Summary: A new study suggests prenatal cannabis exposure may influence long-term brain development and mental health. Researchers used data from the ABCD Study to examine neuroimaging of children exposed to…
Tag: mental health
Oxytocin’s Link to Obesity and Postnatal Depression
Summary: A new study has identified the TRPC5 gene as a cause of obesity, behavioral issues, and postnatal depression. Researchers found that missing or impaired TRPC5 genes disrupt oxytocin neurons,…
Misleading Information on Depression Hampers Understanding
Summary: A new study reveals that misleading information about depression is widespread, making it harder for people to grasp the causes of their distress. The study criticizes the circular reasoning…
Surge in Microdosing Interest Linked to Relaxed Drug Policies
Summary: A new study reveals a 1250% increase in Google searches for micro dosing from 2015 to 2023, driven by relaxed regulations on cannabis and psychedelics. The research shows policy…
Peptide Improves Cognition in Schizophrenia
Summary: Researchers developed a novel peptide, KS-133, to target cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. By using a brain-targeting peptide, KS-487, they successfully transported KS-133 across the blood-brain barrier. Their nanoparticle-based drug…
Depression Linked to Amygdala Activity
Summary: A new study reveals how depression affects brain activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of rats. Using a microelectrode array, researchers found increased theta frequency activity in the BLA…
Brain Control of Escape Behavior May Unlock Anxiety Treatments
Summary: Researchers discovered how the brain controls sensitivity to threats, influencing escape behavior in mice. The study found that inhibitory neurons in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) regulate both the initiation…
MDMA Variants Show Promise for Safer Psychotherapy
Summary: Researchers developed three new MDMA variants (ODMA, TDMA, and SeDMA) that retain the therapeutic benefits while reducing side effects. These compounds affect mood-regulating brain structures similarly to MDMA but…
Mindfulness Improves Sleep and Reduces Stress
Summary: A new study reveals that mindfulness helps improve sleep quality and reduce stress by focusing on the present and minimizing negative thoughts. The study tracked 144 nurses over two…
Do hormonal contraceptives increase depression risk? A neuroscientist explains how they affect your mood, for better or worse
More than 85% of women – and more than 300 million people worldwide at any given time – use hormonal contraceptives for at least five years of their life. Although…
