It seems that flies are as susceptible to optical illusions as humans. Turning on and off some neurons that govern motion detection in flies, researchers were able to alter the insects' perception of illusory motion.
Anger and stress result in worse baseline diastolic pressure and function. Findings demonstrate a link between stress, anger, and an increased risk of a cardiac event.
In socially awkward situations when a person is caught staring and averts their eyes, a third-party observer does not reflexively follow their gaze. The brain tells the observer there is no significance to the location where the embarrassed person has turned their attention.
Study reports that almost 30% of women and 17% of men experience major depressive disorder episodes over the course of their lives.
Researchers have identified a hippocampal neural network that activates during stress. Activity in a hippocampal-hypothalamus network predicts greater feelings of stress, while connectivity between the hippocampus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex predicts less stress.
Researchers have identified 29 genetic variants linked to problematic alcohol use. Nineteen of the genes were previously unknown independent risk factors for alcohol use disorder.
Selfish people tend to remember being more benevolent than they actually are. The false memory helps those with selfish tendencies to maintain a moral self-image.
A new clinical trial is underway to test ibudilast, an asthma drug approved in Japan, for the treatment of severe COVID-19. Ibudilast is a MIF inhibitor. MIF is a gene that regulates immune response and is a driver of inflammation which results in the cytokine storm associated with coronavirus.
Researchers identify genetic variations in the prefrontal cortex during different stages of development to assess how psychiatric conditions, such as autism and schizophrenia, may arise in individuals.
Domestic spread of coronavirus transmission via interstate travel is now more of a threat to people in American than from international travel. Findings repeat the need for more widespread diagnostic testing for COVID-19 at the state level and more intense tracking of people exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers warn that if the US is to avoid the impact on hospitals Italy faces as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, people who are even mildly symptomatic must self isolate to minimize disease transmission.
In addition to physical distancing and improved personal hygiene practices, the seasonal moderation of relative humidity indoors could help slow rates of transmission for COVID-19. However, the virus can still be transmitted via contact and close proximity to those infected, regardless of the season, researchers warn.
