Researchers have found that repeated low doses of amphetamine can alter reward and motivation circuits in the human brain. The changes mirror what is seen in addiction and schizophrenia. Key Facts: Healthy volunteers received 4 doses of a low 20mg dose of amphetamine or placebo, spaced 2 days apart. Those getting amphetamine showed enhanced subjective …
Brain tumors can take a major toll on mental health. New research provides important insights into the psychiatric symptoms that often accompany these devastating diseases. Key Facts: Around 27% of brain tumor patients experience psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety. These frequently arise before diagnosis. Depressive symptoms are most common, affecting 24% of brain tumor …
While male and female brains are far more alike than different, research over the past few decades has revealed some subtle but meaningful variations. These differences likely stem from a complex interplay of biological factors, experiences, societal influences, and more. Key Facts: On average, male brains are about 10% larger than female brains. But when …
Pesticides are chemical substances commonly used in agriculture to eliminate pests and enhance crop yields. However, indiscriminate use of pesticides has raised concerns about potential toxicity and adverse health effects in humans. Key Facts: Pesticide exposure is linked to neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and psychiatric conditions including depression and suicide. Exposure can …
Narcissism is characterized by self-importance, entitlement, and interpersonal difficulties. Neuroscience research has begun to uncover the complex mechanisms underlying the paradoxical patterns of narcissistic functioning. Key findings show: Narcissism involves heightened vigilance and stress reactivity to ego threats despite outward grandiosity Alterations in brain regions involved in self-vs-other processing may underlie narcissistic self-focus and empathy …
For over half a century, neuroscientists operated under the assumption that the human brain contains around 100 billion neurons and over 1 trillion glial cells. This oft-cited “fact” made its way into textbooks and became common knowledge despite a lack of strong evidence. Recent advances in cell counting techniques have now debunked this myth, showing …
Albert Einstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest physicists and intellectuals in human history. His theories of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space, time, gravity and energy. Not surprisingly, there has been great interest in understanding if Einstein’s brain had unique anatomical features that could explain his extraordinary cognitive abilities. Several studies conducted …
Psychopathy, a severe personality disorder characterized by emotional coldness, impulsivity, and antisocial tendencies, has long fascinated researchers and the general public alike. A new Italian study sheds light on the relationship between psychopathy and intelligence in female criminal offenders, finding that higher psychopathic traits are associated with lower IQ. Key Facts: Researchers administered psychological assessments …
A new brain imaging study has uncovered structural differences in the white matter of young men diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). These differences provide clues into the neural correlates underlying the grandiose sense of self and lack of empathy that characterize NPD. Key Facts: Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to compare white matter microstructure …
Kava kava, an herbal remedy derived from the roots of Piper methysticum, has long been used in Oceania as a traditional ceremonial drink. In recent decades it gained popularity in Western countries as an over-the-counter treatment for anxiety, insomnia, and stress. However, reports of liver damage sparked global restrictions on kava products in the early …
