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nature

This shows people walking and chatting in a park.

·May 3, 2025·4 min read

Daily Chats and Nature Boost Mental Health

A new study reveals that simple daily behaviors, such as chatting with friends, spending time in nature, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities, are strongly linked to improved mental well-being. People who connected socially every day scored notably higher on mental health measures than those who did so rarely.

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·March 15, 2025·5 min read

Nature’s Painkiller: How Virtual Scenes Ease Pain in the Brain

Viewing natural scenes can significantly reduce how people perceive pain, a new neuroimaging study has found. Researchers discovered that participants reported less pain and exhibited altered brain activity associated with pain perception while looking at virtual nature, compared to urban or office environments.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 18, 2024·6 min read

Are Scents of Nature an Untapped Well-Being Boost?

A new study urges researchers to explore how the smells of nature impact human health and well-being. While the visual aspects of nature have been extensively studied, the olfactory dimension remains under-explored.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 25, 2024·5 min read

Exercising in Nature Reduces Depression, Improves Health

Engaging in physical activity in natural settings like parks and beaches could prevent around 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases annually in England, saving over £100 million in healthcare costs. This study underlines the critical role of natural environments in promoting health by reducing the prevalence of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

This shows a woman walking in the woods.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 22, 2024·3 min read

Outdoor Enjoyment Linked to Less Inflammation

A new study reveals a biological link between enjoying nature and reduced inflammation levels, which could help in preventing or managing chronic inflammation-related diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The study analyzed data from the Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS) survey, focusing on 1,244 participants, and found that frequent positive interactions with nature correlated with lower levels of three key inflammation markers.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 16, 2024·4 min read

Monoclonal Antibody Slows Rapid Motor Decline in Parkinson’s

Prasinezumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting alpha-synuclein aggregation, shows promise in slowing motor deterioration in rapidly progressing Parkinson's disease (PD), according to an exploratory analysis from the phase 2 PASADENA clinical trial. While there are currently no disease-modifying treatments for PD, prasinezumab offers a potential breakthrough by specifically binding to aggregated alpha-synuclein, a key driver of PD pathology.

This shows a woman with her head covered in fog.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 2, 2023·3 min read

Blood Clues to Long-COVID Brain Fog Discovered

Researchers have discovered two blood biomarkers that could predict cognitive deficits, including "brain fog," up to a year after a COVID-19 diagnosis. The study analyzed data from over 1,800 hospitalized patients and identified high levels of fibrinogen and d-dimer, proteins linked to blood coagulation, as being highly correlated with cognitive issues.

This shows a little girl in a field of flowers

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 23, 2023·5 min read

Getting Kids Outdoors Can Reduce the Negative Effects of Screen Time

Exposure to excessive screen time at age two is associated with poorer communication and daily living skills at age four, however, spending time outdoors can mitigate some of the negative effects of screen time.

This shows a walking track through a snowy field surrounded by trees and a gorgeous sun set

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 29, 2022·3 min read

The Real Benefits of Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Spending time enjoying white spaces by taking a walk in the snow this Winter can have a positive effect on your bodily appreciation, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 6, 2022·4 min read

How Does Nature Nurture the Brain?

An hour-long stroll in nature helps decrease activity in an area of the brain associated with stress processing, a new study reports.

This shows a woman in a garden smelling flowers from a cherry blossom tree

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 3, 2022·3 min read

Smells Experienced in Nature Evoke Positive Well-being

The smell of fresh cut grass or blooming flowers appears to have a positive effect on a person's overall well-being, a new study reveals. Researchers say the smells of nature can help boost psychological well-being.