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·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.

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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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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 14, 2024·5 min read

Social Media Fuels Eating Disorder Echo Chambers

A new study investigates the role of social media in exacerbating eating disorders among users. Researchers used machine learning to analyze millions of tweets, uncovering a troubling cycle where harmful content related to eating disorders is easily accessible and often intertwined with regular diet discussions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 12, 2024·6 min read

AI vs. Human Empathy: Machine Learning More Empathetic

AI-generated messages can make recipients feel more "heard" compared to responses from untrained humans. The research demonstrates AI's superior ability to detect and respond to human emotions, potentially providing better emotional support.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 4, 2024·5 min read

Brain Organoids Illuminate TBI’s Link to Neurodegeneration

Researchers have advanced our understanding of how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) contribute to neurodegenerative diseases using lab-grown brain organoids. By simulating TBI in organoids derived from human stem cells, the team observed nerve cell death and pathological changes similar to those in TBI patients, particularly in proteins associated with ALS and dementia.

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·March 18, 2024·5 min read

Teens’ Transcendent Thinking Spurs Brain Growth

Adolescents engaging in "transcendent thinking"—the practice of looking beyond the immediate context to understand deeper meanings and implications—can significantly influence their brain development. The study highlights how this complex form of thinking fosters coordination between the brain's executive control and default mode networks, crucial for psychological functioning.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 20, 2024·4 min read

Fasting-Mimicking Diet Reverses Aging Signs

Cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) can effectively reduce signs of immune system aging, insulin resistance, and liver fat, thereby decreasing biological age in humans. The FMD is a five-day plan high in unsaturated fats but low in calories, proteins, and carbohydrates, designed to emulate the effects of water-only fasting while providing essential nutrients.