FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·August 25, 2024·6 min readBlocking a Brain Pathway Reverses Memory Loss in Alzheimer’sBlocking the kynurenine pathway, a regulator of brain metabolism, can restore cognitive function in lab mice with Alzheimer’s disease. The pathway is overactivated in Alzheimer’s, disrupting glucose metabolism and starving neurons of energy. By inhibiting this pathway, researchers improved memory and brain plasticity in mice, offering hope for new treatments in humans. IDO1 inhibitors, currently in cancer trials, could be repurposed for Alzheimer’s treatment.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 17, 2024·7 min readSix Types of Depression IdentifiedResearchers identified six depression subtypes through brain imaging and machine learning, revealing tailored treatment options. This breakthrough in precision psychiatry can improve treatment outcomes by matching patients with the most effective therapies based on their brain activity patterns.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 5, 2024·6 min readBrain Plasticity’s Dark Side: New Insights into Addiction MechanismsResearchers discovered that adaptive myelination, a form of brain plasticity, contributes to drug addiction. A single morphine dose in mice triggered myelination in reward-related brain circuits, reinforcing drug-seeking behavior. Blocking this myelination prevented addiction, highlighting potential new treatment strategies.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 1, 2024·7 min readNight Owls Beware: Late Bedtimes Harm Mental HealthStaying up late harms mental health regardless of one's natural sleep preference. Surveying nearly 75,000 adults, researchers discovered that both morning and night types who stayed up late had higher rates of mental disorders. Surprisingly, aligning with one's chronotype didn't matter—early bedtimes benefited everyone. The study suggests lights out by 1 a.m. for better mental health.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 12, 2024·10 min readKey Brain Systems Implicated in PsychosisResearchers provide new insights into the brain mechanisms behind psychosis. The research identified malfunctions in two critical brain systems—the "filter" and the "predictor" in individuals with psychosis.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 1, 2024·7 min readKeto Diet May Improve Mental Health SymptomsA new pilot study presents a compelling case for the ketogenic diet as a dual-action treatment for individuals with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, who often suffer metabolic side effects from their medication. The research shows how adopting a ketogenic diet not only mitigates these metabolic issues but also significantly improves psychiatric conditions.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 23, 2024·3 min readEmotion vs. Reason: Rethinking Decision-MakingResearchers challenge the notion that rational thinking is the only path to good decision-making. Highlighting the limited role of rationality in our choices, the researchers emphasize the profound influence of emotions, as demonstrated in his wine tasting study where perceived value affected enjoyment.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 19, 2024·6 min readAI Determines Sex of Person From Brain ScansResearchers developed an artificial intelligence model that accurately determines the sex of individuals based on brain scans, with over 90% success. This breakthrough supports the theory that significant sex differences in brain organization exist, challenging long-standing controversies.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·February 12, 2024·7 min readKetamine’s Effects Diverge by SexKetamine's effects on depression and pain, and its interaction with opioid pathways, significantly differ between sexes. In a detailed rat study, the team found that blocking opioid receptors nullified ketamine's impact only in males, suggesting a complex interplay between ketamine, opioid systems, and sex hormones.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 5, 2024·6 min readPsychoactive Ibogaine and Magnesium Show Promise for PTSDIbogaine, a plant-based psychoactive drug combined with magnesium, effectively reduces PTSD, anxiety, and depression in veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The study, involving 30 U.S. special forces veterans, showed significant and lasting improvements in mental health and functioning post-treatment.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePain·January 4, 2024·5 min readElectrical Stimulation Enhances HypnotizabilityResearchers have found that targeted electrical stimulation of the brain can temporarily increase a person's hypnotizability, potentially allowing more individuals to benefit from hypnosis-based therapies for pain relief and other conditions. In a study involving participants with fibromyalgia, electrical stimulation delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex boosted hypnotizability for about an hour.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 4, 2023·8 min readImplant Shows Promise in Restoring Cognitive Function After Brain InjuryA groundbreaking study successfully restored cognitive function in patients with lasting impairments from traumatic brain injuries using deep-brain-stimulation devices. This innovative technique targets the central lateral nucleus in the thalamus to reactivate neural pathways associated with attention and arousal.Read More
