Summary: When people observed an AI virtual agent being excluded from a simple online game, they reacted as if the agent were a real social partner—showing sympathy and trying to correct the mistreatment. Most participants favored giving the excluded bot more playing opportunities, and this tendency was stronger among older adults. Researchers argue that human-like … Read more

Summary: Lowering levels of the Alzheimer’s-associated protein tau prevents autism-like behaviors and seizures in multiple mouse models, and it suppresses related brain abnormalities linked to some forms of autism. Source: Gladstone Institute Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) vary widely in symptoms and severity, but they share three core features: difficulties with social interaction, communication challenges, and … Read more

Summary: Products marketed to support “brain health” frequently overpromise and underdeliver. Many so-called brain supplements offer little or no benefit for aging brains, while generating substantial profits for manufacturers. This article examines misleading claims, regulatory gaps, and potential risks so consumers can make better-informed choices. Source: The Conversation Growing use of brain supplements Millions of … Read more

Folic Acid During Pregnancy Linked to Improved Emotional Intelligence and Resilience in Children Summary: A small study presented at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference reports that children whose mothers took folic acid supplements throughout pregnancy showed higher emotional intelligence and resilience at age seven compared with children whose mothers only supplemented during the first … Read more

Summary: How young people use social media matters more for their mental health than simply how long they spend on it. Researchers found that reducing harmful social comparisons and promoting meaningful online connections improves well-being, lowering loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Completely quitting social media can reduce anxiety and depression but may increase loneliness by severing … Read more

Summary: A new study shows that ischemic stroke can produce persistent damage to the blood-spinal cord barrier, creating a harmful environment in the spinal cord that may contribute to long-term motor problems and disease progression. Source: USF Health. Ischemic stroke causes lasting blood-spinal cord barrier damage that may worsen spinal cord health and motor function … Read more

Summary: A new study reports on the benefits of precision medicine for treating pediatric brain cancer. Source: Harvard Precision medicine—tailoring diagnosis and treatment to the genetic features of each tumor—can significantly improve care for children with brain tumors, according to a new study by investigators at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. “Although survival … Read more

Summary: New research from the University of Arizona finds that shared musical experiences between parents and children—especially during adolescence—are linked to stronger parent–child relationships in emerging adulthood. Source: University of Arizona If your teenager spends family trips with earbuds in, consider asking them to unplug and play something the whole family can enjoy. A recent … Read more

Summary: Neural patterns and the types of reading difficulties differ between children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds who struggle to read. Source: MIT Many children face challenges when learning to read, and research consistently shows that children from lower socioeconomic status (SES) households are at higher risk for reading difficulties … Read more

One-Third of U.S. Adults May Unknowingly Use Medications That Increase Depression Risk Summary: Researchers report that nearly one in three American adults use prescription medicines that can increase the risk of depression or suicidal thoughts—often without realizing it. Source: University of Illinois. Overview A new analysis by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago … Read more