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·June 17, 2024·6 min read

Maternal Alzheimer’s: A Risk Factor for Brain Changes

A 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.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 13, 2024·3 min read

New Gene Discovery Could Halt Metastatic Cancer Spread

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 10, 2024·4 min read

Placental Cells Indicate Fetal Brain Health

Fetal 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 20, 2024·5 min read

Altered States of Consciousness More Common Than Believed in Mind-Body Practices

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 1, 2024·4 min read

Key Consciousness Connections Uncovered

Using 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 16, 2024·5 min read

Exercise Reduces Stress in the Brain

Physical 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 5, 2024·5 min read

Menopause May Not Impact Mental Health

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 1, 2024·5 min read

How the Brain Crafts Words Before Speaking

A 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 18, 2024·5 min read

Multivitamins May Slow Cognitive Aging

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 4, 2024·3 min read

Early Riser? Anorexia Nervosa Linked to Morning Chronotype

Individuals 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 7, 2023·3 min read

Cocoa Flavanols May Boost Brain Health in Seniors

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 7, 2023·4 min read

Brain Mapping Unveils Jhana Meditation Effects

A new study utilizing ultra-high field 7T MRI technology has mapped the brain's activity during jhana meditation, revealing distinct regional activations that correlate with advanced meditative states.