Does Multiple Sclerosis Lower Dementia Risk?

Summary: Research has revealed that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are significantly less likely to exhibit the molecular signs of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a protective element in MS that could…

Knowingly Taking Placebos Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Summary: Researchers have discovered that nondeceptive placebos—placebos given with the full knowledge that they are placebos—can effectively manage stress, even when administered remotely. In a two-week randomized controlled trial, participants…

GnRH neurons in the mouse olfactory bulb shown to translate socially relevant odors into male reproductive behavior

GnRHMOB and GnRHAOB neuronal projections and neuroendocrine/behavioral responses to odors in male mice. Credit: Nature Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01724-1 Animal reproduction is supported by the integration of various external and…

Mapping Fear: Brain Circuit That Detects and Remembers Threats Revealed

Summary: A new study has mapped a brain circuit responsible for detecting threats and forming fear memories. The hippocampus, known for spatial navigation, also plays a role in recognizing dangers,…

Psychosis Cognitive Impairment Linked to Brain Network

Summary: New research reveals that cognitive impairments in psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are connected to brain network organization. This connection is evident even before the first psychotic…

High-Dose Psilocybin Shows Potential as an Antidepressant Treatment

Summary: A meta-analysis suggests that high doses of psilocybin may alleviate depressive symptoms similarly to the SSRI drug escitalopram. While the effect size was small, psilocybin outperformed placebo in clinical…

Childhood Inflammation Linked to Later Mental Health Risks

Summary: Children with persistent inflammation are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders like psychosis and depression in early adulthood. A study found that elevated inflammation markers, particularly…

Neuroticism Alters How Personality Affects Self-Control

Summary: Personality traits like conscientiousness and extraversion are linked to higher self-control, while neuroticism can weaken this effect, especially in specific types of self-control like resisting temptation or initiating proactive…

Memory can be strengthened by unrelated experiences, study finds

Homosynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) stimulus minutes before, after, or 24 hr after a weak associative conditioning produces lasting memory. Credit: eLife (2023). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.91421 There is a legend that many…

Molecule Discovery Could Revolutionize Chronic Pain Treatment

Summary: Researchers have identified a natural molecule, phosphatidic acid, that reduces the sensitivity of touch-sensing ion channels, providing a promising new avenue for managing chronic pain. By increasing levels of…