BrainHealth
Star-shaped cells make a molecule that can ‘rewire’ the brains of mice with Down syndrome – understanding how could lead to new treatments
Star-shaped cells make a molecule that can ‘rewire’ the brains of mice with Down syndrome – understanding how could lead to new treatments Researchers have discovered that delivering a protein called pleiotrophin (Ptn) to star-shaped cells in the brain can “rewire” the brains of mice with Down syndrome, reversing changes to neural circuits and improving […]
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Special MRI may clarify why some depression is chronic
Special MRI may clarify why some depression is chronic A new brain imaging study uses specialized MRI to investigate the link between chronic depression and dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward and motivation. The study found that low neuromelanin signal in the midbrain is related to chronic depression and lower extraversion, a personality trait characterized […]
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Is a keto diet good for brain health?
Is a keto diet good for brain health? A new study suggests that a ketogenic diet may help preserve brain health and prevent cognitive decline in individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The research, led by Ai-Ling Lin and Kira Ivanich, found that females with the APOE4 gene, a genetic risk factor for late-onset […]
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Dietary tweaks can quickly change your brain for the better
Dietary tweaks can quickly change your brain for the better Dietary tweaks can measurably lower levels of brain chemicals associated with inflammation and memory problems, according to a new study. A two-week low-calorie or low-carbohydrate diet improved liver fat and reduced levels of neurometabolites in patients with early-stage fatty liver disease. Nearly all participants (97%) […]
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Traumatic brain injury ups risk for brain cancer
Traumatic brain injury ups risk for brain cancer A new study found that adults who have suffered a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to develop brain cancer. The study, which examined over 150,000 civilian adults, found that patients with a mild TBI were not associated with a greater risk for brain cancer, […]
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Can inflammation actually protect aging brains against decline?
Can inflammation actually protect aging brains against decline? A new study published in Cell Reports suggests that inflammation may actually protect aging brains against decline, challenging long-held assumptions about the immune molecule STING. Mice genetically engineered to lack STING had worse memory and movement problems, mimicking senility and frailty seen in people with dementia and […]
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Immune cells are key to teen brain wiring
Immune cells are key to teen brain wiring Researchers have discovered that microglia, the brain’s immune cells, play a key role in wiring the adolescent brain during adolescence. The frontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as empathy and decision-making, undergoes profound changes during adolescence, which can set the stage for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia […]
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Youth athletes, not just professionals, may face mental health risks from repeated traumatic brain injuries
Youth athletes, not just professionals, may face mental health risks from repeated traumatic brain injuries Repeated traumatic brain injuries in youth athletes may lead to mental health risks, including anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and thoughts about ending one’s life. A growing body of research suggests that adolescents and young adult athletes experience traumatic brain injuries […]
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Your teens’ sleep habits may affect how their brains work
Your teens’ sleep habits may affect how their brains work A new study found that teenagers’ sleep habits can affect how their brains work, particularly when it comes to decision-making, self-reflection, and processing information. Adolescents who get less sleep are more likely to exhibit behavioral issues such as acting out, poor impulse control, and aggressiveness, […]
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Is methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the science
Is methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the science Methylene blue, a synthetic dye originally created as a fabric dye, has been touted online as a “nootropic agent” that enhances cognitive function and boosts brain energy, but evidence supporting its health benefits is scarce. The chemical has some serious risks, including interactions […]
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