Reading can help to improve both episodic and long-term memory in older adults.
Twins who were more physically active had lower signs of metabolic disease and epigenetic markers linked to decreased risk of metabolic syndrome. Findings suggest metabolic diseases are strongly influenced by how a person interacts with their environment as opposed to just their inherited genetics.
Mice lacking a specific serotonin receptor unlearn fear faster than those with the receptor. The findings open the door to the development of new treatments for PTSD and other disorders associated with fear.
A newly developed "e-tattoo" monitors electrodermal activity, revealing when a person is experiencing elevated stress levels. The "tattoo" attaches to the user's palm and connects to a smartwatch.
Beginners who took piano lessons for one hour a week over the course of 11 weeks showed improvements in audio and visual processing. Additionally, musical training helped to boost mood and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a laser therapy delivered to the right prefrontal cortex appears to improve short-term memory in both human and animal models. The therapy, which is non-invasive and has no side effects, could help treat those with short-term memory deficits.
Glutamate neurons in the ventral tegmental area play a key role in the underlying impact of stressors. Silencing the neurons made the brain more resilient to stress.
A simple act such as rubbing your temples when you have a headache can help to alleviate pain. Researchers say this is because pain-responsive neurons in the brain quiet down when these neurons also receive touch input.
Researchers induced non-neural cells that mimic ganglion cells in the eyes of mice, effectively reducing the impact of certain eye diseases. They hope to next replicate their technique in humans in order to help restore vision lost due to eye diseases.
Adding to previous research on the gut-brain axis link to Parkinson's disease, researchers discovered the gut microbiome is involved with multiple pathways in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's.
People with schizophrenia have significantly higher rates of tandem repeats in their genome, up to 7% more than in people without the mental health disorder. The genes were primarily found in genes crucial to brain function.
The absence of certain gut bacteria causes mice to binge eat sweet, palatable foods. When the bacteria is restored, the desire to binge on sweetened foods decreases, and normal feeding patterns are resumed.
