Latest

mental health

·December 12, 2023·4 min read

Cat Ownership Linked to Increased Schizophrenia Risk

Researchers systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed research from 1980 to 2023 to investigate the relationship between cat ownership and schizophrenia-related disorders. Out of 1915 studies initially identified, 17 were included in the final analysis.

Neuroscience

·December 11, 2023·8 min read

Diminished Genetic Resilience in Pandemic-Era Depression Spike

Researchers found that the pandemic doubled the incidence of clinical depression among first-year college students, affecting one-third of the cohort. Even students with genetic resilience factors were not spared, especially young women.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 7, 2023·4 min read

Balancing Act: The Mixed Blessings of Solitude on Mental Health

A new study examines the nuanced impact of solitude on mental health among adults aged 35 and older in the UK and US. Tracking 178 participants over 21 days, the research found no definitive optimal balance between solitude and social interaction.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2023·2 min read

Brain Stimulation Enhances Memory in Schizophrenia Patients

A new study suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve aspects of prospective memory in individuals with schizophrenia. The trial compared 50 schizophrenia patients, split between active and sham rTMS treatments, with 18 healthy controls.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2023·2 min read

Childhood Stress Linked to Adult Depression

A new study reveals a connection between negative life events (NLE) in childhood and a higher likelihood of developing depression in young adulthood. This research, involving 321 participants, showed that a thicker orbitofrontal cortex at age 14, followed by rapid thinning during adolescence, is predictive of depressive symptoms later in life.

This shows a stressed looking woman eating chips.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2023·8 min read

Stress and Snacks: How Fatty Foods Hinder Recovery

Consuming fatty foods during stressful times can hinder the body's recovery from stress effects. Researchers found that high-fat meals, like butter croissants, consumed before a stressful event, reduced vascular function and brain oxygenation, and negatively affected mood.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 2, 2023·4 min read

Link Between Childhood Adversity and Muscle Dysmorphia in Youth

A new study reveals a significant association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in adolescents and young adults. The research highlights how ACEs, such as domestic violence and emotional abuse, can lead to the pathological pursuit of muscularity as a coping mechanism.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·November 30, 2023·5 min read

RNA’s Pivotal Role in Fear Memory and PTSD Treatment

Researchers have revealed a groundbreaking role of RNA in fear-related learning and memory. Their study shows how noncoding RNA Gas5 influences neuronal excitability, impacting learning and memory processes.

This shows AI representations of bacterria.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 30, 2023·5 min read

Lactobacillus Bacteria May Guard Against Anxiety and Depression

Researchers have discovered the significant role of Lactobacillus, a bacterium in fermented foods and yogurt, in managing stress and potentially preventing depression and anxiety. This research is crucial for its specific focus on Lactobacillus, distinguishing it from other microbiota.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 30, 2023·4 min read

Brain Activity in PTSD: Trauma Memories Differ from Sad Ones

A new study reveals distinct differences in brain activity between traumatic memories in PTSD patients and regular sad autobiographical memories. This research, the first of its kind to examine real-life personal memories, found that traumatic memories do not activate typical memory-related brain regions like the hippocampus, suggesting they're not processed as regular memories.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 30, 2023·5 min read

Enhanced TMS Shows Promise as Depression Treatment

Researchers have modified transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), significantly improving its effectiveness in treating hard-to-treat depression. In a recent study, this novel TMS protocol achieved a 66% response rate and 42% acute remission in patients with major depressive disorder, surpassing the standard FDA-approved protocol's 29% response rate.

This shows a person washing their hands.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 29, 2023·4 min read

Reshaping the OCD Brain: How Therapy Alters Neural Connectivity

A new study reveals that exposure and response prevention (EX/RP), a primary therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), effectively reshapes brain connectivity. This therapy enhances cognitive control by strengthening connections within key neural networks. Using advanced MRI techniques, researchers observed significant changes in the frontoparietal, cingulo-opercular, and default mode networks among OCD patients who underwent EX/RP compared to those who received stress management training.