Summary: Researchers have identified a specific mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that increases the virus’s ability to infect the central nervous system. This discovery offers a plausible explanation for some neurological symptoms seen during acute COVID-19 and may help clarify mechanisms behind “long COVID.” The mutation enables the virus to more readily invade brain … Read more

Summary: A University of Queensland study finds young children are consistently willing to help others when helping incurs no personal cost, but are far less likely to assist when doing so requires sacrificing a valued reward. Source: University of Queensland New research from the University of Queensland shows that 4- and 5-year-old children will readily … Read more

Neurons—the specialized cells of the nervous system—communicate by sending chemical signals across tiny junctions called synapses. This process, known as synaptic transmission, is essential for the brain and spinal cord to rapidly process large volumes of incoming sensory information and produce precise outgoing signals. Studying synaptic transmission in living animals has been technically challenging, often … Read more

Feeling Embarrassed or Guilty? A Cold Drink May Help Summary: New research indicates that sipping a cold beverage can reduce feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment. Source: Society for Consumer Psychology Overview A recent study led by Jeff D. Rotman (Western University, Canada) and colleagues, published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, explores how self-conscious … Read more

Summary: Researchers have identified a neural mechanism that allows memories to link across different times and experiences. In experiments with mice, the team found that memories are replayed and reactivated not only after a single significant event but also in ways that connect that event with earlier, related experiences. The study shows that memories are … Read more

Summary: New research indicates that feeling younger than your chronological age and increasing physical activity can improve cognitive function, health and longevity as people age. Source: American Psychological Association. Could moving more and feeling more in control of your daily life help you stay mentally and physically younger? New findings presented at the American Psychological … Read more

Summary: New research shows that people often perceive those who lie as more competent for certain high-pressure, sales-focused professions—such as investment banking, advertising, and sales—explaining why deceptive individuals may be disproportionately hired into those roles. Source: University of Chicago Booth School of Business We claim to dislike liars, yet in contexts that prioritize aggressive selling, … Read more

Summary: Maintaining a growth mindset and confidence in your ability to improve—even as you age—supports continued skill development and achievement. Source: NTNU Did you ever imagine becoming a professional athlete, a chess master, or a world-class chef when you were younger? As we get older, many of us assume those ambitions are out of reach. … Read more

Summary: A new study in mice identifies dopamine release along a specific brain circuit as the signal that helps the brain extinguish fear. Rather than merely suppressing fear, dopamine from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) activates reward-responsive neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) to drive a positive learning process that replaces fear memory. Disruption of … Read more

Ultra-Rare Structural Variants at TAD Boundaries Implicated in Schizophrenia Risk Summary: New evidence from the largest whole genome sequencing study to date suggests that very rare structural genetic variants that disrupt the boundaries of topologically associated domains (TADs) may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Source: UNC Health Care Most genetic research on schizophrenia has … Read more