Summary: Researchers have identified an oncogene that appears to drive glioblastoma, the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer. The gene, AVIL, normally helps cells regulate shape and structure, but when overactive it promotes tumor growth and spread. In laboratory mice, blocking AVIL eradicated glioblastoma cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed, pointing to a … Read more

Intrinsic motivation describes a drive to act based on internal reasons—because a task is interesting, enjoyable, or personally satisfying (Ryan & Deci, 2000). By contrast, extrinsic motivation refers to performing actions for external reasons, such as meeting a deadline, receiving a reward, or gaining approval from others. Understanding how to identify intrinsic motivation is valuable … Read more

Study identifies gene regions linked to Behçet’s disease, a poorly understood condition that causes painful ulcers and serious inflammation, including in the brain Researchers remain uncertain about the exact cause of Behçet’s disease, a chronic inflammatory disorder that produces painful oral and genital sores and can lead to severe complications such as blindness and brain … Read more

Summary: A recent study indicates that transmission of oral microbiota between newlywed partners may be associated with the development of depression and anxiety symptoms. Researchers followed couples during the first six months of marriage and observed that previously healthy spouses living with partners who had insomnia combined with depression and anxiety began to show similar … Read more

Homework assignments have been a central element of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) since the 1970s (Kazantzis, 2005). These between-session tasks let clients transfer skills learned in therapy into everyday situations, increasing the likelihood that treatment produces lasting change. In this article, we explain why homework is essential in CBT, outline strategies for creating engaging assignments, … Read more

Summary: Researchers have identified a genetic mutation that impairs the brain’s ability to cope with stress at synapses, contributing to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Source: VIB Flanders. New research led by Professor Patrik Verstreken (VIB-KU Leuven) reveals that a faulty stress-coping mechanism at neuronal synapses is a key contributor to Parkinson’s disease. Mutations linked … Read more

More than 40 million adults in the United States live with anxiety. Anxiety disorders, fear, and phobias are highly treatable, yet only about 36.9% of people with anxiety receive adequate help. This gap highlights the need for a variety of therapeutic approaches, including some less conventional methods. Paradoxical intention is one such approach. Rather than … Read more

Scientists from King’s College London and the University of Roehampton have identified a brain mechanism that may be linked to the onset and progression of psychosis. Using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique known as pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling, researchers measured resting regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in young people considered at ultra-high risk for … Read more

Summary: New research shows that autophagy coordinates with sensory neurons and nutrient signals to influence lifespan. Source: Florida Atlantic University. New study offers insight into mechanisms that extend lifespan Reducing caloric intake without causing malnutrition—commonly called dietary or caloric restriction—has been shown to extend lifespan across more than 20 animal species, including primates. The mechanisms … Read more

Unconditional positive regard is a foundational stance in person-centered therapy. It refers to the therapist’s consistent acceptance and respect for a client’s experience, which helps promote growth and constructive change (Wilkins, 2000). Mental health professionals strive to value the person before them—their inherent worth—without allowing specific behaviors or beliefs to alter that acceptance (Mearns & … Read more