For decades, we’ve heard that depression is related to imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. But a growing body of research suggests depression may also be connected to a more prevalent biological process: inflammation. [Read more…]
Does Inflammation Lead to Depression?
April 18, 2025 By
To Live Longer, Drinking Coffee in the Morning May Help
April 10, 2025 By
Coffee is America’s favorite beverage. More than 70% of American adults drink coffee each week, making it the most consumed beverage other than water. There is clear evidence that coffee is a superfood that helps to prevent diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease, and others.
Now a new longitudinal study finds that limiting coffee consumption to the morning may lead to greater health benefits.
How Social Media Impacts Psychiatric Symptoms
April 3, 2025 By
Social media has transformed the way people interact with each other and the world. Across the globe, researchers have documented political, social, emotional, and even health implications related to these ever-evolving platforms.
A new systematic review seeks to better understand how social media use affects people with pre-existing mental health disorders, specifically psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, narcissistic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder. [Read more…]
How Well Can People Spot Fake News?
April 2, 2025 By
Fake news is more widespread today than ever before.
Political activists who want to unfairly influence voters create false news stories. Unscrupulous media companies publish falsehoods as clickbait. Political regimes spread false propaganda to support their policies. And the blurring line between entertainment and news leads to writing that doesn’t comply with journalistic standards. [Read more…]
Research Confirms That Chores Are Good for Kids
April 1, 2025 By
Put away the silverware. Fold the towels. Feed the dog. Bring in the mail.
There is a myriad of ways in which kids – starting as early as age 2 – can help out around the house. While some of this “helping” isn’t actually that helpful, there is strong evidence that you should require your kids to do chores anyway. [Read more…]
How Harsh Parenting Harms Kids
March 31, 2025 By
You’ve probably been out in public and heard a parent shouting, swearing, or calling a child names. Or maybe you’ve found yourself in the position of losing your temper with your own children.
Harsh parenting is defined as regularly engaging in negative coercive behaviors; it can include yelling, name-calling, hitting, criticizing, shaming, and isolating children. A large body of research demonstrates that harsh parenting is bad for kids. [Read more…]
Men’s Social Networks Decline Significantly as They Age
March 30, 2025 By
Researchers have known for several decades that a robust social support network improves overall well-being for people of all ages.
Those with stronger support networks tend to experience a positive mood more often, recover more quickly from health issues, and even live longer. And there is evidence that loneliness and isolation are linked to many health issues: sleep problems, inflammation, pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, addiction, suicide, and self-harm and dementia. [Read more…]
How to Cultivate Purpose in Teens
March 29, 2025 By
A sense of purpose—a feeling that your life has direction and your actions are meaningful—is fundamental to human well-being.
Now, researchers are learning that finding a sense of purpose is a crucial stage in adolescence, and they are evaluating programs designed to help teens cultivate purpose. [Read more…]
How Wildfire Smoke Affects the Brain
March 28, 2025 By
As wildfires have ripped through Los Angeles in recent weeks, thousands of people have been displaced and more than two dozen are reported dead.
The consequences have been devastating, and research suggests that the dangers will continue for weeks to come. In particular, a significant body of research demonstrates that exposure to wildfire smoke has negative effects on the brain. [Read more…]
Is Cold-Water Swimming Really Good for Your Brain?
March 27, 2025 By
If you live near a body of water in the northern latitudes, you likely have heard of your local polar bear club — usually made up of a group of hearty swimmers who take part in cold water swimming. [Read more…]
You Can Help Delay Dementia With Your Diet
December 20, 2024 By
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, like thinking, remembering, and reasoning, at levels that interfere with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia affects the health and well-being of millions of older adults; with baby boomers reaching their senior years, that number is expected to grow substantially. [Read more…]
The Gender Gap in Online Reviews
December 17, 2024 By
Americans are shopping online in record numbers this holiday season, according to an analysis by Adobe Analytics. Online shopping certainly comes with added convenience: No traffic, no long lines, and a larger selection of available items—not to mention you can shop while wearing pajamas from the comfort of your sofa. But it can also be tricky to figure out exactly what you’re getting: How will that sweater fit? What do those sheets actually feel like? And do those sneakers really run small? [Read more…]
