Summary: New research on the gar fish shows that the modern eye-to-brain wiring appeared far earlier in vertebrate evolution than previously thought. Source: Michigan State University The neural wiring that links our eyes to the brain is more ancient than scientists had assumed, and a surprising study subject—the gar fish—helped reveal why. Researchers, including Ingo … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that ambient food aromas can reduce cravings and help satisfy appetite. Source: USF. When the smell of fried or baked comfort food brushes past you briefly, it can increase the urge to order a high-calorie meal. But when that same aroma surrounds you for longer—about two minutes or more—you may feel less … Read more

Summary: A new study finds that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) leave a lasting emotional mark, increasing adults’ sensitivity to both negative and positive daily events. Adults who experienced abuse or neglect in childhood not only respond more strongly to setbacks but also often feel less joy from positive moments—sometimes even reacting negatively to good experiences. … Read more

Summary: The arrangement of neurons and the recurring patterns they form help explain neural behavior and function, with potential applications for building more adaptable, intelligent robots. Source: Newcastle University Researchers say the spatial patterns formed by neurons reveal principles of brain function and could guide advances in artificial intelligence and robotics. In new research published … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that, contrary to common belief, youth violence in the United States has declined significantly over the past decade. Source: Boston University. Positive trends reported in the American Journal of Public Health. A new study led by Boston University professor Christopher P. Salas-Wright finds that youth involvement in violent behavior has fallen substantially … Read more

Summary: Researchers have identified a direct connection between the protein p53 and autism-like behaviors in mice. By manipulating p53 levels specifically in the hippocampus, the team observed changes in social interaction, repetitive actions, and hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, revealing a notable role for the TP53 gene product in neurodevelopmental outcomes. When hippocampal p53 was reduced, … Read more

Summary: A new meta-analysis finds that emotional forms of childhood maltreatment—specifically emotional abuse and neglect—are associated with reduced trust in bodily signals, a facet of interoception. The researchers reviewed 17 studies involving 3,705 participants and report that, while childhood maltreatment in general did not show a consistent effect on all measures of interoception, emotional maltreatment … Read more

Summary: The length of daylight across seasons alters the availability of opioid receptors in the brain. These findings point to a possible biological mechanism contributing to seasonal affective disorder. Source: University of Turku Seasons influence mood and social behavior: negative emotions and social withdrawal are generally reduced in summer, while rates of seasonal affective disorder … Read more

New Method Preserves Muscle Stem Cells and Improves Transplantation Efficiency for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Summary: A recent study describes a culture method that preserves the undifferentiated state of muscle satellite cells and improves their transplantation performance, a development that could advance therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Source: IOS Press. Satellite cells, culture challenges, and LIF … Read more

Men and Women Remember Pain Differently: A Translational Study Summary: A new translational study finds that males appear to recall painful experiences more strongly than females, producing stress and increased sensitivity when re-exposed to the same context. In mice, blocking memory formation with ZIP eliminated the effect. These findings suggest that the memory of pain … Read more