FeaturedNeuroscience·September 25, 2024·6 min readAir Pollution Linked to White Matter Changes in ChildrenA recent study links exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy and childhood with lasting changes in the brain's white matter microstructure, affecting cognitive development through adolescence. The research, which followed over 4,000 participants, found that pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were associated with developmental delays in white matter integrity.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·September 6, 2024·3 min readNighttime Light Pollution Linked to Higher Alzheimer’s RiskA recent study has found a positive correlation between nighttime light pollution and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the United States. Researchers discovered that higher levels of light at night are associated with increased AD rates, particularly among individuals under the age of 65.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·March 27, 2024·4 min readDiabetes, Pollution, and Alcohol Amplify Dementia RiskResearchers identified key risk factors and genetic influences impacting a specific brain network vulnerable to aging, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. This 'weak spot' in the brain is especially susceptible to diabetes, air pollution, and alcohol consumption.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·February 23, 2023·4 min readAir Pollution Exposure Linked to Parkinson’s Risk: Study Identifies U.S. Hot SpotExposure to air pollution has previously been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Now, researchers provide preliminary data linking air pollution to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The new study, which considered geographical data and diagnosis rates for Parkinson's, revealed those who live in the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley are at particularly higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson's.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·January 25, 2023·6 min readPrenatal Pollution Exposure Linked to Lower Cognitive Scores in Early LifeMaternal exposure to air pollution during mid-to-late pregnancy was associated with lower scores on tests of cognition, language, and motor skills in children at the age of two.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 23, 2022·3 min readAn Association Between Exposure to Air Pollution in the First 5 Years of Life and Alterations in Brain StructureAssessing a child's exposure to air pollution on a monthly basis from conception to the age of 8.5, researchers found the greater the exposure to air pollution before the age of 5, the greater the alteration in brain structure by preadolescence.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 2, 2022·5 min readPollution Alters Infant Microbiome, Influencing Brain DevelopmentExposure to air pollution within the first 6 months of life alters a child's microbiome, increasing the risk for allergies, diabetes, obesity, and influencing brain development.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedNeuroscience·August 30, 2022·5 min readPregnant Women Are Exposed to Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Dishware, Hair Coloring, Plastics, and PesticidesExposure to chemicals such as melamine, cyanuric acid, and aromatic amines from household products, hair dyes, and pesticides can cause cancer and lead to child developmental issues, researchers report. The study found the majority of pregnant women have levels of the toxic chemicals in urine samples.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·August 17, 2022·4 min readHow DDT Exposure Contributes to Alzheimer’s Disease RiskDDT exposure causes sodium channels to remain open, leading to increased neural firing and an increased release of amyloid beta peptide. Blocking the channels with tetrodotoxin reduces the toxic amyloid protein by increasing the production of the amyloid precursor protein.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 17, 2022·4 min readModern Pesticides Damage the Brain of Bees So They Can’t Move in a Straight LineModern pesticides damage the nervous system of honeybees, making it difficult for them to fly in a straight line. The impaired optomotor response lowers the ability of affected bees to forage and pollinate flowers.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 3, 2022·6 min readAir Pollution and Stress Alter Brain Development and Social BehaviorAir pollution along with housing insecurity and stress during pregnancy leads to an increased risk of autism-like social behaviors and differences in neural anatomy in male mice offspring. Researchers believe the changes could be due to the immune system.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 8, 2021·3 min readDoes Air Pollution Reduce the Benefits of Physical Activity on the Brain?People who exercise in areas with high air pollution levels show less benefit from their physical activity when it comes to markers for certain brain diseases.Read More