hit counter

Alcohol & Brain Volume in Older Adults: Cortical Thinning & White Matter Loss in Heavy Drinkers (250g/Week) (2023 Study)

Alcohol’s effects on the brain, especially among the elderly, have long been a subject of scientific inquiry. A recent study from Gothenburg, Sweden, provides new insights into how varying levels of alcohol consumption impact brain structure in individuals aged 70 and over. This research sheds light on the relationship between alcohol intake and the aging …

Read more

Personalized TMS for Psychiatric Disorders: Targeting Functional Connectivity (FC) in the Brain (2024 Review)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a beacon of hope in the realm of psychiatry, offering a non-invasive alternative for treating psychiatric disorders. The variability in treatment outcomes highlights the necessity for advancements in personalized approaches. A recent paper analyzed the potential of personalized TMS protocols (customized based on individual brain connectivity) may help …

Read more

Low Hypothalamus Volume Linked to Violence, Aggression, Psychopathy (2024 Study)

The complex interplay between the human brain and behavior has long fascinated scientists and laypeople alike, particularly when it comes to understanding the roots of violence. A recent study showcases the hypothalamus, a small but crucial brain region, revealing its significant role in aggression and violent behavior. Highlights: Hypothalamic Volume Reductions Linked to Violence: Studies …

Read more

Cognitive Function Does Not Predict Response to tDCS for Depression (2023 Trial)

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been explored as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This non-invasive technique involves applying a weak electrical current to the prefrontal cortex of the brain, aiming to modulate neurocognitive functions. However, …

Read more

Effects of Stress & Negative Life Events on Brain Structure Connectivity in Adolescents (2024 Study)

Adolescence marks a pivotal era of transformation, where the brain undergoes significant development, shaping the trajectory of an individual’s emotional and psychological maturity. Recent studies, including one leveraging data from the IMAGEN Consortium, have evaluated how negative life events during these formative years can subtly yet significantly alter the structural connectivity of the adolescent brain. …

Read more

Myo-Inositol for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Targeting BATF2 for Epigenetic & Transcriptomic Changes (2024 Study)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains one of the most challenging conditions for modern neurology, carrying a wide range of long-term consequences that can significantly impair an individual’s quality of life. In a new study, researchers analyzed the epigenetic landscape post-TBI, revealing significant DNA methylation changes in the hippocampus—a crucial area for memory and learning. The …

Read more

5-Week Mindfulness Training Effects on Brain Structure & Behavior: Caudate Volume Reduction & Less Impulsivity (2024 Study)

Mindfulness training is more than a meditative practice; it’s a transformative journey that reshapes our brain, improves our mental faculties, and alters how we respond to emotions and impulses. Recent research has shed light on how this ancient practice can lead to significant changes in the brain’s structure, particularly in the caudate nucleus, and influence …

Read more