Summary: A new study shows that out-of-body experiences (OBEs), including near-death experiences, can dramatically increase empathy and transform how individuals connect with others. Researchers suggest this may result from “ego…
Tag: neuroscience
Tau Levels Predict Memory Loss in Alzheimer’s
Summary: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression varies based on the presence of tau and amyloid-beta (Aβ) proteins in the brain. Patients with high levels of both tau and Aβ experience rapid…
Role of Serotonin Release in Depression Uncovered
Summary: Researchers developed a highly selective fluorescent probe to image serotonin in cells and animal models, shedding light on its role in depression. The study revealed that while serotonin levels…
Neurodevelopmental Disruptions Behind Schizophrenia Cognitive Deficits
Summary: A recent review of genetic and population studies reveals that premorbid cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, such as lower IQ, are largely due to neurodevelopmental disruptions rather than inherited genetic…
Cognitive behavioral therapy enhances brain circuits to relieve depression
Stanford Medicine researchers and their colleagues have found that choosing treatments based on the type of a patient’s depression increases the odds of success. Credit: Emily Moskal/Stanford Medicine Cognitive behavioral…
Environment and Hippocampal Size Impact Depression in Youth
Summary: Challenging social environments and the size of the left hippocampus in children aged 9-11 contribute to an increased risk of depression. Researchers found that children with larger hippocampal volumes…
Excessive light pollution may increase risk of Alzheimer’s, especially in younger people
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In some places around the globe, the lights never go off. Streetlights, roadway lighting, and illuminated signs can deter crime, make roads safer, and enhance landscaping.…
RNA Therapy Improves Memory and Reduces Anxiety
Summary: An RNA-based therapy, COG-201, can enhance memory and reduce anxiety in animal models by targeting the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. Scientists found that decreasing this receptor’s expression led to improved…
Schizophrenia Linked to Disrupted Synaptic Plasticity
Summary: Researchers have identified a mechanism that impairs synaptic plasticity in individuals with schizophrenia, revealing the role of three key proteins. Using computational modeling, the team explored how genetic alterations…
