A new study tracked changes in brain volume in depressed patients after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT or “electroshock therapy”). The study found that ECT led to increases in gray matter (brain tissue), which then decreased substantially over the next 2 years. The initial increases did not relate to improvement in depression symptoms. However, greater decreases 2 …
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 …
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 …
Experiencing chronic stress or taking addictive drugs like cocaine can change your brain and behavior in similar ways, making you prone to anxiety or addiction. Key Facts: Chronic stress and chronic drug abuse both impair the striatum, which can make people become rigid in their thinking and unable to update information. This can promote anxiety, …
A new study looked at how having diabetes may impact brain health in Native Americans. The researchers found that the longer someone had diabetes, the more it affected their brain. But other health issues like obesity did not appear to impact the brain as much. Key facts: The study involved 51 Native Americans with type …
Prescription opioid painkillers like oxycodone can be very addictive. People who use them for a long time often have trouble stopping, even if the drugs start causing problems. A new study tested a drug that blocks brain signals that keep people wanting opioids. The drug helped rats stop seeking oxycodone and improved their sleep and …
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects how people think, feel, and behave. It involves problems with hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, lack of motivation, and impaired functioning. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population and typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. The causes are still poorly understood. In a new study, researchers found …
The enteric nervous system (ENS), often called the “second brain”, controls most activities in our gastrointestinal tract. A new study reveals important new information about how this brain-in-the-gut develops and changes as we age. Key Facts: The ENS contains two main types of nerve cells, from different origins. The balance between these cell types changes …
A new study found that a program to provide more social contact and activities for prisoners in solitary confinement led to improved mental health and behavior. The program was based on a “Resource Team” model developed in Norway. Key Facts: Solitary confinement involves isolating prisoners in cells for 22+ hours per day with limited social …
A new study provides unprecedented insights into the brains and cognitive capabilities of dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles. The key takeaways: Many theropod dinosaurs like T. rex had brains as large and complex as monkeys and primates. This suggests they were likely as intelligent as modern primates. However, other dinosaurs like sauropods had much smaller, …
