Neuroscience

Rewiring the Brain with Precision: Future Neuromodulation Tactics

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Neuromodulation techniques that stimulate the nervous system through electric current are revolutionizing the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders like depression, movement disorders, and chronic pain. These techniques allow for precisely targeted treatment of specific brain regions. Key facts: Neuromodulation techniques include invasive methods like deep brain stimulation (DBS) as well as non-invasive methods like …

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) & Low Empathy: Brain Scans Reveal Deficits

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Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by difficulties with emotional regulation, impulsivity, and unstable relationships. A key feature of BPD is impaired empathy, which contributes to the interpersonal dysfunction seen in these patients. A new review analyzes 45 studies on empathy and related constructs like theory of mind in BPD, …

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Boost Serotonin in the Brain: Targeting TPH2 Enzymes to Treat Depression

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Depression affects over 120 million people worldwide, carrying a heavy burden of disability, mortality, and cost. While medications like SSRIs have provided relief for many, most patients fail to achieve full remission. After 30 years with few advances in pharmaceutical options, it may be time to rethink our approach to treating depression. Exciting new research …

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Brain Freeze: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments for Cold Stimulus Headache

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Cold stimulus headache, commonly known as “brain freeze”, is a curious and understudied phenomenon that many of us have experienced when eating or drinking something cold too quickly. Though brief and benign, these headaches provide insight into how the brain responds to sudden temperature changes. Key Facts About “Brain Freeze”: Caused by quick exposure of …

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High Rates of Pineal Gland Calcification & Possible Health Effects

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Pineal gland calcification, the buildup of calcium deposits in the pineal gland, is surprisingly common, affecting over 60% of the population according to a new meta-analysis. This concerning condition can disrupt proper pineal gland functioning and melatonin secretion, potentially contributing to an array of health issues. Key Facts: The pineal gland regulates circadian rhythms through …

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Asymmetrical EEG Brain Waves & Suicide Risk: No Link Discovered?

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Suicide is a major public health problem, with over 700,000 people dying by suicide every year globally. Identifying factors that may indicate risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors is an important area of research, as this could aid prevention and intervention efforts. Some studies have investigated whether asymmetric brain activity, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG), …

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Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder: Genetic & Brain Imaging Links

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Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a chronic mental illness characterized by dramatic shifts in mood and energy levels. It affects about 2-4% of the population worldwide. While we still don’t fully understand what causes bipolar disorder, research over the past couple decades has uncovered important clues into the biological mechanisms behind this …

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Cell Phone Addiction Linked to Anxiety, Depression, Impulsivity, Poor Sleep

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A new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions explores the relationship between mobile phone addiction (MPA) and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and poor sleep quality in college students. The analysis, conducted by researchers in China, pooled data from 40 studies involving over 33,000 college students worldwide. Key Takeaways: College students …

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New Insights Into Brain Patterns of Psychological Resilience: Frontal Alpha Waves

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Resilience is key to coping with life’s stressors, but how it works in the brain is still being unraveled. A new study provides evidence that resilience involves distinct brain processes depending on whether someone is depressed or not. Key Facts: Resilience was linked to frontal lobe brain activity patterns that differed between depressed and non-depressed …

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New PTSD Treatments: Drugs in Development & Pharmacological Targets

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to afflict millions worldwide, necessitating more effective therapeutic options. Key Facts: PTSD involves dysfunctional fear processing and altered threat perception. Current treatments fail to comprehensively address its complex symptoms. Research implicates dysregulation in brain systems like the HPA axis and glutamate, presenting novel drug targets. Medications modulating oxytocin, cannabinoids, opioids …

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