FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 22, 2019·4 min read‘Microdosers’ of psychedelics report improved mood, focus and creativityThose who microdose psychedelics report improved mood, greater focus, and increased creativity. A new study looks at the positive outcomes of microdosing and suggests others look at potential long-term negative consequences of using psychedelics.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 20, 2019·3 min readVitamin D deficiency in childhood linked to aggression and mood disorders in adolescenceMiddle-school aged children with vitamin D deficiency were twice as likely to develop externalizing behavior problems and mood disorders during adolescence than their peers with higher levels of the vitamin.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 3, 2019·4 min readPeople who eat dark chocolate less likely to be depressedEating dark chocolate can help reduce anxiety and improve symptoms of clinical depression. People who ate dark chocolate in two 24-hour periods had 70% reduced odds of reporting depressive symptoms than those who did not eat chocolate. However, milk chocolate did not produce the same effect. Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a neuromodulator implicated in mood regulation.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 2, 2019·3 min readWhy babies born during winter are at higher risk of developing mental health disordersCortisol levels are higher in women who give birth during winter months. The findings shed light on why mental health disorders are more common in those born during colder seasons.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 27, 2019·6 min readUnmasking Dissociative Disorders: Growing Mental Health Problem Often OverlookedDissociative disorders, contrary to popular belief, might affect up to 10-11% of the global population, rivaling the prevalence of mood disorders. These conditions manifest when individuals feel a profound detachment from themselves, their memories, and their emotions, often as a coping mechanism to compartmentalize traumatic events.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·July 15, 2019·4 min readImproved mood and focus reported by microdosersMicrodosing, a growing trend where people take small doses for psychedelic drugs, is associated with improved mood, focus, and creativity. For some, microdosing may provide a possible alternative to SSRI antidepressants. However, researchers warn of some potential problems with microdosing, including negative side effects, psychological stigma, and exposure to elicit, black market products.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·July 1, 2019·3 min readCPAP provides relief from depressionCPAP helps to reduce symptoms of depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease independently of sleep improvements.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·June 24, 2019·8 min readMood neurons mature during adolescenceLate developing neurons in the amygdala may be responsible for emotional development and mood disorders, researchers report.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 10, 2019·4 min readNight owls can ‘retrain’ their body clocks to improve mental well-being and performanceSimple lifestyle alterations can help reset the circadian clock, leading to improved mental and physical health for those who have trouble getting to sleep at night.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 24, 2019·2 min readShort-term use of opioids increases subjective pleasureShort-term opioid use increases positive emotional experiences by intensifying feelings of pleasure and weakening negative emotions. This, researchers say, could be a contributing factor for later opioid addiction. However, the long term use of opioids alters the reward system, diminishing the initial sensitivity and blunting emotions.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·April 24, 2019·7 min readA good night’s sleep may be in sight: New 3D models of melatonin receptors shed light on sleep disordersResearchers have created new 3D maps of two melatonin receptors. The models can be used to help develop new treatments that not only improve sleep, but may also treat a variety of other conditions from diabetes to cancer.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·April 16, 2019·3 min readCommon sleep myths compromise good sleep and healthMany myths associated with sleep may be detrimental to health, a new study reveals. Contrary to popular belief, drinking alcohol is unhealthy for sleep as it reduces the ability for deep sleep states, and sleeping five hours a night can result in a serious health risk.Read More
