Latest

Wiley

This shows gas pumps, a person and a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·3 min read

Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Mental Illness

A new study estimates that childhood lead exposure, peaking between 1960 and 1990 due to leaded gasoline, caused 151 million excess cases of mental illness by 2015. Researchers linked historic lead exposure data to mental health symptoms, finding that personality changes and mental health disorders were most pronounced among Generation X.

Brain Cancer Featured Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·4 min read

Exercise During Chemotherapy Boosts Cognitive Function

A recent clinical trial found that women who began an aerobic exercise program during chemotherapy for breast cancer reported improved cognitive function and quality of life compared to those who received standard care. Participants in the exercise group felt they could better concentrate and remember things, helping to reduce the effects of "chemo-brain."

Featured Neuroscience

·September 25, 2024·1 min read

How Antioxidants Protect Astronauts’ Brains from Space Radiation

A new study has found that galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) can cause long-lasting learning deficits in female rodents, adding to the known risks of space travel on cognitive health. The study also revealed that feeding the mice an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound called CDDO-EA reduced the cognitive impact of GCR exposure. These findings have significant implications not only for space exploration but also for understanding the long-term effects of radiation on the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·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.