FeaturedNeuroscience·November 27, 2023·5 min readPrenatal Discrimination Alters Brain Connectivity in InfantsA new study reveals that discrimination and acculturation experiences during pregnancy uniquely impact the brain development of children, distinct from general stress or depression effects. Using MRI, researchers analyzed brain connectivity in infants of 165 pregnant participants, mostly Hispanic, from New York City's Washington Heights.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·November 21, 2023·4 min readGenetic Links in Cannabis Use DisorderResearchers analyzed over 1 million genomes, revealing insights into cannabis use disorder and its ties to psychiatric issues, other substance abuses, and lung cancer risks. The study, part of the Million Veteran Program, identified genetic variants linked to cannabis use disorder and its associated health and behavioral problems.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 26, 2023·3 min readZoom Conversations vs In-Person: Brain Activity Tells a Different TaleA new study reveals a significant disparity in neural activity during face-to-face conversations compared to Zoom interactions. Using advanced neuroimaging, researchers observed suppressed neural signals during online exchanges.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 8, 2023·4 min readUniversal Music: All Recognize Dance & Lullabies, But Not Love SongsWhile many musical themes are universally recognized, love songs are an exception. The study involved playing music snippets to over 5,000 participants from 49 countries, asking them to classify each as dance, lullaby, healing, or love music.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 13, 2023·4 min readBreast Milk Component Boosts Infant Brain ConnectivityResearchers have discovered that myo-inositol, a small cyclic sugar molecule found in breast milk, plays a crucial role in promoting neuronal connections in infants' brains. Prior studies indicated the cognitive benefits of breast milk but were unclear about the specific components responsible.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·July 12, 2023·4 min readOur Immune System May Help Guide BehaviorA recent study found the immune system plays a pivotal role in altering our behaviors, especially in response to allergic triggers. Researchers found that the brain, when informed by the immune system about potential dangers, prompts the body to avoid those threats.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·June 28, 2023·5 min readGenetic Variant Linked to Faster Progression of Multiple Sclerosis FoundA new study involving over 22,000 people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has identified a genetic variant associated with the disease's faster progression. The research discovered a genetic variant that significantly affects disease severity.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·June 26, 2023·6 min readLiver Scars Link to Cognitive DeclineResearchers identified a significant correlation between liver fibrosis, a symptom of chronic liver diseases, and reduced cognitive abilities, possibly mediated by inflammation. Findings hint at a liver-brain axis, underscoring the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·April 21, 2023·3 min readSniffing Out the Mechanism Behind Parkinson’s Smell LossUp to 90% of patients report experiencing a diminished sense of smell, even prior to the onset of other symptoms of Parkinson's disease. A new study reveals the mechanism behind smell loss associated with Parkinson's, reporting mouse models with olfactory impairments had severe pathology in projection neurons of the olfactory pathway. The mice also had reduced neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·April 12, 2023·3 min readPeople Who Think Positively About Aging Are More Likely to Recover MemoryOlder people with mild cognitive impairment who have positive beliefs about aging are 30% more likely to regain normal cognitive function than those who are more pessimistic.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 20, 2023·5 min readTemperature Changes in the Brain Found to Affect Neuronal ActivitySmall temperature increases while stimulating the brain can alter brain activity, sometimes with negative consequences.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·January 30, 2023·4 min readBrain’s ‘Wakeful Rest’ Network May Be Key to Alzheimer’s RiskIn women, parts of the default mode network responsible for memory retrieval and recollection, and spatial cognition were more likely to be connected to the overall DMN network. The patterns of connectivity correlated with brain structures associated with short-term memory problems resembled alterations seen in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.Read More
