A headline grabbing new study reveals that people who own dogs widely considered “vicious” or “high risk” breeds exhibit higher rates of antisocial behaviors and psychopathic personality traits compared to other dog owners and non-dog owners. Key Facts: Owners of breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers self-reported higher engagement in violent crimes, drug crimes, and …
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by difficulties with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and unstable relationships. A key feature of BPD is impaired empathy, which contributes to the interpersonal dysfunction seen in these patients. A new review analyzes 45 studies on empathy and related constructs like theory of mind in BPD, …
Genetically modified (GM) crops provide numerous health benefits beyond higher crop yields, including reduced pesticide poisonings, lower suicide rates, decreased cancer risk, and improved childhood nutrition. While GM crops are controversial, the technology has already prevented millions of pesticide poisonings and suicides globally. As GM crops continue to be adopted, particularly in developing countries, they …
Erythritol, a common sugar substitute, was recently linked to increased risk of cardiovascular events in a large study. However, there are several important limitations that prevent drawing definitive conclusions. Key Facts: A large 2023 study found associations between higher blood erythritol levels and increased cardiovascular risk. However, causation cannot be proven. Erythritol occurs naturally in …
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), one of the most common anxiety disorders, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations. A new brain imaging study provides evidence that SAD is associated with an overactive serotonin system. Key Takeaways: Using PET imaging, researchers found increased serotonin synthesis and reuptake in multiple brain regions in patients with …
A new Canadian study suggests fluoride exposure may be associated with sleeping fewer hours than recommended for optimal health. Key findings include: Higher levels of fluoride in tap water were associated with a 34% increased risk of sleeping less than recommended. The association remained after adjusting for factors like age, BMI, income, ethnicity, and health …
A new systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that swapping out sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) for low- and no-calorie sweetened beverages (LNCSBs) may support modest weight loss and improve certain cardiometabolic factors. The study found that LNCSBs offer similar benefits to water, the standard substitution recommended by health authorities. Key findings: Replacing SSBs with LNCSBs was linked …
Genetically modified (GM) foods have been around since the 1990s and are becoming increasingly common in our food supply. While proponents point to the agricultural and nutritional benefits of GM crops, concerns remain about their safety and environmental impact. What are GMO Foods? Genetically modified (GM) foods have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering …
Cocaine use can lead to significant structural changes and accelerated aging of the brain, according to a new study. Key findings include: Cocaine users showed widespread gray matter loss in areas involved in emotions, language, cognition and decision-making. Cocaine users had “older” looking brains, with brain-predicted age 2.5 years higher than their real age. Brain …
Depression affects over 120 million people worldwide, carrying a heavy burden of disability, mortality, and cost. While medications like SSRIs have provided relief for many, most patients fail to achieve full remission. After 30 years with few advances in pharmaceutical options, it may be time to rethink our approach to treating depression. Exciting new research …
