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mental health

·December 6, 2024·4 min read

Astrocytes Hold the Key to Stress Response Regulation

Astrocytes, previously known for supporting nerve cells, have been identified as key regulators of stress responses in the lateral septum of the brain. Researchers demonstrated that astrocytes release adenosine to suppress nearby nerve activity when exposed to stress-inducing stimuli. This groundbreaking finding reveals that astrocytes interact dynamically with neurons to influence fear, anxiety, and social behaviors, varying based on the stress type and brain region.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2024·6 min read

Psychosis Risk Tied to Heavy Cannabis Use and Genetic Factors

Heavy cannabis use and genetic risk for schizophrenia independently contribute to the likelihood of developing psychosis. Researchers used two large datasets to analyze the relationship between cannabis use, schizophrenia polygenic risk scores (PRS), and psychosis.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2024·5 min read

Antipsychotics Worsen Behavior in Dementia

A study of 500,000 Canadian nursing home residents found antipsychotic medications significantly worsened behaviors in patients, with nearly 68% experiencing increased issues. Antipsychotics are often prescribed "off-label" for dementia-related symptoms, despite serious side effects like tremors and cognitive decline. Researchers advocate for person-centered care, emphasizing non-drug therapies like music, art, and exercise to address behavioral issues.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 5, 2024·6 min read

Gene Defect Linked Brain Size and Social Behavior in ASD, Schizophrenia

A new study reveals how genetic deficits, particularly in the Tbx1 gene, are linked to reduced brain volume and altered social behavior, findings relevant to autism and schizophrenia. Researchers observed smaller amygdala volumes in Tbx1-deficient mice, a brain region key to emotional regulation and social behavior. These mice displayed less interest in social interaction, relying more on non-social cues like bedding preferences.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 5, 2024·5 min read

Depression Genes in Women Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk

A new study analyzing genetic data from over 300,000 people revealed that women with a high genetic risk for depression also face a higher likelihood of developing heart disease, even without a depression diagnosis. This link was not observed in men, highlighting significant gender differences. Researchers emphasized the importance of addressing cardiovascular health in women, particularly those with depression, regardless of menopausal status.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·6 min read

Newly Discovered Brain Circuit Predicts Response to Stress

Researchers identified a brain circuit involving the amygdala and hippocampus that predicts resilience to stress in mice. Mice with disrupted neural communication in this circuit struggled to seek rewards, but activating the neurons restored resilience and improved decision-making.

This shows gas pumps, a person and a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·3 min read

Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Mental Illness

A new study estimates that childhood lead exposure, peaking between 1960 and 1990 due to leaded gasoline, caused 151 million excess cases of mental illness by 2015. Researchers linked historic lead exposure data to mental health symptoms, finding that personality changes and mental health disorders were most pronounced among Generation X.

This shows a woman sitting alone with a mug of tea.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 3, 2024·3 min read

Alone Time Helps Reduce Holiday Stress

46% of Americans don’t get enough alone time during the holiday season, even though 56% say it’s crucial for their mental health. Taking brief moments alone can help the nervous system settle, reducing stress and improving well-being during this busy time.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 3, 2024·6 min read

How We Filter Out Background Sounds When Speaking

Researchers have traced how the brain filters out background noise during speech using signals between the motor and auditory cortices. These milliseconds-long electrical signals, called auditory corollary discharge, originate in the motor cortex's precentral gyrus and travel to the auditory cortex's superior temporal gyrus.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 2, 2024·5 min read

Violence Exposure and Firearms Linked to Teen Suicide Risks

A study of U.S. high school students reveals a strong link between suicidal behavior, externalizing behaviors (such as physical violence), and exposure to violence. Adolescents with a history of weapon carrying or engaging in violent acts were found to have a higher risk of injurious suicide attempts, particularly when firearms are accessible.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 30, 2024·7 min read

Masculine Ideals Double Suicide Risk in Men

Men who strongly adhere to traditional masculine ideologies, such as suppressing emotions and valuing independence, are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those with more egalitarian views. The study identified three groups of men—Egalitarians, Players, and Stoics—with Stoics being at the highest risk due to their attitudes and behaviors, especially during mental health crises.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·November 29, 2024·4 min read

Family History of Mental Illness Increases Aggression Risk in CTE

A new study reveals that individuals with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and a family history of mental illness have a heightened risk of aggression during adulthood, particularly between ages 40 and 59. Researchers analyzed data from 845 men with histories of head injuries, finding that those with both CTE and a family history of mental illness displayed significantly more aggressive behaviors than those with only one risk factor.

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mental health

Astrocytes Hold the Key to Stress Response Regulation

Psychosis Risk Tied to Heavy Cannabis Use and Genetic Factors

Antipsychotics Worsen Behavior in Dementia

Depression Genes in Women Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk

Newly Discovered Brain Circuit Predicts Response to Stress

Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Mental Illness

How We Filter Out Background Sounds When Speaking

Violence Exposure and Firearms Linked to Teen Suicide Risks

Masculine Ideals Double Suicide Risk in Men

Family History of Mental Illness Increases Aggression Risk in CTE

Why Fidgeting Bothers Some People

Ketogenic Diet Enhances CAR-T Cancer Therapy

Neighborhood Disadvantage Linked to Cognitive Health Risks

Why Your Child Keeps Rewatching That Show (and Why It’s Good)

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