Microplastics and nanoplastics are increasingly prevalent in our environment and food system, raising concerns about their impact on human health. A new review of the scientific literature explores the potential for these tiny plastic particles to negatively affect brain health. Key facts: Microplastics are 0.1-5mm in size, nanoplastics are smaller than 0.1mm. They come from …
Artificial intelligence systems are increasingly being used to assist professionals like doctors and judges make important decisions that impact human lives. However, these AI systems are prone to biases that can lead to systematic errors. A new set of experiments reveals that biases in AI systems can negatively influence the decisions of the humans relying …
Working memory training has been shown to provide widespread cognitive benefits, but how exactly does it change our brains? New research reveals that a demanding “dual n-back” training program alters functional connectivity even during rest, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying training-induced plasticity. Key Facts: Dual n-back training increased connectivity of the ventral default …
Classical psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin have recently re-entered mainstream discussions surrounding mental health. Small clinical trials have shown promising results for their therapeutic potential in treating conditions like depression, anxiety and addiction. However, beyond their clinical utility, many questions remain regarding the impact of these substances on psychological aspects like personality and belief systems. …
Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in the brain and body. Key facts: SS is characterized by a triad of mental status changes, neuromuscular abnormalities, and autonomic instability. It is usually caused by certain combinations of serotonergic medications, especially MAOIs mixed with SSRIs or SNRIs. Diagnosis is clinical …
Long COVID affects millions globally, causing debilitating symptoms that can persist for months or years. Experts are calling for urgent clinical trials to find treatments. Key Facts: Long COVID can cause fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, sleep disturbances and other symptoms lasting weeks to years after initial infection. The mechanisms are unclear but may involve …
Long COVID syndrome (LCS) is a complex, chronic condition that can arise after COVID-19 infection. Key facts about LCS: Affects an estimated 10-30% of COVID survivors Causes debilitating symptoms lasting months to years after initial infection Impacts nearly every organ system, especially the brain Exact causes remain unclear but may involve vascular damage and inflammation …
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex neuropsychiatric illness impacting approximately 2% of the global population. The disorder is characterized by intrusive, irrational thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that patients feel driven to perform. OCD typically follows a chronic course and is associated with significant impairment and reduced quality of life. While effective therapies like …
Brain serotonin is crucially involved in regulating mood, social behavior, and physical health. While medications that alter serotonin levels have revolutionized psychiatry, non-drug approaches may provide safer, sustainable ways to optimize serotonin and promote wellbeing. Key Facts: Brain serotonin influences mood, sociability, and health in animals and humans. Higher serotonin is linked to positive mood, …
A new study published in Scientific Reports provides insight into which memory training techniques are most effective at improving working memory. The research compared an adaptive n-back training task to the memory palace technique over 20 days of training. Both groups improved on trained tasks, but n-back training showed greater transfer to untrained working memory …
