The brain consumes half of a child’s energy, and that could matter for weight gain
New hypothesis proposes a variation in brain energy expenditure during childhood may be linked to increased obesity risk.... Read More...
Northwestern University
Safe to breastfeed while on bipolar meds? Jury’s still out
Previous research into the effects of lithium exposure via breastmilk are poorly designed and sparse, researchers report. Until more research is done, mothers and babies should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for lithium continuation, as discontinuing the medication could pose a significant risk for both child and parent.... Read More...
Genes linked to psychoactive properties of beverages may explain why we love coffee, beer and soda
Genes related to the psychoactive properties of sweet and bitter beverages, and not variations in our taste genes, may explain why some people prefer sodas over coffee, and vice-versa. ... Read More...
Brain stimulation reverses age-related memory loss
Transcranial magnetic stimulation applied to the parietal lobe improves the function of brain areas important for memory which are disrupted by aging. The study reports TMS helps improve memory in older adults experiencing memory loss to the level of younger adults.... Read More...
Eyes reveal early Alzheimer’s disease
Using OCT angiography to quantify capillary changes in the back of the eye can help in the detection, and monitor the progression, of Alzheimer's disease.... Read More...
Circadian clock plays unexpected role in neurodegenerative diseases
Disrupted sleep patterns may help to protect neurons in the brain in Huntington's disease. ... Read More...
Just an hour of weekly walking staves off disability
One hour of walking, or other physical activity, per week, significantly increases the likelihood of maintaining a disability-free status for up to 4 years in older people at risk for osteoarthritis. ... Read More...
Brain region discovered that only processes spoken, not written words
A small, preliminary study helps researchers identify a region of the brain that specializes in the processing of auditory words.... Read More...
It’s no Fortnite, but it’s helping stroke survivors move again
Integrating a myoelectric computer interface device with a customized video game helps stroke survivors to improve mobility and arm function.... Read More...
Resilience May Be Neurobiological
Individual differences in resting state connectivity may help explain why some people are more resilient to the effects of neighborhood violence than others.... Read More...
Why We Shouldn’t Like Coffee, But We Do
Researchers question why many of us are unable to live without our daily cup of coffee. According to a new study, bitter tastes are a natural warning system to protect the body from harmful substances, yet people with heightened ability to detect the bitter taste of coffee learn to associate it with positive things and tend to drink more than those with lower sensitivity. Researchers say this sensitivity is caused by genetic variants. ... Read More...
Inflammation Can Lead to Circadian Sleep Disorders
Using new technology to turn inflammation on and off in mice, researchers discover inflammation may contribute to sleep disorders.... Read More...