Some probiotics could feed, rather than fend off, infections

Probiotics aren’t universally gut-friendly, a study in mice suggests. At least one type of usually beneficial gut bacteria may invite an unwanted guest. A single dose of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria,…

Murder-Suicide Rates in U.S. Higher Than Previously Estimated

Key Questions Answered Q: How common are murder-suicide events in the U.S.?A: The study found an average of 820 deaths per year from murder-suicide events—higher than previous estimates. Q: Who…

New Drug Targets Brain Glial Cells to Reverse PTSD Symptoms

Key Questions Answered Q: Why do PTSD patients struggle to forget traumatic memories?A: The study reveals that excessive GABA, produced by astrocytes via the MAOB enzyme, disrupts the brain’s ability…

Ectogenesis: How artificial placentas could aid premature babies, upend entrenched abortion views

It’s called an artificial placenta, it’s not science fiction anymore, and it’s a major technological milestone along the path to ectogenesis — development from egg to full-term infant outside the mother’s…

Poverty Isn’t the Key Driver in Family Mental Health Struggles

Key Questions Answered Q: Does poverty amplify mental health problems between parents and children?A: The study found no evidence that poverty strengthens the relationship between parental distress and child mental…

Potatoes have their roots in ancient tomatoes

The potato came from a surprising mashup. Spuds are a basic, delicious food for millions worldwide, yet their origin and evolution have long been a scientific mystery. Not anymore, scientists…

Oxytocin May Treat the Social Deficits of Psychopathy

Key Questions Answered Q: How does psychopathy affect emotion recognition?A: Individuals with psychopathic traits—especially those high in Factor 1—struggle to recognize negative facial expressions like fear and sadness, often showing…

DNA Reveals Multiple Sclerosis Risk Before Symptoms Begin

Q: What is this study trying to discover about MS?A: Researchers aim to understand how genetic risk factors and immune response to the Epstein-Barr virus may interact to trigger multiple…

Online Hate Speech Resembles Mental Health Disorder Language

Key Questions Answered Q: What did this study find about hate speech and psychiatric disorders?A: Posts in online hate speech communities show speech-pattern similarities to posts in communities for personality…

What You Expect Shapes How Much Pain You Feel

Key Questions Answered Q: How do expectations influence pain perception?A: Expectations shaped by external cues (like visual signals) and those shaped by treatment information (like placebo explanations) both reduce pain,…