Boys with Social Difficulties More Susceptible to Early Substance Use
A new study reports boys with social skill problems during sixth grade are more likely to develop substance use issues by grade eight. ... Read More...
University of Illinois
Epileptics Living in High Crime Areas Have Three Times As Many Seizures
According to a new study, those with epilepsy who live in high crime neighborhoods have three times as many seizures as those living in lower crime areas.... Read More...
Adolescent Cannabis Use Alters Development of Planning and Self Control Brain Areas
Researchers report adolescent cannabis use alters the structural development of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that helps control higher cognitive functions.... Read More...
New Target of Alcohol in the Brain Identified
Researchers have identified a new target of alcohol in the brain. A new study reveals alcohol blocks the KCNK13 potassium channel within the membrane of dopamine releasing neurons in the ventral tegmental area.... Read More...
Effects of Epilepsy on Neural Activity Fluctuates with Reproductive Cycle: Mouse Study
Researchers report mice with epilepsy have alterations in neural pattern activity in an area of the brain that controls the reproductive endocrine system.... Read More...
Periodontal Disease Bacteria May Kick Start Alzheimer’s
A new mouse study reveals long term exposure to bacteria associated with periodontal disease causes neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, leading to similar effects of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers report periodontal disease may be an initiator of Alzheimer's.... Read More...
Dietary Fiber Reduces Brain Inflammation During Aging
Researchers report a high fiber diet can help to reduce both intestinal and brain inflammation during aging. ... Read More...
Bully or Leader? Even Infants Can Tell the Difference
Study confirms infants can detect differences in power between individuals and expect those differences to endure over time. Researchers say, at 21 months old, a child can distinguish between respect based power asserted by a leader and fear based power asserted by bullies.... Read More...
Sequenced Fox Genome Hints at Genetic Basis of Behavior
A new study sheds light on the genetic basis of fox behaviors and, researchers say, the findings could have implications for human behavior. The study reports the SorCS1 gene contributes to social behaviors in foxes. ... Read More...
Perinatal Exposure to Phthalates Impairs Brain Structure and Function: Rat Study
Researchers report rats exposed to phthalates, both while in the womb and through lactation, had fewer neurons and synapses than peers who were not exposed to the plasticizing chemicals. Additionally, the phthalate exposed rats showed deficits in cognitive flexibility.... Read More...
Ketamine Acts Fast to Treat Depression and Its Effects Last, But How?
Researchers explore the mechanisms behind ketamine's effectiveness at treating depression. The study reports the long lasting effects of ketamine may be due to G proteins timing in moving back to lipid rafts.... Read More...
When Emotional Memories Intrude, Focusing on Context Could Help
A new study reveals focusing attention to the context of a memory, rather than the emotional aspects, increases activity in brain regions associated with executive function and attention.... Read More...