Latest

Yale

·September 29, 2021·4 min read

How Our Unique Brain Takes Shape During Mid-Pregnancy

Researchers identified key alterations in gene expression and structure of the developing human brain that makes it unique among other animal species.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 7, 2021·4 min read

Social Isolation Can Be Deadly for Older Adults

Socially isolated older adults are more likely to die when admitted to ICU or face an increased risk of disability once discharged than those who have social support.

This shows the researcher and a pink, muppet like puppet

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 5, 2021·5 min read

Children With Autism Respond Well to Puppets

Puppets could be a useful tool to help young children on the autism spectrum improve their social engagement and attention.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 4, 2021·6 min read

Marijuana-Like Brain Substance Calms Seizures but Increases After-Effects

The release of 2-AG, a natural endocannabinoid that is suggested to be the brain's equivalent to THC, dampens down seizure activity but increases post-seizure oxygen deprivation in the brain.

This is a cartoon of a man in a facemask

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 27, 2021·3 min read

Paranoia Is Another Byproduct of the Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has sparked an increase of people reporting feelings of paranoia, especially in states where there is low adherence to mask mandates. Researchers report paranoia was associated with an increased acceptance of conspiracy theories, including believing anti-vaccine information and Q-Anon conspiracies.

This shows a newborn kitten with its eyes closed

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·July 22, 2021·3 min read

Eyes Wide Shut: How Newborn Mammals Dream the World They’re Entering

Effectively, mammals "dream" about the world they are about to experience before they are able to open their eyes and possibly before they are born. Researchers found before a newborn mouse opened its eyes, its retinal waves flow in a pattern that mimics the activity which would occur as the animal moves through the environment.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 5, 2021·2 min read

More Filling? Tastes Great? How Flies, and Maybe People, Choose Their Food

Neurochemistry may dictate our choices for certain kinds of food, even when we believe we are making a conscious choice in what to eat.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 5, 2021·2 min read

Psychedelic Spurs Growth of Neural Connections Lost In Depression

One dose of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, increases dendritic spine density within 24 hours. The neurobiological changes lasted for a month following psilocybin exposure. Additionally, mice subjected to stress showed behavioral improvements and increased neurotransmitter activity after psilocybin exposure.

This shows a sad looking woman standing at a window

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 27, 2021·4 min read

Roots of Major Depression Revealed in All Its Genetic Complexity

A new, massive genome wide study has identified 178 genetic variants linked to major depressive disorder.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 21, 2021·4 min read

Brain’s Memory Center Stays Active During ‘Infantile Amnesia’

By three months, babies are already enlisting the hippocampus to help recognize and learn patterns, researchers report.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 18, 2021·5 min read

Babies Pay Attention With Down Payment From Immature Brain Region

Neuroimaging reveals when babies focus their attention, they utilize areas of the frontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with more advanced functions and previously believed to be immature in children under a year of age.