Researchers explored how our brain’s reward system connects to depression and other common mental health problems like social anxiety and eating disorders. They found that a dampened reward response seems to follow, rather than precede, symptoms of depression and other disorders. This highlights the important role that blunted enjoyment plays in the persistence of mental …
New research shows that a man’s income has become increasingly important for his chances of getting married in the U.S. over the past century. This suggests men face growing pressure to earn higher pay to attract a wife. Key Facts: A man’s income explained only 2.5% of whether he ever married if born in 1890. …
The brain is protected by something called the blood-brain barrier that makes it hard for drugs to reach the brain from the bloodstream. But new research shows that delivering drugs through the nose could be an effective way to bypass the blood-brain barrier and get drugs to the brain to potentially treat brain disorders like …
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been called the “signature injury” of recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. TBIs are concerning because they can cause long-term issues like headaches, memory problems, and trouble thinking clearly. A new study looked at which military jobs put service members most at risk for TBIs. It found that certain combat-related …
Trouble sleeping may raise your risk of dementia later in life, according to a new 19-year study of over 22,000 middle-aged and older adults in Sweden. Both insomnia symptoms and shorter sleep were linked to higher chances of developing dementia down the road. Key facts: Adults reporting insomnia symptoms had an 18% higher risk of …
A new drug recently approved for Alzheimer’s disease aims to treat the underlying cause of the condition by removing amyloid plaques in the brain. Though promising, the drug called aducanumab also comes with potential side effects that require careful monitoring. Key facts: Aducanumab is the first drug that targets and removes amyloid plaques, sticky buildups …
How does our brain form intentions and make decisions? Do we have free will? A new study takes a fresh look at a classic Libet experiment to uncover new insights. Key Facts: Researchers tested whether people can accurately report when they formed an intention to move. They compared brain activity to the timing people reported …
Scientists have developed a new way to identify hit songs that people will love by measuring listeners’ brain activity responses using machine learning AI. This approach was much more accurate than asking people if they liked each song. Key Facts: Researchers measured people’s brain activity while they listened to 24 new songs. They tracked emotional …
Researchers have found that living according to your values can improve your well-being. But well-being can also help you live by your values. Key Facts: Acting on personal values can boost well-being the next day. Feeling good can help people act on values the next day. There’s a two-way relationship between values and well-being. Not …
The human brain goes through major changes as we grow from babies to adults. Scientists are interested in mapping out these changes to understand when and where the brain is most flexible to new experiences during development. Knowing when the brain is most flexible, called neuroplasticity, is important because experiences during these times have the …
