Do hormonal contraceptives increase depression risk? A neuroscientist explains how they affect your mood, for better or worse

More than 85% of women – and more than 300 million people worldwide at any given time – use hormonal contraceptives for at least five years of their life. Although…

Stress and Trauma Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s

Summary: Researchers linked midlife stress and childhood trauma to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and neuroinflammation. Analyzing 1,290 volunteers, researchers found that stressful life events, especially during midlife, correlate…

How much stress is too much? A psychiatrist explains the links between toxic stress and poor health − and how to get help

COVID-19 taught most people that the line between tolerable and toxic stress – defined as persistent demands that lead to disease – varies widely. But some people will age faster…

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…