs at least once, often leading to positive outcomes. However, a significant minority also reported negative or even life-threatening suffering, highlighting the need for better support and understanding of these experiences.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 1, 2024·4 min readKey Consciousness Connections UncoveredUsing neuroimaging, researchers identified a brain network crucial to human consciousness. Using advanced multimodal MRI techniques, the team mapped connections among the brainstem, thalamus, and cortex, forming what they call the "default ascending arousal network," which is vital for sustaining wakefulness.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 16, 2024·5 min readExercise Reduces Stress in the BrainPhysical activity significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by diminishing stress-related brain signaling. The study, which analyzed data from over 50,000 participants, showed that individuals who adhered to physical activity guidelines had a 23% lower risk of developing heart disease.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 5, 2024·5 min readMenopause May Not Impact Mental HealthA comprehensive review challenges the long-held belief that menopause directly causes psychological distress and mental health conditions in all women. This study finds no universal link between menopause and an increased risk of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis. However, it identifies factors that heighten the risk of depressive symptoms during menopause, such as previous depression episodes, sleep disruption from hot flushes, and concurrent stressful life events.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 1, 2024·5 min readHow the Brain Crafts Words Before SpeakingA new study utilizes advanced Neuropixels probes to unravel the complexities of how the human brain plans and produces speech. The team identified specific neurons in the prefrontal cortex involved in the language production process, including the separate neural pathways for speaking and listening.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·January 18, 2024·5 min readMultivitamins May Slow Cognitive AgingA new study suggests that daily multivitamin supplements may help slow cognitive aging and memory loss in older adults. The study found statistically significant benefits of multivitamins for memory and global cognition, indicating a potential delay in cognitive aging by about two years compared to placebo.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 4, 2024·3 min readEarly Riser? Anorexia Nervosa Linked to Morning ChronotypeIndividuals with anorexia nervosa tend to be early risers, in contrast to many other mental disorders often associated with evening chronotypes. The study also finds a connection between anorexia nervosa and increased risk of insomnia.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 7, 2023·3 min readCocoa Flavanols May Boost Brain Health in SeniorsA new study reveals that cocoa extract supplements, rich in flavanols, may benefit cognitive functions in older adults with lower-quality diets. The study involved 573 participants and found no overall cognitive benefits from daily cocoa extract supplementation.Read More
