While male and female brains are far more alike than different, research over the past few decades has revealed some subtle but meaningful variations. These differences likely stem from a complex interplay of biological factors, experiences, societal influences, and more. Key Facts: On average, male brains are about 10% larger than female brains. But when …
New research reveals that the wake-promoting drug modafinil affects markers of sleep homeostasis differently depending on a person’s genetics. Key facts: Modafinil improved sustained attention in people with a certain gene variant but not others after sleep deprivation. Modafinil reduced sleepiness and theta brain waves during wakefulness regardless of genetics. Modafinil did not reduce slow …
A recent longitudinal study provides new insight into the association between intelligence in adolescence and mental health outcomes in middle age. The research indicates that higher intelligence in youth is linked to a lower risk of some common mental health issues at age 50, but a greater likelihood of receiving a depression diagnosis. Key facts: …
Humans and other complex organisms face a constant barrage of new harmful genetic mutations, yet somehow manage to persist and evolve despite this mutational load. New research reveals how populations can survive this onslaught through a delicate balancing act between bad and good mutations. Key Facts: Each person inherits around 2-10 new harmful mutations from …
Pesticides are chemical substances commonly used in agriculture to eliminate pests and enhance crop yields. However, indiscriminate use of pesticides has raised concerns about potential toxicity and adverse health effects in humans. Key Facts: Pesticide exposure is linked to neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and psychiatric conditions including depression and suicide. Exposure can …
A new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial provides evidence that a green coffee bean extract standardized to chlorogenic acids (CGA-7) can help with weight loss in healthy overweight adults. Key facts: CGA-7 supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat percentage and fat mass compared to placebo. Improvements were …
Narcissism is characterized by self-importance, entitlement, and interpersonal difficulties. Neuroscience research has begun to uncover the complex mechanisms underlying the paradoxical patterns of narcissistic functioning. Key findings show: Narcissism involves heightened vigilance and stress reactivity to ego threats despite outward grandiosity Alterations in brain regions involved in self-vs-other processing may underlie narcissistic self-focus and empathy …
Recent research suggests that adjusting overall diet, rather than taking supplements, may help improve symptoms of depression. Whole food and whole diet interventions show promise as adjunctive treatments for depression, though more research is still needed. Key Facts: 7 studies with over 49,000 participants found that whole food or whole diet interventions reduced depression symptoms …
Depression is a major global health issue, but diet may be an effective yet overlooked treatment approach. New research identifies the top food sources of 12 key nutrients that help prevent and treat depression. Oysters, organ meats, leafy greens, lettuces, peppers and cruciferous veggies pack the biggest nutritional antidepressant punch. Key facts: Depression is the …
Eating well may help prevent and treat depression, according to growing evidence from studies on diet and mental health. Key facts: Following an overall healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil is associated with a lower risk of depression. A “Western” diet high in processed foods, fried foods, sugary foods, …
