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mental health

·October 9, 2012·2 min read

Rare Genetic Disorder Points to Molecules that May Play Role in Schizophrenia

Scientists studying a rare genetic disorder have identified a molecular pathway that may play a role in schizophrenia, according to new research. The findings may one day guide researchers to new treatment options for people with schizophrenia - a devastating disease that affects approximately 1 percent of the world's population.

Featured Neurology

·October 4, 2012·3 min read

A Molecular Scissor Related to Alzheimer’s Disease

An international research team revealed the atomic‐level structure of the human peptidase enzyme meprin β (beta).

Schizophrenia fMRI brain scans are shown.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·October 3, 2012·4 min read

New de novo Genetic Mutations in Schizophrenia Identified

Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) researchers have identified dozens of new spontaneous genetic mutations that play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia, adding to the growing list of genetic variants that can contribute to the disease. The schizophrenia study was the largest and most comprehensive of its kind.

Drawing of a human head with gears and computer parts on it.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·October 2, 2012·2 min read

Intelligence Is in the Genes, but Where?

A new study reveals that most of the specific genes long thought to be linked to intelligence probably have no bearing on one’s IQ. And it may be some time before researchers can identify intelligence’s specific genetic roots.

Featured Psychology

·September 20, 2012·2 min read

‘Psychopaths’ Have An Impaired Sense of Smell

People with psychopathic tendencies have an impaired sense of smell, which points to inefficient processing in the front part of the brain (orbitofrontal cortex) according to a new study.

Featured Neurology

·September 17, 2012·3 min read

Toxic Protein Build-up in Blood Shines Light on Fatal Brain Disease

A new light-based technique for measuring levels of the toxic protein that causes Huntington's disease (HD) has been used to demonstrate that the protein builds up gradually in blood cells.

Featured Neurology

·September 10, 2012·3 min read

Her Vision is 20/20, But She Can’t Make Sense of What She Sees

A rare and baffling neurological disorder called Bálint syndrome, which badly impairs a patient's ability to make sense of what he or she sees is discussed. The article describes, in novelistic detail, the difficult adjustments two patients have had to make in their lives.

Featured Neurology

·September 5, 2012·2 min read

NFL Players May Be at Higher Risk of Death from Alzheimer’s and ALS

Professional football players in this study were three times more likely to die as a result of diseases that damage brain cells compared to the general population. A player’s risk of death from Alzheimer’s disease or ALS was almost four times higher than the general population.

Featured Neurology Psychology

·August 30, 2012·4 min read

Potential Treatment for Cognitive Effects of Stress-Related Disorders, Including PTSD

Researchers identified a potential medical treatment for cognitive effects of stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study, conducted in a PTSD mouse model, shows that an experimental drug called S107, one of a new class of small-molecule compounds called Rycals, prevented learning and memory deficits associated with stress-related disorders.

The image shows the major brain structures implicated in autism.

Autism Featured Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 27, 2012·3 min read

Little Evidence Supports Autism Treatment Options in Adolescents

Researchers studying interventions for adolescents and young adults with autism are reporting today that there is insufficient evidence to support findings, good or bad, for the therapies currently used.

Autism Featured Neurology

·August 22, 2012·6 min read

Low-dose Sedative Alleviates Autistic-like Behavior in Mice with Dravet Syndrome Mutation

A low dose of the sedative clonazepam alleviated autistic-like behavior in mice with a mutation that causes Dravet syndrome in humans.

Featured Neurology

·August 20, 2012·4 min read

Stroke Disrupts How Brain Controls Muscle Synergies

A new study finds that after a stroke, muscle synergies are activated in altered ways. Furthermore, those disruptions follow specific patterns depending on the severity of the stroke and the amount of time that has passed since the stroke. Distinctive patterns could allow doctors to develop better rehab programs for stroke patients.