Summary: Touch can strengthen bonds and calm stress, but not all affection is sincere. A new study reveals that people with “dark triad” traits—narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—often use physical touch…
Tag: Medicine
Can a Disconnected Brain Be Conscious?
Summary: A new study reveals that sleep-like slow-wave brain activity can persist for years in surgically disconnected brain hemispheres of awake epilepsy patients. Using EEG recordings, researchers found that the…
Child Abuse Leaves Lasting Biological Scars on the Brain and DNA
Summary: New research reveals that child maltreatment leaves measurable biological “scars” on DNA, altering brain structure and function. Using a genome-wide epigenetic analysis, scientists identified four key methylation sites—ATE1, SERPINB9P1,…
Triggered Hypothermia Protects the Brain After Injury
Summary: Scientists have discovered a way to induce a hibernation-like state that protects the brain after injury—without using external cooling. By activating a specific population of neurons, researchers created a…
Skin Problems Signal Depression and Suicide Risk
Summary: New research reveals that mental health patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis are more likely to have skin conditions, and that these patients face significantly higher risks of…
What Happens After a Near-Death Experience?
Summary: New research reveals that people who have near-death experiences often undergo profound shifts in perspective, purpose, and priorities, but many struggle to integrate these changes into daily life. In…
Genes Linked to Cannabis Use Reveal Ties to Mental Health
Summary: Researchers analyzing data from over 130,000 participants have identified specific genes associated with cannabis use and its frequency, revealing strong links to psychiatric, cognitive, and physical health traits. The…
Inflammatory Brain Cells Driving Progressive MS Discovered
Summary: Researchers have identified a rare type of brain cell that may drive the chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration seen in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). These cells, called disease-associated radial glia-like…
Reelin Shows Promise for Healing Both Gut and Depression
Summary: A new study reveals that the protein Reelin may hold the key to treating both “leaky gut” and major depressive disorder. Chronic stress lowers Reelin levels in the gut,…
