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University of Cambridge

·October 25, 2023·7 min read

Bipolar Disorder Can Be Detected With Blood Test

A novel approach combines an online psychiatric assessment with a blood test to diagnose bipolar disorder, a condition often misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder. This blood test, alongside the digital assessment, can accurately diagnose up to 30% of bipolar disorder cases.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 9, 2023·6 min read

Early Parental Bonds Shape Future Empathy

A new study links early parental bonding with children’s future prosocial behavior, exhibiting kindness and empathy. Utilizing data from over 10,000 people born from 2000-2002, the study illustrates the long-term interplay of early relationships, mental health, and prosociality.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 20, 2023·8 min read

Is Suppressing Negative Thoughts A Path to Improved Mental Health?

A new study challenges the traditional belief surrounding the suppression of negative thoughts and mental well-being. Researchers trained participants to suppress fears and worries, observing that these thoughts became less vivid and participants' mental health improved.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 13, 2023·6 min read

Healthy Habits Are Key to Curbing Depression’s Hold

A new study delves into the role of lifestyle choices in mitigating depression risks. Drawing from the UK Biobank, researchers analyzed data from nearly 290,000 participants, determining that seven key lifestyle habits significantly reduced depression risk.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 15, 2023·6 min read

Unborn Babies ‘Remote-Control’ Moms for Nutrition via Paternal Gene

Researchers discovered that unborn babies utilize a paternal gene to manipulate their mother's metabolism, securing more nutrients during pregnancy. This "remote control" triggers a maternal-fetal tug of war over resources.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 5, 2023·7 min read

Physical Activity Over 60 Enhances Life Quality

Researchers found a correlation between physical activity in adults over sixty and quality of life. The study, involving almost 1,500 participants, revealed that reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior lead to lower life quality.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 28, 2023·6 min read

Childhood Reading Habits Boost Brain and Mental Health in Teens

Encouraging children to indulge in reading for pleasure can enhance their cognitive and mental health during adolescence, a recent study reveals. The research, involving over 10,000 young adolescents from the US, discovered that an optimal reading duration of 12 hours per week contributed to improved brain structure and mental health.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 27, 2023·6 min read

Human Embryo-Like Model Derived from Stem Cells Opens New Avenues for Research

Researchers developed a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo in the lab. This innovative model, created from pluripotent stem cells, enables experimental modeling of embryonic development during the second week of pregnancy, a critical period often associated with pregnancy loss.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 27, 2023·6 min read

Brain Chemical Imbalance Detected in OCD

Researchers discovered a neurochemical imbalance in the brains of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, they found a disrupted balance between neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA in two specific regions of the frontal lobes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 14, 2023·4 min read

Rethinking Smart: Cognitive Enhancers May Diminish Performance in Those Without ADHD

Cognitive enhancers, often dubbed as "smart" drugs, might actually impair performance and productivity in neurotypical individuals. The study evaluated the effects of three widely used "smart" drugs using a complex decision-making task simulating everyday scenarios.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 24, 2023·5 min read

Disrupted Synaptic Pruning a Key Factor in Teen Mental Health at Risk

According to research, problems with the brain's ability to prune itself of unnecessary connections may be behind a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. This could explain why people are often affected by more than one disorder. The discovery of a characteristic pattern of brain activity called the "neuropsychopathological factor" (NP factor) could help identify those at greatest risk of mental health problems and facilitate earlier interventions to reduce the risk.