FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 31, 2020·4 min readResearchers Discover a Specific Brain Circuit Damaged by Social Isolation During ChildhoodSocial isolation experienced during childhood has an impact on adult brain function and behavior. Following two weeks of social isolation immediately following weaning in male mice, researchers noticed a failure in activation of medial prefrontal cortex neurons projecting to the posterior paraventricular thalamus during social exposure in adulthood. Findings suggest medial prefrontal cortex neurons required for sociability are profoundly affected by social isolation at a young age.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·August 15, 2020·4 min readStudy Identifies Social Connection as the Strongest Protective Factor for DepressionActive social connection is the strongest protective factor for depression, a new study reports. Additionally, reducing sedentary activities such as watching TV or taking a nap can also help lower depression risk.Read More
FeaturedOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·August 8, 2020·5 min readExperiences of Loneliness May Differ by AgePeople experience loneliness differently in adult life, depending on their age. The strongest association with loneliness is feeling excluded from society.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 16, 2020·2 min readThe molecular mechanisms of depressionStudy reveals how the brain's opioid system is linked to mood changes associated with depression and anxiety. Neuroimaging revealed, in those with depression, there is a decreased number of opioid receptors in specific areas of the brain.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 16, 2020·4 min readYour brain shows if you are lonely or notIn the medial prefrontal cortex, loneliness is associated with a reduced representational similarity between the self and others. Feeling socially disconnected may be mirrored by a self-representation of being a "loner."Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·June 10, 2020·3 min readWill lockdown loneliness make us loners?Social preference in isolated zebrafish is caused by stress and anxiety, not observed anti-social patterns.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 6, 2020·3 min readThe neurobiology of social distance: Why loneliness may be the biggest threat to survival and longevityStudy explores the wide-ranging, negative effects of social isolation on both psychological and physiological well-being.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeurosciencePsychology·March 5, 2020·3 min readSocial isolation could cause physical inflammationSocially isolated individuals may have an increased risk of physical inflammation in the body. Researchers found social isolation was associated with the presence of C-reactive protein and increased levels of glycoprotein fibrinogen. The link between social isolation and physical inflammation was more common in males.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·February 23, 2020·3 min readSocial isolation during adolescence drives long-term disruptions in social behaviorSocial isolation during key periods of adolescence leads to long-term disruptions in social behavior and activity in neural patterns.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·February 14, 2020·4 min readAcetaminophen and forgiveness may alleviate emotional and physical pain of exclusionFor those who face social rejection, researchers believe they have found a simple antidote. The study reports combining the over-the-counter pain killer acetaminophen with a dose of forgiveness can help alleviate both the physical and emotional pain of social rejection.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·January 12, 2020·3 min readHikikomori: New definition helps identify, treat extreme social isolationHikikomori, the condition of extreme social isolation, is more ubiquitous than previously believed. Researchers say modern tools to help improve interpersonal communication may have the opposite effect.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 5, 2020·4 min readCities increase your risk of depression, anxiety and psychosis – but bring mental health benefits tooWhile the risks of developing depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis are significantly higher for urban dwellers, researchers report there are some positive impacts on mental health for those who live in big cities.Read More