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stress

·February 21, 2020·4 min read

The practice of meditation leaves marks in the brain

Three months of transcendental meditation reduced anxiety and resulted in marked changes in connectivity between the precuneus, left parietal lobe, and insula.

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·February 11, 2020·5 min read

Research points to potential brain marker of stress and its effects on problem solving

Genetics testing revealed those with a greater susceptibility to stress have at least one copy of a variation in the serotonin transporter gene. Additionally, changes to connections in the middle temporal gyrus related to changes in cognitive performance during stress.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 11, 2020·3 min read

“Women my age tend to drink, it’s normal”

Women aged 50 to 70 are more likely to consume alcohol at levels that exceed low-risk drinking guidelines than younger women. They are also more likely to perceive their drinking behavior as normal and acceptable, so long as they appear in control and respectable.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 5, 2020·2 min read

Certain meditation strategies may help perfectionists

Mindful meditation helps perfectionists cope with stress.

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·January 29, 2020·6 min read

Higher maternal socioeconomics offer little protection against toxic prenatal stress

Maternal stress and anxiety alter the structure and biochemistry of the developing fetal brain.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·January 29, 2020·3 min read

Neural effects of acute stress on appetite

Acute stress suppresses appetite, and the suppression is associated with alterations in neural activity in the frontal pole.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 22, 2020·5 min read

How stress causes gray hair

Study reveals a link between the nervous system and stem cells that regenerate pigment in hair follicles. When stressed, norepinephrine from the sympathetic nervous system causes melanocyte stem cells to activate excessively. The stem cells all convert into pigment-producing cells, prematurely depleting the reservoir. The findings explain the cellular and molecular links between stress and premature hair graying.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 18, 2020·5 min read

Mix of stress and air pollution may lead to cognitive difficulties in children

Children who experience elevated prenatal exposure to air pollution and exposure to early life stress have an increased risk of developing both attention problems and cognitive difficulties.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 17, 2020·2 min read

Violence and adversity in early life can alter the brain

Exposure to violence and childhood adversity has a negative effect on the developing brain. Neuroimaging reveals adolescents who experienced adversity and violence as children had reduced connectivity between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. However, social support may act as a buffer and reduce the negative effects of early life stress.

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·January 13, 2020·3 min read

Potential new treatment for preventing post traumatic stress disorder

Study demonstrates a molecular mechanism that contributes to the development of PTSD. The findings could lead to therapeutic interventions for preventing or treating the disorder.

This is a drawing of a head made up of cannabis leaves

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 13, 2020·3 min read

Study sheds light on link between cannabis, anxiety and stress

A naturally occurring molecule produced by the brain activates endocannabinoid receptors, protecting against stress by reducing anxiety-producing connections between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. The findings may help explain why people turn to marijuana when they feel anxious or stressed.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·January 13, 2020·6 min read

When pregnant moms are stressed out, babies’ brains suffer

Stress and anxiety during pregnancy are associated with impaired fetal cerebellar and hippocampal development in children with congenital heart disease.