Laboratory research compared alcohol alone to alcohol mixed with an energy drink on cognitive control and subjective intoxication. Findings indicate that energy drinks increase the stimulant sensations people feel when drinking alcohol. Energy drinks did not change measured behavioral impairment from alcohol, especially impaired impulse control. The combination of heightened stimulation and persistent impulse-control impairment … Read more

Circadian Clock Genes Protect the Brain from Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration New findings suggest potential ways to delay or prevent some age-related neurodegenerative conditions. As organisms age, their internal biological clocks gradually lose precision and eventually fail. In mice, disrupting a core clock gene called Bmal1 has long been known to accelerate aging, producing symptoms … Read more

Summary: A recent UC Davis study finds a link between childhood asthma and poorer memory performance, particularly in episodic memory. The research shows that children with asthma scored lower on memory tests than peers without asthma, and that earlier onset of asthma was associated with slower memory development over a two-year period. The findings suggest … Read more

Summary: Flies lacking the transcription factor Ets21c died far more quickly when exposed to oxidative stress, revealing a molecular switch that influences tissue renewal, stress resilience, and lifespan. Source: University of Cologne The survival and fitness of multicellular organisms depend on their ability to renew tissues throughout life. This renewal is critical in tissues constantly … Read more

Summary: A new machine learning model reveals that serotonin can accelerate learning rates in the brain. Source: Sainsbury Wellcome Centre. UCL researchers using data from the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown have developed a computational model showing that serotonin, a widespread neuromodulator, can speed up learning. Serotonin is a key chemical messenger in the brain … Read more

Summary: New research clarifies the molecular and genetic mechanisms that allow the brain to form long-term memories. A single stimulation of hippocampal synapses triggered repeated cycles in which the memory-related gene Arc produced mRNA that was locally translated into Arc protein, strengthening synapses. The team identified a novel feedback loop that helps explain how short-lived … Read more

Summary: Researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington found that when two strangers meet, mutual understanding develops mainly through verbal exchange—talking and asking questions—rather than through non-verbal cues like gestures or eye contact. Source: UT Arlington UTA psychologists report that first encounters between strangers build shared understanding largely through words, not non-verbal signals. Psychologists … Read more

Summary: Public acceptance of CRISPR and other genome-editing methods in agriculture depends strongly on purpose and species. People are more accepting when editing is used to increase disease resistance, particularly in crops, and less accepting when edits aim to boost production or alter livestock for yield. Source: University of Göttingen A research collaboration between the … Read more

Summary: Researchers at the University of Bath have refined a peptide molecule that shows promise for preventing Parkinson’s disease. Source: University of Bath Scientists at the University of Bath have improved a peptide molecule that could form the basis of a future drug to prevent or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Professor Jody Mason … Read more

Summary: People living with a neurological or mental health condition face a higher risk of developing a second, related disorder later in life. For example, individuals with Parkinson’s disease were found to have about four times the rate of developing dementia; those with psychiatric disorders also showed an elevated risk of later dementia. Source: University … Read more