Summary: New research suggests a preference for black coffee and dark chocolate may stem from genetic differences in how people metabolize caffeine. People with genetic variants tied to faster caffeine metabolism tend to choose bitter, unsweetened coffee and are also more likely to favor dark chocolate. Source: Northwestern University People who prefer their coffee black … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that an odor identification test could help predict cognitive decline and detect early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Source: Columbia University Medical Center. Smell test may provide a low-cost option for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and NewYork-Presbyterian have reported evidence that … Read more

Summary: A recent study found that ChatGPT correctly answered about 97% of questions drawn from the National Cancer Institute’s list of common cancer myths and misconceptions. In blinded testing, reviewers often could not tell whether responses came from ChatGPT or the NCI, though some chatbot answers used indirect or vague language that could be misinterpreted. … Read more

Summary: By measuring changes in heart rate continuously over 24 hours, researchers can predict current depressive symptoms with about 90% accuracy. Source: European College of Neuropsychopharmacology For the first time, clinicians have shown that continuous 24-hour heart-rate monitoring can reliably indicate whether someone is currently experiencing depression. In practical terms, this approach could provide an … Read more

Summary: In a large Spanish population sample, women reporting vision, hearing, or dual sensory loss were more than twice as likely as men with the same impairments to report depression and anxiety. Sensory loss was categorized as hearing loss, visual problems, or dual sensory loss (both vision and hearing). Source: Anglia Ruskin University Women who … Read more

Cannabidiol (CBD) shows promise for treatment‑resistant anxiety in young people — pilot study Summary: A pilot study led by Orygen found that cannabidiol (CBD) treatment produced an average 42.6% reduction in anxiety severity and impairment among young people with treatment‑resistant anxiety. Source: Orygen Key finding: Cannabidiol may substantially reduce the severity and functional impact of … Read more

Pituitary Tissue Grown from Human Stem Cells Restores Hormone Production in Rats with Hypopituitarism Summary: A new study reports that pituitary cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells can produce key hormones and, when transplanted into rats with hypopituitarism, restore appropriate hormonal responses. Source: Cell Press Overview Researchers at the Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer … Read more

Summary: New research shows people aged 60 and over are more likely than younger adults to be swayed by other people’s impulsive financial choices. The study found that older participants, particularly those who report stronger emotional empathy, tended to change their own preferences toward immediate, smaller rewards after observing impulsive decisions by others. Younger adults, … Read more

Summary: New preclinical research identifies how a chromatin remodeler in the nucleus accumbens contributes to cocaine craving and relapse after withdrawal. Source: University at Buffalo Preclinical evidence reveals a molecular mechanism that helps explain persistent cocaine craving after abstinence and points to a potential therapeutic target. Understanding how cocaine permanently rewires the brain is essential … Read more

Summary: Researchers have developed Fastball EEG, a simple three‑minute brainwave test that passively measures recognition memory and can reveal early signs of memory impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike conventional memory assessments, Fastball requires no active responses from the person being tested, making it objective, quick, and easier to deploy outside specialist clinics. The study … Read more