Summary: New research from the UC Davis MIND Institute finds that up to 30% of children diagnosed with autism show reduced symptom severity between ages three and six. Some children even no longer met diagnostic criteria by age six. The study also reports that girls on the autism spectrum are more likely than boys to … Read more

Modular, programmable proteins enable tracking and control of gene expression Researchers at MIT have developed a new class of engineered proteins that can be programmed to bind virtually any RNA sequence. These customizable RNA-binding proteins make it possible to visualize RNA inside living cells, monitor how often a specific mRNA is translated, and even modulate … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that about one in ten heavy cannabis users experience cannabis withdrawal syndrome after stopping use. Source: Columbia University. As regular cannabis use has risen across the United States, so has the prevalence of withdrawal symptoms among users. Researchers at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University Irving Medical … Read more

Many people worry about humanity’s declining ability to self-regulate. Instant access to almost anything weakens the muscles of self-control. When everything is available at the touch of a button, practicing patience and restraint becomes harder. Most meaningful goals are reachable, but they rarely happen by accident or overnight. Achieving them requires self-awareness and the capacity … Read more

Summary: New research shows that extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny, membrane-bound particles released by cells—are active and precise messengers during human brain development. These vesicles carry proteins, lipids and transcription factors that can alter recipient cells’ behavior, even influencing nuclear activity and gene expression. The study examined EVs across multiple brain cell types and developmental stages, finding … Read more

Study Links Earlier Bedtimes and Adequate Sleep to Healthier Heart-Related Habits Researchers are not prescribing a strict bedtime, but new evidence shows that both how long you sleep and when you sleep are closely tied to behaviors that affect cardiovascular health. A multi-institutional team led by Freda Patterson of the University of Delaware found that … Read more

What makes life worth living? It’s a profound and essential question that stretches across philosophy, psychology, and everyday life. For much of its history, psychology concentrated on mental illness—diagnosing and treating what goes wrong—while paying far less attention to the conditions that allow people and communities to thrive (Seligman, 2011; Kellerman & Seligman, 2023). Positive … Read more

Summary: Recognizing when your thinking is going astray is a key skill for solving complex problems. Source: University of Washington Ever get stuck on a puzzle? You search for a pattern or a rule and can’t quite find it, so you step back and try a different approach. New research from the University of Washington … Read more

Assertiveness is a skill anyone can learn. Improving it helps us communicate more clearly, relate to others more effectively, and ensure our needs are respected. Increasing assertiveness can be life-changing for people who tend to be shy, passive, or overly accommodating (Hill, 2020). Training reduces the fear around speaking up and supports standing up for … Read more

Summary: A new parent-report questionnaire can help detect signs of autism in children aged 18 to 30 months, though it does not identify every child who will later receive a diagnosis. Source: University of Cambridge New research led by the University of Cambridge shows that the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) can identify … Read more