‘RESIDUAL ECHO’ OF ANCIENT HUMANS IN SCANS MAY HOLD CLUES TO MENTAL DISORDERS
A new study in Scientific Reports finds evidence from MRI scans suggests Neanderthal derived genetic variations affect how the brains of modern humans work. Findings may shed light on specific deficits seen in ASD and schizophrenia, researchers believe.… READ MORE…
AUTISM SEVERITY DETECTED WITH BRAIN ACTIVITY TEST
EEG tests reveal children on the autism spectrum have lower peak alpha frequency than their peers not on the spectrum. Additionally, the lower the peak alpha frequency, the lower a child’s non-verbal IQ was, the researchers discovered. Researchers believe the peak alpha frequency may not only be a useful biomarker for autism diagnosis, but also a marker to test the severity of the disorder. … READ MORE…
HIGH-FAT DIET IN PREGNANCY CAN CAUSE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN OFFSPRING
Mothers who eat high fat diets during pregnancy could be elevating the risk of future depression and anxiety symptoms for their children, a new study in Frontiers in Endocrinology reports. High fat diets may impair the development of the central serotonin system, researchers discovered. Further studies noted that introducing a healthy diet to the offspring at an early age did not reverse the effect.… READ MORE…
ON-SITE ECSTASY PILL TESTING SERVICE MAY REDUCE USER RISKS AT CONCERTS AND RAVES
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that free ecstasy pill testing at raves and concerts could have a positive impact in preventing some people from using adulterated drugs. The study, researchers say, adds to critical evidence that on site pill testing is a valuable tool for public health and safety.… READ MORE…
HIPPOCAMPUS UNDERLIES THE LINK BETWEEN SLOWED WALKING AND MENTAL DECLINE
A new study reports a connection between slowed walking speed and cognitive decline appears to arise in the right hippocampus. Researchers recommend older people may benefit if their doctors measure their walking speed and check for changes over time, which could be an early indicator of impending cognitive decline.… READ MORE…
EXPERIMENTAL THERAPY FOR IMMUNE DISEASES HITS ACHILLES HEEL OF ACTIVATED T CELLS
PPCA treatment shown to provide therapeutic benefit in mouse models of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and multiple sclerosis.… READ MORE…
ADOLESCENT IMPATIENCE INCREASES AS TESTOSTERONE RISES
A new study reveals the influence testosterone levels play in adolescent decision making.… READ MORE…
DAD’S INVOLVEMENT WITH BABY EARLY ON ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL DEVELOPMENT BOOST
According to researchers, dads who interact more with their children during the first few months of life have a positive impact on their baby’s cognitive development.… READ MORE…
TESTOSTERONE MAKES MEN LESS LIKELY TO QUESTION THEIR IMPULSES
According to researchers, testosterone increases a man’s tendency to rely in intuition more and makes them less likely to embark on self reflection. … READ MORE…
STIMULATE YOUR BRAIN EARLY TO STAY MENTALLY HEALTHY IN OLD AGE
Continuing education and taking leadership roles while young can help you stay mentally healthy later in life, a new study reports.… READ MORE…
OXYTOCIN BEING TESTED FOR PTSD AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
A new study will test the power of oxytocin in combating PTSD.… READ MORE…
WIRING OF THE ‘LITTLE BRAIN’ LINKED TO MULTIPLE FORMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS
Researchers report differences in the cerebellum and pons could increase risk for multiple forms of mental illness.… READ MORE…