Summary: A large whole-genome sequencing study has uncovered 16 new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, expanding genetic research beyond European ancestry. Researchers analyzed data from 49,149 individuals, nearly half of…
Category: Neuroscience
Schizophrenia Symptoms Linked to Unique Brain Structures
Summary: A new international study reveals that schizophrenia manifests differently in the brain, reflecting the wide range of symptoms among patients. Researchers analyzed imaging data from over 6,000 individuals and…
SSRIs May Speed Up Cognitive Decline
Summary: A new study based on data from 18,740 dementia patients suggests that antidepressants may accelerate cognitive decline. Researchers found that patients taking antidepressants, particularly SSRIs like escitalopram, citalopram, and…
Adverse Childhood Experiences Impact Brain Development and Mental Health
Summary: A decade-long study reveals how childhood adversity alters brain development, increasing risks for mental health disorders and substance use. Researchers found that teens who experienced early adversity showed delayed…
Low-Normal B12 Levels Linked to Slower Brain Processing
Summary: Even when within the normal range, lower levels of vitamin B12 may contribute to cognitive decline, according to a new study. Researchers found that older adults with lower biologically…
Genetic Mutation Linked to Schizophrenia Alters Brain Function
Summary: Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in two schizophrenia patients that increased schizophrenia-related behaviors in mice. The mutation led to higher levels of glycine decarboxylase (GLDC), an enzyme that…
Repurposed Blood Pressure Drug May Treat ADHD
Summary: A new study suggests that amlodipine, a widely used blood pressure medication, could help manage ADHD symptoms. Researchers tested five potential drugs in rats bred for ADHD-like behaviors, and…
Optimism and Pessimism Shape Resilience and Risk
Summary: Researchers examined how optimism and pessimism influenced well-being and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing data from a large-scale study of older adults, they found that optimism was linked…
How the Brain Ignores Distractions to Stay Focused
Summary: When focusing in noisy environments, the brain adjusts not by concentrating harder but by ignoring distractions that were previously disruptive. Researchers developed a neural network model showing that people…
Spiritual Practices Share a Common Mental Pathway to Deep Bliss
Summary: Researchers found that Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues, despite their differences, share a common cognitive feedback loop. This process, called the Attention, Arousal, and Release Spiral,…
