What Happens After a Near-Death Experience?
Summary: New research reveals that people who have near-death experiences often undergo profound shifts in perspective, purpose, and priorities, but many struggle to integrate these changes into daily life. In a study of 167 individuals, over half sought counseling or support afterward, and those who received validation and understanding found the help most beneficial. Acceptance […]
Genes Linked to Cannabis Use Reveal Ties to Mental Health
Summary: Researchers analyzing data from over 130,000 participants have identified specific genes associated with cannabis use and its frequency, revealing strong links to psychiatric, cognitive, and physical health traits. The genes CADM2 and GRM3, already known for roles in brain communication and impulsivity, appear central to how individuals initiate and sustain cannabis use. The study […]
ADHD May Make You More Creative
Summary: People with ADHD tend to be more creative, and this advantage may stem from a greater tendency for their minds to wander. The study is the first to directly connect ADHD traits, creativity, and the two types of mind wandering—spontaneous and deliberate. Individuals with ADHD scored higher on creative achievement tests and reported more […]
EEG Test May Reveal Who Loses Libido on Antidepressants
Summary: A new study reveals that serotonin levels in the brain, measured using a simple EEG-based test, can predict who will experience sexual side effects from SSRI antidepressants. Researchers found that people with higher serotonin activity before treatment were significantly more likely to have difficulty reaching orgasm during antidepressant use. The test, known as the […]
Can Animals Feel? A New Roadmap for Consciousness
Summary: A philosophy scholar has developed a practical “decision tree” to help scientists and ethicists evaluate which creatures may be conscious. The new framework clarifies decades of debate about whether animals like crabs, fish, or insects can feel pain or emotion. It distinguishes between two approaches — one requiring clear evidence of consciousness, and another […]
Inflammatory Brain Cells Driving Progressive MS Discovered
Summary: Researchers have identified a rare type of brain cell that may drive the chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration seen in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). These cells, called disease-associated radial glia-like (DARG) cells, appear six times more often in patients with progressive MS than in healthy individuals. DARGs revert to an early developmental state yet also […]
Gut Microbes May Shape Brain and Behavior Through Hidden Mutations
Summary: In a groundbreaking study using Merino sheep, researchers uncovered that tiny genetic variations within gut microbes can influence brain-related behavior. By sequencing over 5,000 microbial genomes—including 3,500 never before reported—they linked single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in microbes to neurobehavioral traits and plasma metabolites tied to brain function. These SNVs, mainly within Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, […]
Brain Cells That Thrive on Uncertainty Help Us Adapt and Learn
Summary: Scientists have discovered a group of brain cells in the orbitofrontal cortex that become more active when outcomes are uncertain, revealing how the brain adapts and learns from unpredictable situations. These neurons—found in both rats and humans—help balance flexibility and precision in decision-making, particularly when rewards are inconsistent. When these cells were inactivated in […]
Childlike Face Illusion Helps Adults Recall Forgotten Memories
Summary: A groundbreaking study has found that adults can recall more detailed childhood memories after briefly perceiving themselves with a childlike version of their own face. Using a virtual “enfacement illusion,” participants saw a live, altered image of their face resembling how they looked as children, creating a temporary sense of embodying their younger selves. […]
Gene Behind Child Brain Disorder Also Tied to Parkinson’s Disease
Summary: Scientists have discovered that mutations in the EPG5 gene—known for causing the rare childhood disorder Vici syndrome—also increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease and dementia later in life. The gene plays a crucial role in autophagy, the process by which cells clear out damaged material. When this system fails, harmful proteins build up, damaging […]