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University of Michigan

·March 11, 2024·4 min read

Unlocking the Chill: Protein Behind Cold Sensation Found

Researchers identified GluK2 as the key protein that enables mammals to sense cold temperatures. This discovery, building on earlier work with the C. elegans worm, provides crucial insight into the molecular mechanisms of cold perception and has significant implications for understanding and treating conditions that alter cold sensitivity.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 26, 2024·7 min read

Stem Cells Model of Early Human Central Nervous System Created

Researchers have developed the first stem cell culture method that accurately models the early stages of the human central nervous system (CNS), marking a significant breakthrough in neuroscience. This 3D human organoid system simulates the development of the brain and spinal cord, offering new possibilities for studying human brain development and diseases.

This shows an older man listening to music.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 8, 2024·5 min read

Music’s Healing Rhythms Resonate with Older Adults

A new study reveals that nearly all older adults find more than entertainment in music, with significant health-related benefits such as stress relief, mood improvement, and increased energy. The study highlights music's crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for people aged 50 to 80, with 98% reporting at least one health benefit from engaging with music.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 8, 2024·10 min read

Ketamine’s Leap from Fringe to Mainstream in Depression Treatment

A new study involving 74 participants, has demonstrated significant promise for intravenous ketamine in treating severe depression and bipolar disorder, conditions often resistant to traditional therapies. This research indicates that after just three ketamine infusions over 11 days, 52% of the participants achieved remission, with half of those frequently experiencing suicidal thoughts witnessing a dramatic decline in such impulses.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 3, 2024·5 min read

Risk-Taking Behavior Linked to Persistence of Male Bisexuality Genes

A new study sheds light on the persistence of genes associated with male bisexuality in the human genome. The research suggests that these genes are linked to risk-taking behavior, which confers reproductive benefits to heterosexual men carrying them.

Neuroscience

·December 11, 2023·8 min read

Diminished Genetic Resilience in Pandemic-Era Depression Spike

Researchers found that the pandemic doubled the incidence of clinical depression among first-year college students, affecting one-third of the cohort. Even students with genetic resilience factors were not spared, especially young women.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 8, 2023·5 min read

Genes Associated with Earlier and Higher Reproduction Linked to Accelerated Aging

A new study, utilizing data from over 276,000 people in the UK Biobank database, has found evidence supporting the antagonistic pleiotropy theory of aging, proposed by biologist George Williams in 1957. This theory suggests that genetic mutations promoting early reproduction might also accelerate aging.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2023·6 min read

Rising Cannabis Use Among Older Americans During the Pandemic

A new study reveals an increase in cannabis use among older Americans, with 12% reporting THC-containing substance consumption in the past year, a rise from pre-pandemic levels. The study highlights a connection between high-risk alcohol consumption and increased cannabis use in this age group.

Neuroscience

·September 14, 2023·5 min read

Digestive Diseases Linked to Loneliness and Depression in Older Adults

Rising life expectancy is accompanied by a surge in digestive diseases, affecting 40% of US adults. Researchers discovered a correlation between digestive diseases and rates of loneliness, depression, and social isolation among older adults.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·August 1, 2023·7 min read

Study Links Vision Problems and Dementia in Older Adults

A recent study suggests a significant link between vision problems and dementia in older adults. The study examined nearly 3,000 elderly individuals, showing a higher risk of dementia among those with eyesight issues.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 22, 2023·5 min read

Cognition in Motion: A Hard Look at Aging Drivers

A recent study found a majority of cognitively impaired older adults in South Texas are still driving, raising safety concerns. Of the over 600 individuals assessed, 61.4% of those with cognitive impairment were active drivers.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 13, 2023·5 min read

Lab-Grown Human Brain Organoids Go Animal-Free

Researchers have innovated a method to produce lab-grown mini brains, known as human brain organoids, free of animal cells, promising a more accurate study and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. Previously, brain organoids were grown using a substance derived from mouse sarcomas called Matrigel, leading to inconsistencies due to its undefined composition and variability.