New research suggests estrogen and progesterone could play role in opioid addiction and relapse

As opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. rose dramatically from 2014 to today, both Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey, cemented reputations as hotspots of the crisis. In Philadelphia, over…

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…

Adjusting Proteins Increases Ozempic’s Effectiveness

Summary: Adjusting melanocortin proteins in the brain enhances the effectiveness of GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drugs. By inhibiting MC3R or activating MC4R, mice showed increased sensitivity to these drugs, leading…

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…

Adolescent Boys Show Aggression When Masculinity is Threatened

Summary: A new study reveals that adolescent boys respond aggressively to perceived threats to their masculinity, particularly in environments with rigid gender norms. Researchers found that boys whose motivation to…

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…

Study Reveals Structure of Alzheimer’s Molecules in Human Brain

Summary: In a groundbreaking study, scientists have determined the structure of molecules within a human brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Using cryo-electron tomography and fluorescence microscopy, researchers created 3D maps…

Study Shows Narcissism Declines with Age

Summary: A study reveals that narcissism decreases from childhood to older adulthood, though individual differences remain stable over time. People who are more narcissistic as children tend to stay that…

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…

Loneliness Worse for Memory Than Social Isolation

Summary: A new study finds that loneliness impacts memory more negatively than social isolation among older adults. Those who are both socially isolated and lonely experience the greatest memory decline,…