Latest

University of Toronto

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 20, 2020·5 min read

Researchers delay onset of ALS

Increasing the activity of interneurons in later 5 of the primary motor cortex in mouse models of ALS effectively slowed the onset of the disease.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·February 27, 2020·5 min read

Low fruit and vegetable intakes and higher body fat linked to anxiety disorders

People who consume less than three sources of fruits and vegetables a day have a 24% increased risk of anxiety disorder.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 29, 2020·5 min read

Link between autism and cognitive impairment discovered

Study identifies a short gene segment crucial for brain development and information processing. The absence of the gene segment induces altered social behaviors, learning difficulties, and memory deficits, which are hallmarks of a subset of ASD.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 7, 2020·2 min read

Some surprisingly good news about anxiety

Recovery rates from anxiety are higher than previously believed. 7 in 10 people with a history of generalized anxiety disorder report being free of symptoms for at least a year, and 40% claim to retain excellent mental health.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 19, 2019·4 min read

Is there a link between lifetime lead exposure and dementia?

A new hypothesis suggests declining rates of dementia could be a result of generational differences in lifetime exposure to lead.

This shows a drawing of a head and jigsaw pieces

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 12, 2019·4 min read

Could some people with schizophrenia in poorer nations simply have a vitamin deficiency?

An association has been identified between a variant of the NAPRT1 gene, which reduces the body's ability to use Vitamin B3, and schizophrenia. The study reveals there could be a critical interaction between a pregnant woman's prenatal niacin deficiency due to malnutrition and the NAPRT1 variant, which impedes the fetus' ability to use niacin during development. The interaction between the gene and the prenatal environment may predispose the offspring to develop a psychiatric disorder.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·November 12, 2019·5 min read

Depression linked to nutrition in middle-aged and older adults

Poor nutrition was linked to an increased risk of depression in middle-aged and older adults. Men who consume higher levels of fat and lower levels of omega-3 were more prone to depression. A diet low in fruits and vegetables was also associated with increased depression risks.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 10, 2019·2 min read

Linguists track impact of cognitive decline across three decades of one writer’s diaries

Reviewing over thirty years of diaries from a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, linguists discover how writing style changes as dementia progresses.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 27, 2019·5 min read

Women with chronic physical conditions more likely to experience mental illness in pregnancy

Women who suffer from a chronic physical condition, such as asthma or diabetes, are at increased risk of developing mental health problems both during pregnancy and up to one-year postpartum.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·July 15, 2019·4 min read

Improved mood and focus reported by microdosers

Microdosing, a growing trend where people take small doses for psychedelic drugs, is associated with improved mood, focus, and creativity. For some, microdosing may provide a possible alternative to SSRI antidepressants. However, researchers warn of some potential problems with microdosing, including negative side effects, psychological stigma, and exposure to elicit, black market products.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 29, 2019·4 min read

Extroverts enjoy four key advantages according to science; here they are

Being extroverted may be a clear advantage in the workplace. A new study reveals extroverts tend to be more motivated, conscientious, emotionally positive and better communicators than their more introverted peers.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 27, 2019·5 min read

Scientists uncover a trove of genes that could hold key to how humans evolved

Dozens of genes previously believed to have similar roles across different organisms are actually unique to humans. The genetic codes are for transcription factors, which help control gene activity. The findings may help to explain how humans evolved.