Immune Cell Enzyme Links Stress to Depression

Summary: Researchers identified a novel ‘body-mind mechanism’ that links chronic stress to depression. They discovered that stress increases the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in blood, which then impacts brain neurons,…

Adolescent Stress Alters Brain Genes, Affecting Adult Behavior

Summary: A new study reveals that excessive stress during adolescence can lead to long-lasting changes in gene expression in the brain, particularly those related to bioenergy functions. This research indicates…

Music’s Healing Notes: Traits Trump Genre for Stress Relief

Summary: Specific characteristics of music, rather than genre, play a crucial role in stress recovery. The research, involving 470 participants, identified that stress-relieving songs often share common features, regardless of…

New Biomarker Measures Infant Stress and Development Risks

Summary: Researchers discovered a biomarker that can predict the impact of early toxic stress on infant cognitive development and health. The study used F2-isoprostane, a marker for oxidative stress, to…

Stressful Life Events Linked to Poor Biological Health

Summary: Researchers have found a strong link between stressful life events and deteriorating biological health. Analyzing blood concentrations of four key biomarkers in over 4,900 participants, the study reveals how…

Memory’s Dynamics: How Stress Sharpens Subsequent Recall

Summary: Researchers discovered a fascinating aspect of human memory: our recall becomes sharper following negative experiences. The study utilized image-based experiments with participants to understand memory recall patterns. Participants remembered…

Positive Adult Bond Buffers Against Depression in Kids Facing Adversity

Summary: Positive relationships with parents and other adults during childhood significantly contribute to better mental health in adulthood. Analyzing data from the Boricua Youth Study, researchers found that children with…

What are the relationships between water and silicon uptake in plants, and what factors change cause shifts in these? – Functional Ecologists

In this new post, Julia Cooke and Joanna Carey—ecologists and friends from the UK and USA—present their work ‘Stress alters the role of silicon in controlling plant water movement’. They…

What is resilience? A psychologist explains the main ingredients that help people manage stress

The word resilience can be perplexing. Does it mean remaining calm when faced with stress? Bouncing back quickly? Growing from adversity? Is resilience an attitude, a character trait or a…

Holiday Stress Tops Tax Stress

Summary: A recent survey reveals that the holiday season is more stressful than tax season for many Americans, impacting their mental and physical health. Conducted in December 2023, the survey…