FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 18, 2025·5 min readBystander PTSD Alters Brain Differently Than Direct TraumaNew research reveals that witnessing trauma triggers unique brain changes, distinct from those caused by experiencing trauma firsthand. The study found that indirect trauma leads to different protein degradation patterns in key brain regions involved in fear memory.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 18, 2025·5 min readVerbal Fluency Might Predict Human LongevityA recent study reveals a surprising link between longevity and verbal fluency—the ability to effectively recall and utilize vocabulary. Researchers analyzed cognitive data from the Berlin Aging Study, involving over 500 elderly participants tracked for nearly two decades, assessing verbal fluency alongside memory, perceptual speed, and verbal knowledge.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·March 18, 2025·7 min readWhen Did Humans First Speak? Genes Offer New Clues on Language OriginsNew genetic research suggests that humans first developed language around 135,000 years ago when populations began geographically splitting, followed by widespread social use around 100,000 years ago. Using data from 15 genetic studies, researchers found that early human groups branched out approximately 135,000 years ago, which likely coincides with the origin of language as a cognitive system.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·March 15, 2025·4 min readHerpes Virus Linked to Long-Term Brain and Neurological ProblemsA new study reveals that herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), commonly known for causing cold sores, can travel through the nasal cavity directly to the brain, causing severe and lasting neurological symptoms. In animal experiments, nasal HSV-1 infection led to persistent neurological dysfunction, including anxiety and cognitive impairment.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·March 15, 2025·5 min readNature’s Painkiller: How Virtual Scenes Ease Pain in the BrainViewing 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.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·March 15, 2025·4 min readDopamine Can Rewire Reward-Linked MemoriesNew research reveals dopamine has a previously unknown role: reshaping our memories of rewarding experiences. In a study using mice, scientists found dopamine helps reduce the perceived value of memories linked to rewards, altering future behavior toward those rewards.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·March 14, 2025·5 min readTurn Back Your Brain’s Bioenergetic Clock to Reduce Alzheimer’s RiskResearchers have discovered that a person's "bioenergetic age," reflecting how efficiently cells produce energy, strongly predicts Alzheimer's risk and progression. High blood levels of molecules called acylcarnitines, markers of aging metabolism, were linked to faster cognitive decline and greater Alzheimer’s symptoms.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePain·March 14, 2025·6 min readCannabis Terpenes Offer New Hope for Chronic Pain, FibromyalgiaNew research has identified cannabis-derived terpenes—compounds that give plants their distinctive aroma—as effective treatments for fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain. In preclinical mouse models, terpenes such as geraniol and linalool significantly reduced chronic pain, providing promising alternatives to opioid medications and avoiding THC's psychoactive side effects.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·March 12, 2025·5 min readBoost Brain Health by Following Your Heart: Simple Steps for LongevityNew research highlights that optimal brain health, crucial for maintaining cognitive function as we age, is strongly linked to cardiovascular wellness. The study underscores that dementia and cognitive decline share risk factors with heart disease, suggesting these conditions are largely preventable by managing diet, exercise, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·March 12, 2025·5 min readBrains Use Social Shortcuts to Master Complex Group DynamicsNew research reveals that our brains simplify complex social interactions by using basic mental "building blocks" or shortcuts. Researchers scanned the brains of people playing a simple team game and observed how participants kept track of interactions with both teammates and opponents.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 12, 2025·4 min read“Mental Booster Shots” Strengthen Resistance to Fake NewsNew research reveals that short, memory-focused interventions can help individuals resist misinformation more effectively and retain these skills over extended periods, acting as "psychological booster shots." The study evaluated text-based messages, videos, and interactive games that teach people how to spot and resist misleading information. Memory-focused interventions showed the greatest long-term effectiveness, suggesting regular psychological "boosters" could enhance misinformation resistance.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·March 11, 2025·4 min readPoor Sleep Linked to Brain’s Waste-Removal BreakdownA new study reveals that poor sleep in older adults disrupts the brain’s glymphatic system, responsible for clearing harmful waste and toxins. Researchers found that compromised sleep quality leads to dysfunction in this crucial system, potentially increasing risks for memory decline and cognitive impairments.Read More
