A new study provides evidence that hormonal contraceptive use is associated with increased jealousy and mate retention behaviors in women and their male partners. The research suggests that the synthetic hormones in birth control pills may alter relationship dynamics and have unintended psychological side effects. Key findings: Women using hormonal contraceptives reported higher use of …
A new study suggests higher levels of remnant cholesterol may increase the risk of depression. Remnant cholesterol is a type of lipoprotein that contains triglycerides and cholesterol and has been linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This large study found remnant cholesterol levels were significantly higher in people with depression compared to those without. Key …
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition. Novel treatment approaches are needed, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. This study investigated the effects of adjunctive minocycline on immune-inflammatory biomarkers and clinical outcomes in MDD. Key Highlights: Minocycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties. It shows promise as …
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting about 1% of the population worldwide. It is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior, and impaired cognitive functioning. Current treatments with antipsychotic medications are helpful but have significant limitations, especially for cognitive deficits and negative symptoms like social withdrawal and lack of motivation. This has driven …
A new study published in PLOS One investigated whether adaptive dual n-back working memory training could enhance cognition in healthy adults aged 30-60. The randomized controlled trial found that 5 weeks of daily home-based dual n-back training did not improve working memory, processing speed, or fluid intelligence compared to an active control training program. Key …
Siblings often turn out quite different from one another, despite sharing much of their genetics and childhood environment. One of the most robust findings in this realm is that earlier-born siblings tend to outperform later-borns in measures of intelligence and educational achievement. But what causes these birth order differences? Is it nature or nurture? A …
Pesticides are chemicals commonly used worldwide to control unwanted organisms and disease vectors. However, research shows that chronic pesticide exposure may impair brain health and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Key facts: Pesticides like organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and mitochondrial complex I inhibitors can damage neurons and brain cell function through mechanisms like …
A new case study provides initial evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be an effective treatment option for trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder. The study tested an intensified, repeated tDCS protocol targeting the supplementary motor area and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a 25-year-old woman with trichotillomania. After 16 sessions over 20 …
The brain’s ability to inhibit unwanted thoughts and actions is crucial for self-control and mental health. New research provides fascinating insights into how low-frequency alpha brain waves and default mode networks are associated with individual differences in behavioral inhibition. Key Takeaways: The 8-10 Hz low-alpha frequency band, rather than total or high-alpha bands, was most …
While regulatory agencies consider MSG safe, some studies have questioned its health effects. Key Facts: MSG provides umami taste and enhances palatability as a flavor enhancer Animal studies link high dose MSG to cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine and reproductive effects Human trials show MSG increases palatability, especially of protein-rich foods, and enhances satiety Currently no …
