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Wiley

·September 11, 2024·3 min read

Human-Dog Brain Activity Syncs During Bonding

During social interactions, human and dog brain activity becomes synchronized, with mutual gazing and petting enhancing this connection. Over five days, synchronization between human-dog pairs increased with familiarity, suggesting a leader-follower dynamic, where humans lead and dogs follow.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 7, 2024·4 min read

Role of Serotonin Release in Depression Uncovered

Researchers developed a highly selective fluorescent probe to image serotonin in cells and animal models, shedding light on its role in depression. The study revealed that while serotonin levels in normal and “depressed” cells are similar, depressive cells release significantly less serotonin.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·July 24, 2024·3 min read

Anxiety Raises Dementia Risk

A new study reveals that chronic and new anxiety are linked to a higher risk of dementia, while resolved anxiety shows no such association. Following 2,132 Australian individuals for 10 years, researchers found that chronic and new anxiety increased dementia risk by 2.8 and 3.2 times, respectively. Those whose anxiety began before age 70 faced even greater risks. The findings suggest that addressing anxiety could help prevent dementia.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2024·3 min read

Positive Praise at Age 3 Reduces Problems by Age 7

3-year-olds who responded positively to parental praise had fewer behavioral and emotional issues by age 5-7. Children whose behaviors were less influenced by their mood also showed fewer problems. The research, involving 60 children, used toothbrushing videos to measure child behavior and parental praise. This study highlights the importance of early positive reinforcement in child development.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 15, 2024·3 min read

Exercise Can Slow Brain Aging Cognitive Decline

A new study shows that exercise can reverse aging effects in the brain. Researchers found that physical activity alters gene expression in microglia, making them resemble those of younger brains.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 10, 2024·2 min read

Probiotics Plus Vitamin D Improve Schizophrenia Symptoms

A new study suggests probiotics with vitamin D might improve cognitive function in people with schizophrenia. The study involved 70 adults who took either a placebo or the supplements daily for 12 weeks.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2023·2 min read

Brain Stimulation Enhances Memory in Schizophrenia Patients

A new study suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve aspects of prospective memory in individuals with schizophrenia. The trial compared 50 schizophrenia patients, split between active and sham rTMS treatments, with 18 healthy controls.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 6, 2023·2 min read

Childhood Stress Linked to Adult Depression

A new study reveals a connection between negative life events (NLE) in childhood and a higher likelihood of developing depression in young adulthood. This research, involving 321 participants, showed that a thicker orbitofrontal cortex at age 14, followed by rapid thinning during adolescence, is predictive of depressive symptoms later in life.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 8, 2023·2 min read

Childhood Slumber Shadows: Genetics Link to Sleep Quality

New research reveals that genetic variants influencing sleep patterns in adults also affect children's sleep quality and duration. Analyzing data from 2,458 children, the study found that those with a genetic predisposition for insomnia experienced more sleep disturbances, while those inclined towards longer sleep faced frequent night awakenings.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 8, 2023·1 min read

Cannabis Use Linked to Enhanced Empathy

A new study suggests regular cannabis users may have a heightened ability to understand others' emotions. Psychological assessments coupled with brain imaging revealed that users show stronger connectivity in brain regions associated with empathy.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 18, 2023·2 min read

Hit Snooze: More Sleep Could Boost Morning Alertness

There may be perks to hitting the snooze button. Among 1,732 adults, 69% reported snoozing, with an average snooze time of 22 minutes. Younger participants and evening types were more prone to snoozing. A smaller study found that 30 minutes of snoozing could enhance or not affect cognitive performance upon waking.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·August 23, 2023·2 min read

Deafness and Social Cues: It’s Environment, Not Brain Circuitry

Recent findings reveal an important insight into the social struggles of deaf individuals: it's the environment, not their brains, that poses challenges. This research debunked the myth that hearing impairment alters the brain's social circuits.