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University of Oxford

·March 12, 2025·4 min read

“Mental Booster Shots” Strengthen Resistance to Fake News

New research reveals that short, memory-focused interventions can help individuals resist misinformation more effectively and retain these skills over extended periods, acting as "psychological booster shots." The study evaluated text-based messages, videos, and interactive games that teach people how to spot and resist misleading information. Memory-focused interventions showed the greatest long-term effectiveness, suggesting regular psychological "boosters" could enhance misinformation resistance.

This shows a woman with cell structures in her hair.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 9, 2023·7 min read

1 in 10 People Suffer From Autoimmune Diseases

A new study of 22 million people found autoimmune disorders now affect around one in 10 individuals, with women more affected than men. The research also revealed socioeconomic, seasonal, and regional disparities among several autoimmune disorders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 11, 2026·8 min read

Adult Neurons Retain a Molecular Record of Their Birth

New research reveals that every neuron in the adult brain carries a molecular record of exactly when and where it was born.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 23, 2020·4 min read

Antibiotics Disrupt Development of the ‘Social Brain’ in Mice

Early-life exposure to antibiotics may impact brain signaling pathways associated with social behavior and pain regulation. Young mice treated with antibiotics had reduced expression of receptors that mediate endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin signaling in the frontal cortex.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 28, 2018·3 min read

Can Microbes Manipulate Our Minds?

Researchers report we may have evolved to depend on our gut bacteria to aid normal brain function, and changes in our microbiome could have effects on our behavior.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 13, 2024·5 min read

Clues to Longevity, Fertility, and Aging Found in Our DNA

A new review explores the genetic factors influencing reproductive health, fertility, and life expectancy. Researchers identified 37 key genes linked to traits such as age at first childbirth, menopause timing, and hormone levels, highlighting genetic connections to broader health outcomes.

This shows two older ladies with face masks

Featured Neuroscience

·October 17, 2022·4 min read

COVID-19 Pandemic Caused Prolonged Decline in Life Expectancy

Smaller life expectancy deficits associated with the COVID-19 pandemic were found in countries with more fully vaccinated people, researchers report.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·March 27, 2024·4 min read

Diabetes, Pollution, and Alcohol Amplify Dementia Risk

Researchers identified key risk factors and genetic influences impacting a specific brain network vulnerable to aging, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. This 'weak spot' in the brain is especially susceptible to diabetes, air pollution, and alcohol consumption.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Pain

·June 18, 2022·3 min read

Discovery of Gene Involved in Chronic Pain Creates New Treatment Target

The absence of the NCX3 gene amplifies pain signals within the spinal cord, a new mouse study reveals. Increasing levels of NCX3 in the spinal cord helped reduce symptoms associated with chronic pain.

Featured Neurology

·October 24, 2017·6 min read

Dolphin Brains Show Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers discover tell-tale signs of Alzheimer's disease in the brains of older dolphins that had died after being washed up on the Spanish coast.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·November 18, 2016·6 min read

Ducklings Maintain Two Separate Memory Banks of Visual Information

Researchers report newly hatched ducklings that are shown a substitute mother object with only one eye do not recognize it when they have only the other eye available.