Summary: Rhythmic drumming, energetic dancing, sleep disruption, and psychoactive substances—collectively described as the “4Ds” within rave culture—are linked to intense, transformative experiences for many attendees. When ravers perceive an event as awe-inspiring and personally transformative, they report stronger bonds with fellow participants and greater willingness to act prosocially toward the group. These dynamics help explain … Read more

Summary: Recent research has linked air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), to higher risks of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. New findings indicate that reductions in atmospheric fine particulates and improved air quality may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Source: USC Two USC researchers who previously connected air pollution with increased … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that activating the prefrontal cortex through mental arithmetic tasks is associated with stronger emotional regulation and may support mental health. Source: Duke. New study points to possible brain-training approaches for emotional well-being A brain-scanning study led by researchers at Duke University found that engaging a specific region of the prefrontal cortex while … Read more

Schizophrenia remains a serious mental disorder without a fully effective medical cure. To better understand the molecular changes that occur in the schizophrenic brain, researchers at the University of Southern Denmark analyzed protein changes in the brains of rats exposed to a powerful hallucinogen. Their proteomics-based approach may point the way to new, more targeted … Read more

Summary: A new study indicates that listening to people over 60 who report memory lapses may help clinicians identify early signs of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Source: UT Dallas Researchers at the Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) at The University of Texas at Dallas report that subjective complaints about memory — a person’s own … Read more

Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Risk of Childhood Speech and Language Disorders Summary: Researchers report a 37% higher risk of speech or language disorders in children born to mothers who purchased SSRI antidepressants at least twice during pregnancy. Source: Columbia University New research from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia … Read more

“Transportation” May Be at the Heart of Alzheimer’s Disease Scientists at The Johns Hopkins University have mapped the intricate, far-reaching branches of cholinergic neurons in the mouse brain—cells that are among the first to deteriorate in Alzheimer’s disease. By tracing these neurons in laboratory mice, the research team has revealed how the physical layout and … Read more

New computational model more than triples the number of facial expressions researchers can use to trace the origins of emotion in the brain. Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a computational method that recognizes 21 distinct facial expressions, including complex or mixed emotions such as “happily disgusted” and “sadly angry.” Published in the … Read more

Summary: Two new longitudinal studies from the UC Davis MIND Institute reveal links between early brain development and later autism traits. One study associates early larger brain volume with a distinct autism subtype, while the other connects patterns of white matter growth to changes in symptom severity over early childhood. Source: UC Davis Two major … Read more

Summary: New research uncovers how neurons and glial cells cooperate to trigger neural stem cell activation and drive regeneration after brain injury. Source: Champalimaud Center for the Unknown Loss of neurons after stroke or traumatic brain injury is permanent, and depending on the affected region, this can lead to lasting impairments in motor skills, language, … Read more