Kava is a plant that has been used for centuries in the South Pacific as part of traditional rituals and ceremonies. Recently, kava has garnered attention from the medical community for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly as an anti-anxiety treatment and possibly even for cancer prevention and treatment. Key facts about kava: Kava is made …
Valerian root has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for sleep problems and anxiety. Recent research suggests it may be an effective option, but results are mixed. Here are some key facts: Valerian is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia whose roots have sedative properties. The active ingredients are likely valerenic …
Cultured meat, also known as lab-grown meat, could revolutionize the future of food and farming. But does the science live up to the hype? Key Facts: Cultured meat is real muscle tissue grown from animal cells in a lab, without slaughtering animals. It’s not yet commercially available, but several startups are working to bring it …
Research finds that our musical tastes are linked to our empathy levels and thinking styles. People who are more empathetic tend to like mellow music genres while more systematic thinkers prefer intense, complex music. Key Facts: People higher in empathy prefer mellow music genres like soft rock, R&B, and adult contemporary. They dislike intense genres …
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb with numerous scientifically-validated benefits for brain health and cognitive function. This medicinal plant can stimulate the nervous system, enhance work performance, and help treat stress-induced conditions like anxiety, fatigue and depression. Key Facts: Rhodiola rosea has a long history of use in traditional medicine in Nordic countries, Eastern Europe …
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has shed light on the growing use of kratom, an herbal drug with psychoactive effects, in the United States. The key findings show that kratom use is rising, with 0.7% of Americans aged 12 and older reporting past-year use. Use is especially common among …
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in industrial and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. Research is now showing that these “forever chemicals” can accumulate in the human body and brain, causing neurotoxic effects. Key Facts: PFAS are used in non-stick cookware, …
The FDA-approved diabetes drug semaglutide reduces alcohol drinking in mice and rats, suggesting it could be repurposed as an effective medication for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Key findings include: Semaglutide dose-dependently decreased binge-like drinking in both male and female mice. In rats, semaglutide reduced binge-like and dependence-induced alcohol drinking. Semaglutide also decreased consumption of caloric …
A new neuroimaging study has uncovered associations between subclinical narcissistic traits and regional grey matter volumes in the brain, specifically in the insular cortex and multiple prefrontal regions. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Jena in Germany, provides novel evidence that narcissistic personality tendencies are linked to structural variations in brain networks …
Nitric oxide (NO) is a surprising gaseous neurotransmitter in the brain that also contributes to neurotoxicity when produced in excess. Nitric Oxide Facts: NO is synthesized on demand in neurons and diffuses to activate receptor enzymes rather than binding to membrane receptors. As a novel neurotransmitter, NO may mediate memory, plasticity, and retrograde signaling. Too …
