One Gene Rewires Fear Circuits and Fuels Anxiety

Summary: Researchers have uncovered how losing the autism-linked gene PTEN in a specific set of inhibitory neurons reshapes brain circuits tied to fear and anxiety. Using advanced circuit-mapping techniques, they…

Exercise Proven to Boost Kids’ Mental Health

Summary: A massive analysis of over 375 trials shows that structured exercise significantly reduces depression and anxiety in children and teens. Low-intensity resistance activities like light weights were most effective…

Brain Injury Could Explain Sudden Criminal Behavior

Summary: A new study has found that damage to a specific white matter pathway in the brain—the right uncinate fasciculus—may increase the likelihood of criminal or violent behavior following brain…

Grip Strength Reveals Brain Clues Behind Early Psychosis

Summary: Psychosis may start not with hallucinations, but with subtle motor changes like reduced grip strength. A new study reveals that lower grip strength in people with early psychosis is…

How PTSD Disrupts Brain Cell Communication

Summary: A new study has examined brains affected by PTSD at the single-cell level, uncovering distinct genetic alterations that may drive the disorder. Researchers focused on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,…

Gut Microbiome May Influence Bipolar Medication Response

Summary: A new review has examined how bipolar disorder medications interact with the gut microbiome, revealing important links between treatment response and gut microbial composition. Researchers analyzed 12 studies comparing…

Low Sodium Linked to Anxiety Through Brain Chemistry Disruption

Summary: Chronic hyponatremia—long viewed as symptomless—is now shown to disrupt brain chemistry and cause anxiety-like behaviors, according to a new study in mice. Researchers found that prolonged low sodium levels…

Neglecting Dads’ Mental Health May Harm Kids’ Development

Summary: Experts urge healthcare providers to screen new fathers for mental distress, citing strong evidence that paternal mental health affects child development. Depression, anxiety, and stress in new dads are…

ECT Cuts Suicide Risk by 34% in Severe Depression

Summary: A new meta-analysis reveals that Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) reduces suicide risk by 34% and all-cause mortality by 30% in individuals with severe depression. The study, which pooled data from…

Your Unique Breathing Patterns May Reveal Your Identity and Mental Health

Summary: New research reveals that each person has a unique breathing “fingerprint” that can be used to identify them with nearly 97% accuracy. By continuously monitoring nasal airflow over 24…