Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently emerged as a popular supplement among athletes looking to enhance recovery and performance. Key facts about CBD: CBD is a natural compound extracted from cannabis/hemp plants It does not cause psychoactive effects like THC CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce potential benefits Athletes use CBD hoping to improve …
Smoking remains a major public health issue. Nicotine, the primary addictive component of tobacco, may enhance cognition but also drives continued use. Understanding nicotine’s effects on the brain is key for developing better interventions. Key facts: Nicotine enhances functions like attention, motor skills, and memory but mechanisms remain unclear. Genetic variations predict responses to nicotine’s …
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior. While antipsychotic medications can help manage symptoms, their long-term effects on brain structure are not fully understood. A new study provides important insights into how long-term antipsychotic treatment may impact gray matter in chronic schizophrenia. Key Facts: Both treated and untreated …
Pharmaceuticals are pervading waterways globally, harming wildlife and presenting health risks when ingested by humans. Environmental bioethics must engage with this issue to uncover solutions. Key Facts: Over 600 pharmaceuticals have been detected in waterways worldwide. Common contaminants include cancer drugs, antidepressants, antibiotics, and more. 90% of medications pass through the human body and enter …
Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, these drugs often cause side effects like elevated prolactin levels, which can negatively impact long-term health. A new study analyzed medical records to compare prolactin levels between patients taking different antipsychotics. It found risperidone and amisulpride caused the greatest prolactin …
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 …
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 …
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally, with billions of cups consumed every day. However, coffee beans are prone to fungal infections that can produce harmful toxins known as mycotoxins. Key findings: Ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins were detected in commercial green, roasted, and instant coffee samples from Qatar. Higher mycotoxin levels were …
Obesity can lead to impaired learning, memory and cognitive decline, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. A new mouse study reveals how obesity disrupts key signaling pathways in the brain, and shows the potential of two diabetes drugs, semaglutide and empagliflozin, to counteract these effects. Key Findings: Obesity impaired spatial learning and memory …
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious and complex psychiatric illness impacting 1-2% of the general population. Despite available treatments, many patients continue to struggle with suicidal behavior, emotional dysregulation, and impaired interpersonal functioning. Researchers are now considering the potential of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) as a complementary treatment approach for BPD. Key Facts: BPD involves …
