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Psychology

The image is a graph describing how decision is gradually formed.

·April 15, 2013·4 min read

Bad Decisions Arise from Faulty Information, Not Faulty Brain Circuits

Researchers conclude that poor quality information is to blame for bad decision making, not faults with neural processing.

The image shows neural stem cells derived from people with bipolar disorder.

Featured Genetics

·April 11, 2013·4 min read

Do Drugs for Bipolar Disorder “Normalize” Brain Gene Function?

A new brain tissue study has shown gene expression in bipolar patients treated with antipsychotic medications is similar to the expression in subjects with no history of bipolar disorder.

A brain image is shown with the medial forebrain highlighted.

Electrophysiology Featured Psychology

·April 9, 2013·3 min read

Sensational Success in Patients with Major Depression Using Deep Brain Stimulation

Researchers implanted pacemaker electrodes into the medial forebrain bundle of patients suffering from major depression and performed deep brain stimulation. In a matter of days, in six out of seven patients, symptoms such as anxiety, despondence, listlessness and joylessness had improved considerably.

The image is an fMRI depiction of activated brain areas (BOLD) during an index finger-tapping sequence.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 5, 2013·2 min read

Motor Skills Research Nets Good News for Middle-Aged

Researchers discover a slight decline in fine motor skills associated with aging, with a marked drop in ability for those aged 64 and older.

The image shows the brain activation in children with a family history of schizophrenia, who are themselves at greater risk for developing schizophrenia.

Featured Psychology

·March 22, 2013·3 min read

Alterations in Brain Activity in Children at Risk of Schizophrenia Predate Onset of Symptoms

A new study reveals neural circuitry is hyperactivated by performing certain tasks for children with a family history of schizophrenia, compare to peers without this family history. As the differences in brain function appear prior to the onset of psychiatric symptoms, researchers believe the findings could point to vulnerability markers for schizophrenia.

The image shows a diagram of the brain with specific regions of the dopamine and serotonin pathways mapped out.

Featured Psychology

·March 15, 2013·2 min read

Discovery Could Yield Treatment for Cocaine Addicts

Researchers discovered cocaine causes cells within the nucleus accumbens to boost the production of two specific proteins linked to addition and learning. Understanding addiction on a molecular level could lead to future developments for new treatments.

The image is a diagram of the brain with the prefrontal cortex highlighted in yellow.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 14, 2013·5 min read

Suppressing the Brain’s “Filter” Can Improve Performance in Creative Tasks

Researchers discover reducing cognitive control can boost performance when completing creative tasks.

The image is an illustration of a deep brain stimulation device fitted.

Featured Neurology

·March 6, 2013·5 min read

Deep Brain Stimulation Shows Promise for Patients with Chronic, Treatment Resistant Anorexia Nervosa

Researchers observe weight gain and improved mental state in some patients with chronic anorexia nervosa as a result of deep brain stimulation.

The image shows a mammogram with an arrow pointing to a small, cancerous lesion.

Featured Psychology

·February 28, 2013·3 min read

Nearly 1 in 4 Women Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Report PTSD Symptoms

During the first few months after breast cancer diagnosis, 23 percent of women reported symptoms associated with PTSD, a new study reports.

The image shows a rat holding a hershey's kiss.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 27, 2013·3 min read

Discovery About Animal Memory Opens Doors to Research on Memory Impairment Diseases

A new study offers evidence of source memory in nonhuman animals.

The image shows a statue dedicated to fire fighters who lost their lives during September 11th. The statue points to an american flag.

Featured Psychology

·February 26, 2013·3 min read

Police and Firefighters in Early Career at Higher Risk for Mental Disorders Following Traumatic Events

Researchers have discovered new protective service workers, such as police officers and fire fighters, who are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events are at greater risk of developing mental health disorders.