Flexibility demands influence motor cortex’s involvement in execution of motor sequences, rat study finds

Simplified schematic representation of the motor control system considered in this study, and the hypotheses about how it is used in response to different challenges. Credit: Mizes et al. The…

Spike Protein Lingers in Brain, Fuels Long COVID

Summary: A new study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein remains in brain-protective tissues and skull bone marrow for years after infection, potentially driving long COVID’s neurological symptoms. Using advanced…

Family History of Mental Illness Increases Aggression Risk in CTE

Summary: A new study reveals that individuals with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and a family history of mental illness have a heightened risk of aggression during adulthood, particularly between ages…

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein accumulation linked to long-lasting brain effects

Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 viral tropism in whole mouse bodies and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein persistency in skull marrow and brain. (A–E) SARS-CoV-2-GFP aerosol infection in K18-hACE2 mice. (A) Illustration of SARS-CoV-2-GFP…

Depression Linked to Increased Menstrual Pain

Summary: Depression may increase the risk of menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea, through mechanisms such as sleep disturbances. Using genetic analysis, researchers found that depression likely causes period pain, rather than…

Finger Lengths May Reveal Insights Into Drinking Habits

Summary: The relative lengths of your fingers might be linked to your alcohol consumption patterns. Researchers found that individuals with longer 4th (ring) fingers relative to 2nd (index) fingers, indicating…

How Memories Shape Decisions and Future Well-Being

Summary: A new framework integrates psychology and economics to show how memorable experiences influence long-term decision-making. Their model separates the immediate utility of consumption from the lasting “remembered utility” derived…

Fitness Trackers Detect Mood Episodes in Bipolar Disorder with High Accuracy

Summary: Data from fitness trackers can detect mood episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder with up to 89.1% accuracy for mania and 80.1% for depression. Researchers used passively collected, noninvasive…

Feeling Beautiful Spurs Kindness and Generosity

Summary: A new study shows that enhancing one’s appearance, even virtually, increases prosocial behavior such as kindness and charitable giving. Participants who saw enhanced images of themselves were twice as…

Brain Biomarker Could Predict Psychosis Before Symptoms Emerge

Summary: Researchers have identified a brain biomarker that may predict psychosis onset before symptoms appear, enabling earlier interventions and personalized care. MRI scans revealed abnormal connectivity patterns in sensory brain…