A major new study reveals that teens who develop compulsive patterns of digital use are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and mental health issues. Unlike total screen time, it’s the addictive nature of use—such as distress when not online or using screens to escape—that most strongly predicts poor outcomes.
Multiple Brain Profiles May Underlie the Same Depressive Symptoms
A new study reveals that the same clinical signs of depression may stem from different brain profiles, highlighting both one-to-one and many-to-one brain-symptom mappings. Using brain imaging data from the UK Biobank, researchers found that even when patients experience similar symptoms, their underlying neurobiology may differ significantly.
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.
Your Unique Breathing Patterns May Reveal Your Identity and Mental Health
New research reveals that each person has a unique breathing “fingerprint” that can be used to identify them with nearly 97% accuracy. By continuously monitoring nasal airflow over 24 hours using a lightweight wearable, scientists discovered that these patterns also reflect physical and mental health traits.