Researchers have for the first time reconstructed all neurons and their connections in the brain of a fruit fly larva, revealing fundamental principles of brain organization. The study provides an important scaffold for understanding the neural basis of behavior in this model organism. Key Facts: The larval Drosophila brain contains around 3000 neurons. The full …
Summary: A new study reveals how certain genes and education levels impact Alzheimer’s disease risk, even in individuals destined to develop dementia. Key facts: The APOE gene influences Alzheimer’s onset in people with a genetic mutation causing early-onset Alzheimer’s. Having APOE e4 accelerates onset of decline while APOE e2 delays it. More years of education …
Summary: New mouse study shows woodsmoke causes lasting brain inflammation and chemical changes, which may explain long-term effects seen in humans after smoke exposure. Major Findings: Woodsmoke Causes Lasting Brain Inflammation & Chemical Changes in Mice Smoke from wildfires and wood-burning stoves may have lingering effects on the brain, according to new research in mice. …
Buddhist meditation practices have been shown to create different states of consciousness. A new study looked at how traditional Buddhist meditation affects how the brain processes sounds. The results show that these meditations change brain activity in a way that tunes out sensory information. Key Facts: 115 Tibetan Buddhist monks with at least 3 years …
Loneliness is a painful feeling that arises when there is a mismatch between one’s desired social connections and actual relationships. Chronic loneliness is increasingly prevalent in modern societies and strongly tied to poor mental and physical health outcomes, including higher risks of depression, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. New genetic research provides key insights into the …
Feeling lonely and socially isolated is associated with poorer health outcomes and increased risk of early mortality. Research in monkeys now reveals how loneliness impacts the immune system, providing clues into the mechanisms underlying the health risks of loneliness. Key Facts: Lonely monkeys show altered activity in the sympathetic nervous system and compromised immune cell …
Loneliness is a growing public health crisis that affects a significant portion of the population and increases the risk of premature death. Here are some key facts on loneliness: Over 30% of people experience loneliness, with 1 in 12 severely affected. Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 26%. Loneliness has similar health risks …
Loneliness is painful, but it may serve an important purpose. New research explores how loneliness affects the brain and body in humans and animals. The findings reveal that loneliness triggers primal responses designed to get us to seek out social connection. Key facts: Loneliness activates threat responses in the brain and body to motivate us …
Loneliness is increasingly prevalent yet often overlooked in our lives. Research is uncovering just how detrimental chronic loneliness can be to both our mental and physical health. Key Facts: Loneliness is feeling alone despite having social connections, not simply being alone. It is the perception of isolation. Prevalence of loneliness rose from 11-17% in the …
