FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·October 29, 2019·4 min readIncreased depression, suicidal thoughts and stress are reported in patients with chronically itchy skinPeople with chronic itching conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are at increased risk of stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts than those without such skin conditions.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 29, 2019·3 min readDistinct brain region alterations in youth with psychosis spectrum disordersTeens with psychosis spectrum disorders have significantly reduced surface areas in the orbitofrontal cortex, cingulate, precentral, and postcentral brain regions. MRI scans also revealed decreased thalamic volume.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·October 29, 2019·5 min readWhich came first: Brain size or drinking propensity?Reduced gray matter volume in the insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may represent a genetically conferred predispositional risk factor for alcohol use disorder.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 29, 2019·4 min readFaith, truth and forgiveness: How your brain processes abstract thoughtsThe human brain acts like an indexing system to help compose the meaning of abstract concepts.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 29, 2019·5 min readNarcissism might be a dark trait but it can lower stress levels and reduce chances of depressionGrandiose narcissists are more likely to be "mentally tough", experience less stress, and are less prone to depression.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·October 28, 2019·6 min readWho will get depressed under major stress? Study shows promise of genetic risk predictionA polygenetic risk score for major depressive disorder may reveal those most at risk of developing depression during times of extreme stress.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·October 28, 2019·3 min readLooking at the way we walk can help predict cognitive declineGait disorders and slowed walking speeds may be useful indicators of future cognitive decline.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·October 28, 2019·5 min readCan watching movies detect autism?Tracking gaze patterns in children as they watch videos of social interactions is an accurate way to detect almost 50% of autism cases, a new study reports.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·October 28, 2019·2 min readHow Alzheimer’s disease spreads through the brainTau buildup associated with Alzheimer's disease is not, in itself, harmful, but the cellular process it disrupts kills neurons.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 28, 2019·3 min readDirect relationship between depression and inflammation called into questionDisputing other findings, researchers report there is no direct link between inflammation and depression. The study reports depression may only have a link to inflammation as a result of specific lifestyle features, such as smoking or obesity.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·October 28, 2019·4 min readBiomarker for schizophrenia can be detected in human hairMouse models and human postmortem brain tissue sample studies reveal a subtype of schizophrenia is related to abnormally high levels of hydrogen sulfide in the brain. Hair follicle analysis of patients with this schizophrenia subtype revealed higher expression of MPST mRNA than in those without the condition. MPST is linked to the production of hydrogen sulfide. The findings may lead to new tests to determine if a patient has the schizophrenia subtype from a simple hair sample analysis.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 27, 2019·4 min readResearchers Teach Rats to DriveResearchers have trained rats to drive "rodent operated vehicles." The rats were able to navigate the vehicle in unique ways and utilized novel steering patterns to find rewards. The findings reveal rats' brains are more flexible than previously thought. Exploring how rats perform complex tasks may shed light on a range of mental health conditions and cognitive impairments.Read More