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USC

·November 12, 2024·5 min read

After the Pandemic, Alcohol Use Remains Elevated

U.S. alcohol use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and has stayed elevated post-pandemic, posing serious health risks. Heavy drinking rose by 20% during the pandemic, and the increase continued in 2022. This trend spanned across most demographics, with the highest rise among adults aged 40-49.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 1, 2024·5 min read

Air Pollution Linked to Poor Learning and Memory in Kids

Exposure to ammonium nitrate, a component of fine particulate pollution from agricultural emissions, is associated with reduced learning and memory in children. This type of pollution, also linked to neurodegenerative risks in adults, highlights how air quality impacts brain health across ages.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·October 21, 2024·5 min read

Genetic Variants Linked to Brain Volume Shed Light on ADHD, Parkinson’s

A large-scale study identified 254 genetic variants that shape the volume of key brain regions responsible for memory, motor control, and behavior. Researchers analyzed DNA and brain scans from nearly 75,000 people, uncovering links between these variants and conditions like ADHD and Parkinson’s disease.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 10, 2024·4 min read

Can AI Tackle Abstract Reasoning? Study Tests Cognitive Limits

Researchers tested artificial intelligence’s ability to solve abstract visual puzzles similar to human IQ tests, revealing gaps in AI’s reasoning skills. Open-source AI models struggled, while closed-source models like GPT-4V performed better, but far from perfectly.

This shows a teen awake at night with a bottle of water in their hand.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 4, 2024·7 min read

80-Minute Sleep Loss in Teens Exposed to “Forever Chemicals”

igher blood levels of four specific types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," are linked to poorer sleep quality in young adults. These chemicals, found in everyday products and the environment, have been shown to disrupt genes responsible for regulating sleep and wake cycles, leading to decreased sleep duration and more sleep disturbances.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 26, 2024·7 min read

How Reflexes Shape Smooth Movement

Researchers have uncovered how the spinal cord helps modulate reflexes to allow for smooth, voluntary movements. Using simulations, the study shows how circuits within the spinal cord regulate stretch reflexes, preventing disruptions during skilled movements like reaching.

This shows the outline of a head and a brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 16, 2024·5 min read

Reflective Thinking Boosts Teen Brain Resilience to Violence

Teens who engage in "transcendent thinking" can counteract the negative effects of violence exposure on brain development. This type of thinking involves considering broader ethical and societal implications of social issues.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2024·4 min read

Unique Brain Activity in Mixed Emotions

Researchers found distinct neural activity in the brain when experiencing mixed emotions like bittersweetness. Using MRI scans, they observed unique patterns in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, separate from those seen in purely positive or negative emotions.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 2, 2024·5 min read

Parenthood Shrinks Brain Volume but Boosts Engagement in Dads

Brain volume decreases in first-time fathers are linked to increased parenting involvement, yet also more sleep problems and mental health issues. This study aligns with earlier findings in mothers, indicating that brain changes might aid in caregiving. Despite potential challenges, active parenting benefits both fathers and children. The findings emphasize the need for supportive policies for new parents.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 29, 2024·8 min read

Transparent Skull Implant Enables Advanced Brain Imaging

Researchers developed a transparent skull implant allowing high-resolution brain imaging with functional ultrasound (fUSI). This innovative method enables precise monitoring of brain activity without invasive surgery, offering potential benefits for patients with neurological conditions.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 26, 2024·7 min read

Nostalgic Music Affects the Brain and Memory

Nostalgic music activates brain areas linked to memory, reward, and self-processing. This discovery could help improve the quality of life for those with dementia.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 16, 2024·5 min read

Junk Food Diet in Teens Linked to Long-term Memory Issues

A high-fat, sugary diet during adolescence may cause long-lasting memory impairments. The study found that rats raised on a junk food diet exhibited significant memory deficits that persisted into adulthood, despite switching to a healthier diet.

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USC

After the Pandemic, Alcohol Use Remains Elevated

Air Pollution Linked to Poor Learning and Memory in Kids

Genetic Variants Linked to Brain Volume Shed Light on ADHD, Parkinson’s

Can AI Tackle Abstract Reasoning? Study Tests Cognitive Limits

80-Minute Sleep Loss in Teens Exposed to “Forever Chemicals”

How Reflexes Shape Smooth Movement

Reflective Thinking Boosts Teen Brain Resilience to Violence

Unique Brain Activity in Mixed Emotions

Parenthood Shrinks Brain Volume but Boosts Engagement in Dads

Transparent Skull Implant Enables Advanced Brain Imaging

Nostalgic Music Affects the Brain and Memory

Junk Food Diet in Teens Linked to Long-term Memory Issues

Oxytocin Boosts Mother-Infant Bond in Postpartum Depression

Common Pain Medication Linked to Cognitive Decline Risk

Inverse Graphics: How Your Brain Turns 2D Into 3D

Familiar Faces and Fights: What Monkeys Like to Watch Most

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