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mental health

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 16, 2025·7 min read

Child Abuse Leaves Lasting Biological Scars on the Brain and DNA

New research reveals that child maltreatment leaves measurable biological “scars” on DNA, altering brain structure and function. Using a genome-wide epigenetic analysis, scientists identified four key methylation sites—ATE1, SERPINB9P1, CHST11, and FOXP1—linked to maltreatment.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 13, 2025·5 min read

Skin Problems Signal Depression and Suicide Risk

New research reveals that mental health patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis are more likely to have skin conditions, and that these patients face significantly higher risks of depression and suicidality. In a study of 481 individuals, those with dermatological symptoms such as rashes or itching were over three times more likely to report suicidal thoughts.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 13, 2025·7 min read

Genes Linked to Cannabis Use Reveal Ties to Mental Health

Researchers analyzing data from over 130,000 participants have identified specific genes associated with cannabis use and its frequency, revealing strong links to psychiatric, cognitive, and physical health traits. The genes CADM2 and GRM3, already known for roles in brain communication and impulsivity, appear central to how individuals initiate and sustain cannabis use.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 13, 2025·5 min read

ADHD May Make You More Creative

People with ADHD tend to be more creative, and this advantage may stem from a greater tendency for their minds to wander. The study is the first to directly connect ADHD traits, creativity, and the two types of mind wandering—spontaneous and deliberate.

This shows a woman, hearts, a brain, and brain waves.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 13, 2025·6 min read

EEG Test May Reveal Who Loses Libido on Antidepressants

A new study reveals that serotonin levels in the brain, measured using a simple EEG-based test, can predict who will experience sexual side effects from SSRI antidepressants. Researchers found that people with higher serotonin activity before treatment were significantly more likely to have difficulty reaching orgasm during antidepressant use.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 8, 2025·6 min read

Social Inference Could Be the Key to Healing Schizophrenia

Researchers have identified a brain function that could transform how schizophrenia is treated—by focusing on social inference, the ability to interpret social cues and intentions. The study found that strengthening this skill early can help young patients regain independence and prevent long-term cognitive decline.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 8, 2025·5 min read

Reelin Shows Promise for Healing Both Gut and Depression

A new study reveals that the protein Reelin may hold the key to treating both “leaky gut” and major depressive disorder. Chronic stress lowers Reelin levels in the gut, weakening the intestinal barrier and allowing toxins to trigger inflammation that worsens depression.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 7, 2025·6 min read

Five Sleep Types Revealed: How Your Brain Wiring Reflects Rest

A new study has identified five distinct “sleep-biopsychosocial” profiles that connect how we sleep with our brain networks, mental health, cognition, and lifestyle. Using data from over 700 participants, researchers found that different sleep patterns—ranging from poor quality to resilience and short duration—each showed unique neural connectivity patterns.

This shows a brain surrounded by "noisy" items, like music notes and people chewing.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 5, 2025·8 min read

Misophonia Might Be a Brain Regulation Disorder

A new study shows that misophonia, strong negative reactions to certain sounds, is closely linked to cognitive and emotional inflexibility. Participants with high misophonia severity struggled to shift between emotional tasks and reported rigid thinking in daily life.

This shows a brain wrapped in a chain and a depressed woman.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 3, 2025·6 min read

Sugar Chains in the Brain: New Pathway Behind Depression Found

Scientists have discovered that depression can be driven by abnormal sugar modifications on proteins in the brain, offering a new molecular pathway for understanding the disorder. Chronic stress was shown to reduce sialylation—a stabilizing sugar process—in the prefrontal cortex, impairing neural circuit stability and triggering depressive symptoms.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·October 2, 2025·6 min read

Psilocybin Rewire Brain Circuits Tied to Pain and Mood

New research shows that psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, can reduce both chronic pain and pain-related depression by modulating brain circuits rather than acting at the site of injury. In mouse studies, a single dose provided pain relief and mood benefits lasting nearly two weeks by targeting the anterior cingulate cortex.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 30, 2025·7 min read

Psilocybin Worsens Postpartum Depression Symptoms

New research shows psilocybin, often studied as a treatment for mental health disorders, may worsen symptoms of postpartum depression in mice. Mothers given the drug showed more anxiety, avoidance of their pups, and lasting depressive-like behaviors.