Summary: A new study finds that the brain actively blocks the formation of new long-term memories immediately after waking, using a protein synthesis–dependent mechanism that protects memory consolidation carried out during sleep. Source: Bar-Ilan University Bar-Ilan University researchers reveal that a protein synthesis–dependent process prevents new learning on waking, protecting the ongoing consolidation of memories … Read more

Summary: New research indicates that a tendency for older adults to interpret neutral or negative facial expressions as positive — an age-related positivity bias in emotion recognition — may signal early cognitive decline. In a large study of 665 adults, the bias was linked to lower cognitive test performance and to measurable changes in brain … Read more

Summary: Staying up late is linked to worse mental health regardless of whether someone is naturally a morning or evening person. In a large study of nearly 74,000 adults, researchers found that both “morning larks” and “night owls” who habitually go to bed late show higher rates of mental and behavioral disorders. The benefit of … Read more

Summary: Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center report a connection between gut bacteria and the psychological distress that often accompanies obesity. In mice, a high‑fat diet increased behaviors consistent with anxiety, depression and compulsivity; these behaviors were significantly reduced when antibiotics that alter the gut microbiome were given. Source: Joslin Diabetes Center. People with obesity and … Read more

Summary: New findings indicate that textbook concepts about how stress hormones act in the brain may need revision. Source: University of Bristol Stress is widespread and can contribute to poor physical health and mental disorders. New research shows that commonly held ideas about how stress hormones interact with receptors in the brain—particularly in the hippocampus—should … Read more

Summary: New research suggests that the Alzheimer’s-associated protein amyloid beta causes severe harm to neurons but produces far less damage to glial cells, at least in fruit fly models. Source: Linköping University. Amyloid beta, a protein closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease, behaves very differently depending on the brain cell type in which it accumulates. Researchers … Read more

Summary: Researchers find the social gap between chimpanzees and humans is smaller than previously believed. Systematic observations at a zoo reveal that roughly 10% of actions by either species were imitations of the other, suggesting imitation serves a communicative, not merely a learning, function. Source: Lund University. Imitation allows skills, knowledge and innovations to be … Read more

Summary: Researchers launch a new study to better understand how sensorimotor action and perception are linked, using singing and pitch as a test case. Source: University at Buffalo. Breakthrough singing test rapidly measures pitch accuracy A psychologist at the University at Buffalo is part of a collaborative team of researchers and educators who created a … Read more

RIP1 Identified as a Molecular Switch Regulating Glioblastoma Cell Survival Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a cellular switch that may be turned on or off to slow and potentially halt the growth of glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of malignant brain tumor. In a study published in Cell Reports, investigators … Read more

New University of Georgia study finds fathers’ involvement and couple support shape adolescent mothers’ maternal identity Maternal identity—how a mother connects emotionally with her infant, takes pleasure in her parenting role, and perceives others’ views of her competence—is closely linked to the relationship between the mother and the child’s father and to the father’s involvement … Read more