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University of Exeter

Autism Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 15, 2024·4 min read

CNTN4 Protein’s Role in Autism and Alzheimer’s Unveiled

A new study reveals the crucial role of the protein Contactin-4 (CNTN4) in neuron development, impacting both neurodevelopmental disorders and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that CNTN4, linked to autism, interacts with the Alzheimer-related protein APP, affecting neuron growth in the brain's cortex.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 8, 2024·4 min read

Gene Identified as Key to Learning and Memory

Researchers identified a critical role for the gene KDM5B in learning and memory. Their study demonstrates that mice with reduced function of this gene exhibit significant deficits in memory and the ability to learn.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 25, 2024·5 min read

Exercising in Nature Reduces Depression, Improves Health

Engaging in physical activity in natural settings like parks and beaches could prevent around 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases annually in England, saving over £100 million in healthcare costs. This study underlines the critical role of natural environments in promoting health by reducing the prevalence of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·March 27, 2024·6 min read

Exploring Aphantasia: The Mind Without a Mental Picture

Researchers reviewed 50 studies to deepen our understanding aphantasia, a phenomenon where individuals can't visualize mentally. The research reveals aphantasia's diverse impact, from reduced autobiographical memory and face recognition to broader implications in music imagination and occupation choices, suggesting a spectrum rather than a binary condition.

This shows a man in a suit covered in red dust.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 5, 2024·5 min read

Violence Spreads Like Contagion in Certain Groups

A recent study highlights how violence among members of the Italian mafia spreads contagiously, with those committing violent acts in groups more likely to continue such behavior in the future. Analyzing the criminal careers of 9,819 individuals convicted of organized crime, researchers found that prior violent co-offending significantly increases the likelihood of future violent acts, more so than solo offenses.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 26, 2023·6 min read

Uncovering the Hidden Risks of Young-Onset Dementia

A new study reveals 15 risk factors for young-onset dementia, challenging the notion that genetics are the sole cause. These factors, ranging from education and socioeconomic status to lifestyle and health issues, offer hope for prevention.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 14, 2023·4 min read

Warming World, Changing Minds: Climate’s Effect on the Brain

A new study highlights the potential impact of climate change on human brain function. This international collaboration points out that environmental factors, including extreme weather events and air pollution, could significantly alter brain structure and cognitive abilities.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 1, 2023·4 min read

Taking Vitamin D Could Help Prevent Dementia

Taking a vitamin D supplement daily may help stave off dementia in older adults, a new study reports. Researchers found taking vitamin D was associated with adults living dementia free for longer, and there were 40% fewer cases of dementia reported in those who frequently took vitamin D supplements. The effects were significantly greater in women than men.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 28, 2022·3 min read

Childhood Poverty Impacts Well-Being in Middle Age

The financial circumstances a child experiences impact their well-being between the ages of 41 and 65.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 19, 2022·4 min read

An Animal-Free Method of Creating Human Brain Cells for Research

Researchers have developed a new method to create glutamatergic neuronal cells from SH-SY5Y cells without the use of animal-derived components. The new technique repurposes the B-27 growth supplement. This is the first time SH-SY5Y cells have been transformed into glutamatergic neuronal cells, researchers report.

This shows a child playing at the sea side

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 10, 2022·4 min read

Positive Childhood Experiences of Blue Spaces Linked to Better Adult Well-Being

Positive exposure to blue spaces, such as spending time playing at coastal locations or at lakes, during childhood is associated with a greater sense of well-being later in life.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 31, 2022·5 min read

Why People Struggle to Recognize the Faces of People From Different Racial Backgrounds

Many people report having a difficult time recognizing faces from visually distinct different backgrounds than their own. A new brain stimulation study found the "other race effect" is a result of lacking of cognitive visual expertise, and not social bias.