A novel screening method for Parkinson’s disease (PD) analyzes the volatile compounds in ear wax to detect early signs of the condition. Researchers found that four specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are significantly different in people with PD.
Alzheimer’s Risk Linked to Increased Social Activity, Not Isolation
Contrary to popular belief, a new study suggests that people with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer’s may become more socially engaged—not less. Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals and found that higher-risk participants reported lower social isolation and more positive family interactions.
RyR1 Channel Triggers Sedation from Anesthetics
A new study uncovers the long-elusive mechanism of inhalational anesthetics by identifying the RyR1 calcium channel as a key molecular target. Researchers demonstrated that anesthetics like isoflurane activate RyR1 to trigger calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum, a crucial step in inducing general anesthesia.
Low Sodium Linked to Anxiety Through Brain Chemistry Disruption
Chronic hyponatremia—long viewed as symptomless—is now shown to disrupt brain chemistry and cause anxiety-like behaviors, according to a new study in mice. Researchers found that prolonged low sodium levels reduced serotonin and dopamine in the amygdala, a brain region vital for emotional regulation.
Daily Ups and Downs in Love Are Normal, But Also Meaningful
A new study finds that relationship satisfaction fluctuates frequently—even daily—but these shifts are a normal part of romantic dynamics. Using high-frequency surveys from over 700 couples, researchers found that satisfaction often rises and falls in sync between partners.
Neglecting Dads’ Mental Health May Harm Kids’ Development
Experts urge healthcare providers to screen new fathers for mental distress, citing strong evidence that paternal mental health affects child development. Depression, anxiety, and stress in new dads are linked to poorer outcomes in children’s emotional, cognitive, and social growth.
How the Brain Actively Removes Unwanted Memories
New research reveals that people can consciously remove specific information from their memories by dampening the brain circuits that initially stored it. In a recent study, participants were asked to forget one of two items and later tested on the remaining relevant memories.
Across Generations, Humans Are Driven to Keep Culture Alive
A new paper proposes the cultural continuity hypothesis, suggesting that humans are universally driven to preserve essential aspects of their culture across generations. Drawing on psychology, sociology, and anthropology, the researchers argue that cultural retention fosters identity, belonging, and psychological well-being.
ECT Cuts Suicide Risk by 34% in Severe Depression
A new meta-analysis reveals that Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) reduces suicide risk by 34% and all-cause mortality by 30% in individuals with severe depression. The study, which pooled data from 26 high-quality studies, compared nearly 18,000 patients treated with ECT to over 25,000 who received standard care. ECT also modestly reduced suicidal thoughts, showing broader health […]
No Link Found Between Preterm Siblings and Child Behavior Issues
A large-scale European study found no evidence that having a sibling born preterm leads to more behavioral problems in children born at term. Researchers analyzed data from over 65,000 children and found no significant differences in behavior between children with preterm versus term-born siblings.