Late bedtimes and not enough sleep can harm developing brains – and poorer kids are more at risk

Shorter sleep and later bedtimes are linked to potentially harmful functional changes to parts of the brain important for coping with stress and controlling negative emotions, our recently published research…

Mind-Bending: Psilocybin Reshapes Brain Networks for Weeks

Summary: A new study reveals that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, temporarily disrupts brain networks involved in introspective thinking, like daydreaming and memory. These changes persist for weeks,…

Reflective Thinking Boosts Teen Brain Resilience to Violence

Summary: Teens who engage in “transcendent thinking” can counteract the negative effects of violence exposure on brain development. This type of thinking involves considering broader ethical and societal implications of…

Beta Brain Waves: A Novel Brain Signature for Depression

Summary: A new study identifies beta frequency neural activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as crucial for recognizing rewards and shaping behavior. This neural signature is altered in patients…

Neural Biomarker for OCD Identified

Summary: Researchers discovered a neural activity pattern that can accurately predict and monitor the clinical status of OCD patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). The study highlights how this biomarker…

Taylor Swift’s Positive Impact on Fans’ Body Image and Eating Disorders

Summary: A new study finds that Taylor Swift’s openness about her struggles with body image and eating disorders positively influences her fans’ attitudes. Researchers analyzed thousands of online comments, revealing…

Navigating mental health treatment options can be overwhelming – a clinical psychologist explains why it’s worth the effort

The percentage of Americans seeking mental health treatment nearly doubled between 2004 and 2022, with almost a quarter of the population reporting that they saw a mental health care professional…

Prenatal Cannabis Use Impacts Brain Development

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…

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…