Summary: Researchers report that several direct-acting antiviral drugs, originally developed to treat hepatitis C, appear to ease symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Source: Boston University More than six percent of Americans develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. PTSD can become a chronic, disabling condition that affects daily functioning and … Read more

Summary: New computational work proposes that glial cells—particularly astrocytes—play an active, central role in cognitive processing. Source: University Health Network Researchers at the Krembil Brain Institute of the University Health Network in Toronto, in collaboration with colleagues at Duke University, have produced the first computer model that predicts how cortical glial cells contribute to cognition. … Read more

Summary: Genomic research reveals genetic signatures linked to the evolution of long lifespans and large brains in capuchin monkeys. Source: University of Liverpool For the first time, an international research team has produced a reference genome for a capuchin monkey, uncovering genetic signals connected to their unusually long lifespans and relatively large brains. Published in … Read more

Arizona State University researchers report higher levels of several toxic metals in children with autism compared with typically developing peers A study recently published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research examined toxic metal concentrations in children with autism and in neurotypical control children. The research, conducted by a team at Arizona State University, compared … Read more

Summary: The same brain defense circuitry that helps us avoid danger is also engaged when people act selflessly to help others at risk. Source: Karolinska Institutet How do people decide to intervene when someone else is in danger? Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report that the brain systems used to detect and avoid threats … Read more

Summary: A single 30-minute session of moderate exercise can reduce symptoms of depression for at least 75 minutes afterward and may enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy for people with major depressive disorder. Source: Iowa State University New research from Iowa State University finds that 30 minutes of moderate exercise — such as cycling, jogging, or … Read more

Summary: Researchers have identified sildenafil, widely known by the brand name Viagra, as a promising candidate for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Using artificial intelligence to integrate multiple sources of data — including large insurance claims datasets and laboratory observations from patient-derived brain cells — the team found signals that sildenafil may lower the likelihood of an … Read more

New Research Suggests Low Newborn IGF Levels Could Be Linked to Autism Gary Steinman, MD, PhD, a physician-researcher at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine known for his work on fertility and twinning, has proposed a hypothesis that reduced levels of a growth protein—insulin-like growth factor (IGF)—in newborns may predict later development of autism. While the … Read more

For nearly a century, researchers have studied brain waves to better understand mental health and cognitive processes. Yet how billions of interconnected neurons collectively generate the rhythmic electrical patterns known as brain waves has remained unclear. In a new study published in Neuron on July 24, scientists from EPFL’s Blue Brain Project in Switzerland and … Read more

Summary: While public concern is widespread that artificial intelligence will dramatically displace workers, researchers argue that widespread job loss is unlikely. Still, integrating machine learning into the workplace could reshape the economy on a scale comparable to the steam engine and electricity. Source: Carnegie Mellon University Machine learning systems—algorithms that improve with experience—are set to … Read more