To What Extent Are We Ruled by Unconscious Forces?

Summary: Unconscious mechanisms that occur as a result of neural activity set us up for actions we are going to take. This happens before we are consciously aware of the…

Probiotic Supplementation Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Caused by Chronic Sleep Loss

Summary: Probiotics have recently attracted increasing interest for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers tested the ability of probiotics to contrast oxidative stress and inflammation induced by sleep loss. Findings…

Disrupted Rhythms of Rest and Wakefulness Contribute to Worse Symptoms in Schizophrenia Patients

Summary: Those with schizophrenia who had more erratic sleep patterns, excessively rigid daily routines, and dysregulated patterns between sleep and wake transition had worse symptoms associated with schizophrenia and poorer…

Kombucha to Kimchi: Which Fermented Foods Are Best for Your Brain?

Summary: Fermented foods such as kimchi and kombucha contain amino acids which are key to the production of serotonin and consuming these foods can have a positive impact on mood…

In Sync Brainwaves Predict Learning

Summary: Students have better learning outcomes when their brains are in sync with their fellow students and teachers, researchers discovered. Source: NYU Students whose brainwaves are more in sync with…

Time Out: We All Need a Three-Day Weekend

Summary: A three-day weekend is good for our health, a new study reports. An extra day of rest improves sleep duration, increases physical activity, and was associated with overall healthier…

A New Peptide May Hold Potential as an Alzheimer’s Treatment

Summary: Researchers say a peptide that blocks the hyperactive version of the CDK5 enzyme reduces neurodegeneration and DNA damage in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. Animals treated with the peptide…

One Brain, Multiple and Simultaneous Alternative Decision Strategies

Summary: When it comes to decision-making, rather than committing to a single strategy, the brain computes multiple decision strategies simultaneously. Source: Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown Choosing a checkout line…

Father’s Alcohol Consumption Before Conception Linked to Brain and Facial Defects in Offspring

Summary: Researchers report paternal alcohol exposure prior to conception is associated with an increased risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and facial growth defects in their offspring. Source: Texas A&M…

People Who Think Positively About Aging Are More Likely to Recover Memory

Summary: Older people with mild cognitive impairment who have positive beliefs about aging are 30% more likely to regain normal cognitive function than those who are more pessimistic. Source; Yale…