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mental health

This shows the outline of a person with the brain and pancreas highlighted.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·August 16, 2025·5 min read

Bipolar Mood Shifts Linked to Insulin Signaling in the Pancreas

A new study uncovers a pancreas–hippocampus feedback loop that may help explain mood swings in bipolar disorder. Using patient-derived pancreatic islets, researchers found reduced insulin secretion linked to elevated RORβ, a bipolar risk gene.

This shows a brain with the striatum highlighted.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 14, 2025·5 min read

Brain Circuit Model Reveals How Striatum Shapes Everyday Decisions

Researchers have developed a computational framework that maps how the striosomal compartment of the striatum governs everyday decision-making. By integrating biology, decision theory, and mathematical modeling, the study reveals that different levels of striosomal activity can push individuals toward impulsive, balanced, or overly complex decisions.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·August 12, 2025·4 min read

When Gut Rhythms Over-Sync With the Brain, Mental Strain Rises

A large-scale study has found that unusually strong coordination between brain activity and the stomach’s slow, rhythmic waves may signal greater mental distress. Using fMRI and electrogastrography on more than 240 people, researchers observed that higher synchronization was associated with elevated anxiety, depression, and stress.

This shows the outline of two heads and brains. One brain is foggy, as though representing depression.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 3, 2025·5 min read

Brain Reward Signals Blunted by Genetic Depression Risk

A new imaging study reveals that young adults with a higher genetic risk for depression show diminished brain activity when processing rewards and punishments. Using data from nearly 900 healthy twins and siblings, researchers found altered activation in brain regions linked to attention and decision-making—well before any symptoms of depression appeared.

This is a visual representation of the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 2, 2025·6 min read

Fat Molecule May Control How You Feel Emotion

Scientists have uncovered how the brain’s 5-HT1A serotonin receptor—vital in mood regulation—functions at the molecular level. This receptor, a common target of antidepressants and psychedelics, prefers certain signaling pathways no matter the drug, but drugs can still vary in how strongly they activate them.

This shows a map of the US and a couple behind shattered glass.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 1, 2025·4 min read

Murder-Suicide Rates in U.S. Higher Than Previously Estimated

New research reveals that murder-suicide incidents in the U.S. are more frequent than previously documented, with an average of 820 related deaths per year. Most incidents involve current or former intimate partners, and nearly all suicides were carried out with firearms.

This shows a Brain surrounded by glial cells.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 1, 2025·6 min read

New Drug Targets Brain Glial Cells to Reverse PTSD Symptoms

A new study reveals that astrocyte-derived GABA, not neuronal activity, plays a central role in PTSD by impairing the brain’s ability to extinguish traumatic memories. Researchers found this excess GABA originates from the enzyme MAOB in astrocytes and disrupts fear regulation in the medial prefrontal cortex.

This shows a dad and child surrounded by money and dark clouds, implying financial assets do not really affect mental health outcomes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 31, 2025·6 min read

Poverty Isn’t the Key Driver in Family Mental Health Struggles

A large-scale longitudinal study challenges the assumption that poverty amplifies the link between parental distress and child mental health problems. Using advanced statistical modeling, researchers found that financial hardship did not influence the reciprocal relationship between parents’ and children’s mental health.

This shows a split image of a woman's face. On one side she is giving a blank stare, on the other is oxytocin molecules and a lighter expression on her face.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 30, 2025·8 min read

Oxytocin May Treat the Social Deficits of Psychopathy

Psychopathy impairs the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to emotional facial expressions, often disrupting empathy and social behavior. A new review explores whether oxytocin—a neuropeptide known to promote social bonding—can help compensate for these deficits.

This shows a brain and online forum chat bubbles.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 29, 2025·6 min read

Online Hate Speech Resembles Mental Health Disorder Language

A new study using AI tools found that posts in online hate speech communities closely resemble the speech patterns seen in forums for certain personality disorders. While it doesn’t imply that people with psychiatric diagnoses are more prone to hate, the overlap suggests that online hate speech may cultivate traits like low empathy and emotional instability.

This shows a developing brain and neurons branching out.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 25, 2025·5 min read

Could Mental Illness Begin Before You’re Born?

A groundbreaking study has revealed that genes linked to mental and neurodegenerative disorders, such as autism, depression, and Parkinson’s, begin influencing brain development during the earliest fetal stages. These genes are already active in neural stem cells—the progenitors that form the brain—long before symptoms arise.

Featured Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·July 25, 2025·5 min read

Old Injuries Rewire the Brain to Feel Fear and Pain Forever

A new study reveals that even after healing, injuries can leave behind a hypersensitive nervous system that overreacts to future stress. Mice previously injured showed intense fear and renewed pain when exposed to a predator scent, despite no new harm.

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mental health

Bipolar Mood Shifts Linked to Insulin Signaling in the Pancreas

Brain Circuit Model Reveals How Striatum Shapes Everyday Decisions

When Gut Rhythms Over-Sync With the Brain, Mental Strain Rises

Brain Reward Signals Blunted by Genetic Depression Risk

Fat Molecule May Control How You Feel Emotion

Murder-Suicide Rates in U.S. Higher Than Previously Estimated

New Drug Targets Brain Glial Cells to Reverse PTSD Symptoms

Poverty Isn’t the Key Driver in Family Mental Health Struggles

Oxytocin May Treat the Social Deficits of Psychopathy

Online Hate Speech Resembles Mental Health Disorder Language

Could Mental Illness Begin Before You’re Born?

Old Injuries Rewire the Brain to Feel Fear and Pain Forever

Early Screen Time Linked to Long-Term Brain Changes, Teen Anxiety

Missing Brain Receptor May Hold the Key to Autism

Is Your Oral Bacteria Influencing Multiple Sclerosis?

Stroke Weakens How the Brain Integrates Speech Sounds

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