In a first, study finds just how romantic love rewires the brain

For the first time, scientists have uncovered how the brain’s Behavioral Activation System can override other cognitive functions and subdue external stimuli when we experience romantic love, driving that all-consuming focus on the other person. It’s a… Continue reading In a first, study finds just how romantic love rewires the brain

Activating certain brain cells slows aging and boosts lifespan in mice

Slowing down the dreaded aging process is something that everybody’s interested in, and now scientists have uncovered a new pathway to doing so. The team identified a feedback loop in the brain, and found that ramping up its activity helped mice live l… Continue reading Activating certain brain cells slows aging and boosts lifespan in mice

Study provides first direct evidence explaining why we sleep

Researchers have combined physics and biology in a study that provides the first direct evidence explaining why we sleep. Viewing the brain like a biological computer whose resources are drained during waking, they demonstrated that sleep resets the br… Continue reading Study provides first direct evidence explaining why we sleep

Single-dose drug to quash anxiety passes another trial milestone

An effective single-dose, long-term treatment for anxiety could be within reach, with the phase 2b clinical trial of MM-120 reported to have passed the stage with flying colors. The makers, MindMed, now plan to hold an end-of-phase meeting with the US … Continue reading Single-dose drug to quash anxiety passes another trial milestone

Five key blood markers linked to suicide have been identified

In a finding that could have a significant impact on personalized medicine and treatment, scientists have identified blood compounds linked to suicidal ideation.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTags: UC San Diego, Depression, Neuroscience, Gen… Continue reading Five key blood markers linked to suicide have been identified

Purr-fect storm: House cats linked to 2x risk of schizophrenia

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 17 studies across 11 countries over 44 years has resoundingly supported the growing evidence that sharing your childhood home with a cat is connected to a significant increase in risk of developing schizophrenia.Continu… Continue reading Purr-fect storm: House cats linked to 2x risk of schizophrenia

MS drug to treat and repair nerve damage is edging closer to reality

Effective targeted treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and even the repair of damaged nerves caused by the disease could soon be within grasp, thanks to yet another breakthrough in the field of small molecule drug research.Continue ReadingCategory: Me… Continue reading MS drug to treat and repair nerve damage is edging closer to reality

Rogue protein linked to early-onset dementia identified

A visualization of the structure of TAF15 amyloid filaments (in yellow), as detected by cryo-EM in the brains of four dementia patients

Scientists have identified odd clusters of a specific protein in the brains of people with early-onset dementia, pointing to a potential cause, a diagnostic tool and, ultimately, a therapy target for a disease that’s been largely a mystery to researchers.

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Mouse passes mirror test, joining elite club of ‘self-aware’ animals

Joining the likes of killer whales (Orcinus orca) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), plus a number of primates, a common dark-furred mouse has passed what’s known as the mirror test, backed up by gene mapping, that suggests it may possess we… Continue reading Mouse passes mirror test, joining elite club of ‘self-aware’ animals

In a first, human study shows how dopamine teaches our brain new tricks

More than just the 'rewards' chemical, dopamine helps our brains avoid negative experiences based on previous 'punishment'

For the first time, dopamine regulation has been mapped in real time, deep inside the brains of three humans, revealing how the brain neurotransmitter plays an essential role in not just recognizing rewards but learning from mistakes.

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