Summary: Virologists and computational scientists agree that the ways humans handle, trade, and encroach on wildlife have likely played a major role in the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent viral outbreaks. Source: USC As the world confronts the coronavirus emergency on the brink of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, experts ask whether nature is sending us … Read more

Researchers have identified a mitochondrial enzyme, SIRT3, that helps neurons resist the kinds of energy and oxidative stress linked to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. In mouse studies, SIRT3 protected brain cells from insults that can deplete their energy and trigger degeneration, and voluntary exercise raised SIRT3 levels in neurons—linking physical activity to improved mitochondrial resilience. … Read more

We all remember at least one teacher who inspired us. They connected with us, encouraged our curiosity, and motivated us to do our best. Intrinsic motivation—doing something because it is interesting, enjoyable, and curiosity-driven rather than for external rewards or to avoid punishment—consistently improves learning and performance (Ryan & Deci, 2017). But how can schools … Read more

New rat research reveals potentially lasting effects of adolescent sugar overconsumption on adult reward sensitivity A recent animal study suggests that consuming high amounts of sugary foods during adolescence can produce long-lasting changes in the brain’s reward system and reduce the enjoyment of sweet tastes in adulthood. Researchers report that rats given excessive sucrose during … Read more

Summary: Deficiency of the Ste20‑like kinase (SLK) reduces dendritic branching and leads to a progressive loss of inhibitory synapses. Because reduced SLK levels are observed in brain tissue from people with epilepsy, these findings may point to new treatment approaches for this neurological disorder. Source: University of Bonn Researchers at the University of Bonn have … Read more

Researchers are changing how they study marijuana’s effects on the brain. Historically, many studies excluded tobacco users, but work from the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas shows that excluding tobacco use can miss important differences: people who use both marijuana and tobacco have distinct brain and memory patterns compared with … Read more

Summary: Experts explain how postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis can, in rare cases, lead some mothers to harm or even kill their young children, and what signs and supports can help prevent such tragedies. Source: Northeastern University A Massachusetts mother is accused of killing her three- and five-year-old children and injuring her seven-month-old, prompting urgent … Read more

Behavior change is widely recognized by policymakers, researchers, and clinicians as essential for addressing many individual and societal challenges. Developing effective behavioral interventions has influenced fields as diverse as healthcare, mental health, policing, education, and public policy (Hagger, Cameron, Hamilton, Hankonen, & Lintunen, 2020). Interventions that successfully change behavior can improve chronic disease management, reduce … Read more

Summary: Two primary Signal Detection Theory metrics—perceptual certainty and response bias—track with changes in cognitive fatigue. Source: Kessler Foundation Researchers in New Jersey report that two central measures from Signal Detection Theory (SDT)—perceptual certainty and response bias—change in parallel with fluctuations in cognitive fatigue. They also show that these SDT measures vary with brain activation … Read more

Can’t cope? Overwhelmed? Stressed? Everyone struggles to cope at times—missed promotions, relationship breakups, looming deadlines. Whether we manage stress well depends largely on how we interpret events. Stress is an emotional and physical response shaped by our thoughts, and adapting how we think can change how we cope. Our brains evolved to solve problems in … Read more