Kava kava, an herbal supplement made from the root of Piper methysticum, has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for anxiety and insomnia. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis re-examined kava kava’s effectiveness and safety for anxiety disorders. The authors concluded that kava kava is effective for short-term anxiety relief but long-term safety remains uncertain. …
Cocaine abuse leads to dysfunction of brain dopamine systems and the development of addiction. New research identifies changes in the dopamine transporter as a driving force underlying cocaine addiction, and points to a novel way to reverse these detrimental effects. Key Facts: Cocaine abuse caused the dopamine transporter to form larger complexes of multiple transporter …
Psychopathic individuals are known to commit a disproportionate amount of violence and crime. Yet the connections between psychopathy, intelligence and aggression are complex. A new study unpacks the links between these dangerous traits in men and women. Key Facts: Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version which divides psychopathy into 4 facets – …
Phthalates, a class of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable, may impact health across multiple generations. New research suggests phthalate exposure in one generation can lead to adverse effects in subsequent generations through changes in gene regulation. This raises concerns that the public health impacts of phthalates may be more extensive than …
New research reveals that lower intelligence and poorer emotional control in adolescence are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors over the life course. However, while lower intelligence is linked to a consistently higher suicide risk into late middle age, the association between emotional control and suicide risk diminishes in strength over …
Binaural beats are an auditory illusion that occurs when two tones of slightly different frequencies are played in each ear. Some claim that binaural beats can synchronize and entrain brainwaves to match the difference frequency. But does scientific evidence support these alleged “brainwave entrainment” effects? A new systematic review published in PLOS ONE analyzed the …
A new pilot study investigates using kava and valerian, two herbal remedies, to treat stress-induced insomnia. Key Facts: 24 patients with stress-induced insomnia took part in the 6-month crossover study. All patients took kava for 6 weeks, then valerian for 6 weeks, then a combination of both for 6 weeks. Both kava and valerian significantly …
Plastics are everywhere in modern life, but they come with hidden health risks that demand our attention. Specifically, chemicals called phthalates used to soften plastics can pose significant risks to human health, especially for vulnerable groups like children. Here are key facts you need to know about phthalates: Phthalates are added to plastics like PVC …
Suicide is a leading cause of premature death worldwide. Social isolation is increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for suicide. Thorough understanding of this relationship is crucial to guide prevention efforts and policy. Key Facts: Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year globally, with many more attempting suicide. Social isolation significantly increases suicide …
Body art like tattoos and piercings have become increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults around the world. A new study from Chile suggests these body modifications may serve as red flags for risky behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse. Key Facts: 30% of Chilean high school students have piercings, while only 1.7% have tattoos. …
