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Virginia Commonwealth University

This is a cartoon of a man looking at a cell phone with his head split open. Inside his head are images of COVID, the words "Fake News" and vaccines

·April 1, 2021·4 min read

Conspiracy Theories Are Dividing Us. How Do We Talk About Them?

Belief in conspiracy theories is causing problems within families and other close relationships. The growth of conspiratorial belief may be a result of social media outlets making it easier for those who believe in conspiracies to find other believers and share misinformation. Researchers say discussing your concerns for those close to you who believe in conspiracies requires a very careful approach. Read More

This shows the outline of a girl and a brain

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 30, 2021·5 min read

Bespoke Neuroblastoma Therapy Weaponizes Cell Metabolism

Two existing medications show promise in the treatment of the deadly childhood cancer, neuroblastoma. Phenformin and AZD3965 exploit the metabolic hunger of the disease to kill cancer cells without inflicting excessive damage to healthy tissue. Read More

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 23, 2021·4 min read

A New Strategy for Fighting Brain Cancer

Study shows how cholesterol becomes dysregulated in brain cancer cells and reports the gene responsible for the dysregulation could be a potential target to help treat glioblastoma brain cancer. Read More

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·December 8, 2020·3 min read

Key Driver of the Spread of Cancer to the Brain Discovered

Increased YTHDF3 expression appears to be a key driver in brain metastases. Read More

Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 7, 2020·4 min read

COVID-19 Should Be Treated as an Acute Inflammatory Disease

Researchers argue COVID-19 should be considered as an inflammatory disease as the severity of the infection is associated with a dysregulation of the inflammatory immune response. Read More

This shows a man crossing his fingers behind his back

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 12, 2020·4 min read

Not all psychopaths are violent. Study reveals why some are ‘successful’ instead

While psychopathy is generally associated with antisocial behaviors, many with the personality trait develop successful careers. A new study supports a novel model of psychopathy which runs contradictory to existing models of the disorder, focusing on the strengths associated with psychopathy, rather than just the deficits. Researchers found higher initial psychopathy was associated with a steeper increase of general inhibitory control and the inhibition of aggression over time. The effect was magnified among those who were "successful." Read More

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 21, 2019·3 min read

Could psychedelic drugs be a new treatment option for people with depression?

Study discussed the benefits of using psychedelics as an antidepressant option for those with depression. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 19, 2019·5 min read

How people with psychopathic traits control their ‘dark impulses’

Neuroimaging reveals 'successful' psychopaths (those who can control their antisocial tendencies) have greater levels of gray matter density between the left and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is implicated in self-regulatory processes, including reactive emotions. Read More

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 3, 2019·4 min read

Antidepressants could be used to treat multiple bacterial infections

FIASMA antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and desipramine, halt the growth of four different kinds of bacterial pathogens in cell cultures and animal models. The antidepressants have shown to be effective in killing intracellular bacteria in two chlamydia infections, as well as human granulocytic anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease that attacks white blood cells. Read More

This shows the researcher listening to music on headphones

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 12, 2019·3 min read

Working to the beat: How music can make us more productive

Listening to music while working helps improve productivity and increases perceptions of happiness. Read More

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 15, 2018·5 min read

Social Rejection Can Lead to Violence But, Mindfulness May Be the Solution

A new study reveals mindfulness can act as a buffer against the pain and distress of social rejection. Read More

a brain slice from a patient with glioblastoma brain cancer

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology

·June 4, 2018·5 min read

A Potential Achilles Heel in Brain Cancer

A new study in PNAS reports blocking the expression of MDA-9/Syntenin forces glioma stem cells to lose their ability to induce protective autophagy. Read More