Showing 20 articles starting at article 1
Categories: Living Well, Schizophrenia
Published Scientists take next big step in understanding genetics of schizophrenia
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists are figuring out which of the 5,000 variants associated with schizophrenia have an actual causal effect in the development of the condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Published Your body's own cannabinoid molecules calm you during stress
(via sciencedaily.com) When you're under stress, your brain may release its own cannabinoid molecules to calm you, activating the same brain receptors as THC derived from cannabis plants. But the brain activity regulated by these cannabinoid molecules were not well known. A new study in mice has discovered a key emotional brain center, the amygdala, releases cannabinoid molecules under stress that dampen the incoming stress alarm from the hippocampus, a memory and emotion center in the brain. The finding may reveal novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
Published Lower jersey numbers make football players look thinner
(via sciencedaily.com) Football players sometimes choose jerseys with lower numbers thinking that they'll look slimmer and faster. There's a scientific basis for that belief, according to a new study. In two experiments, volunteers consistently said that images of players in jerseys numbered 10 to 19 looked thinner than players in jerseys numbered 80 to 89, even when the bodies were the same size. The finding suggests that people's previously learned associations between numbers and sizes influence their perceptions of body size.
Published Breathe! The shape-shifting ball that supports mental health
(via sciencedaily.com) A soft ball designed to support mental health by 'personifying' breath has been invented by a computer science student.
Published Schizophrenia genetic risk factor impairs mitochondrial function
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researcher discovers possible link of mitochondrial function to the development of schizophrenia.
Published New neuroimaging approach could improve diagnosis of schizophrenia
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research has identified age-related changes in brain patterns associated with the risk for developing schizophrenia. The discovery could help clinicians identify the risk for developing mental illness earlier and improve treatment options.
Published Research team identifies human odorant receptor for horse stable odor
(via sciencedaily.com) Para-cresol is an aromatic compound with a strong horse stable-like odor. It contributes to the off-flavor of some foods, but it is also detectable as a characteristic odorant in whiskey and tobacco, as well as in the urine of various mammals. A research team has now discovered which odorant receptor humans use to perceive para-cresol.
Published Participating in genetic studies is in your genes
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Why do some people take part in genetic studies while others do not? The answer may lie within our genetic makeup. According to a groundbreaking study, people who participate in genetic studies are genetically more likely to do so, leaving detectable 'footprints' in genetics data. This breakthrough equips researchers with the ability to identify and address participation bias, a significant challenge in genetic research.
Published These lollipops could 'sweeten' diagnostic testing for kids and adults alike
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A lollipop might be a sweet reward for a kid who's endured a trip to the doctor's office, but now, this candy could make diagnostic testing during a visit less invasive and more enjoyable. Researchers have shown that a lollipop-based saliva collection system can capture bacteria from adults and remain shelf-stable for up to a year. Study participants also preferred the candies over conventional collection systems.
Published Schizophrenia is associated with somatic mutations occurring in utero
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source As a psychiatric disorder with onset in adulthood, schizophrenia is thought to be triggered by some combination of environmental factors and genetics, although the exact cause is still not fully understood. Researchers have now found a correlation between schizophrenia and somatic copy-number variants, a type of mutation that occurs early in development but after genetic material is inherited. This study is one of the first to rigorously describe the relationship between somatic -- not inherited -- genetic mutations and schizophrenia risk.
Published AI tests into top 1% for original creative thinking
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research suggests artificial intelligence can match the top 1% of human thinkers on a standard test for creativity.
Published Grocery store carts set to help diagnose common heart rhythm disorder and prevent stroke
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source It could be the shopping trip that saves your life: supermarket trolleys are helping to diagnose atrial fibrillation which can then be treated to prevent disabling or fatal strokes.
Published Illusions are in the eye, not the mind
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Numerous visual illusions are caused by limits in the way our eyes and visual neurones work -- rather than more complex psychological processes, new research shows.
Published How does dopamine regulate both learning and motivation?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study brings together two schools of thought on the function of the neurotransmitter dopamine: one saying that dopamine provides a learning signal, the other saying that dopamine drives motivation.
Published Further link identified between autoimmunity and schizophrenia
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Links have been reported between schizophrenia and proteins produced by the immune system that can act against one's own body, known as autoantibodies. Researchers have now identified autoantibodies that target a 'synaptic adhesion protein' in a subset of patients with schizophrenia. When injected into mice, the autoantibodies caused many schizophrenia-related changes.
Published Vitamin D alters developing neurons in the brain's dopamine circuit
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Neuroscientists have shown how vitamin D deficiency affects developing neurons in the brain's dopamine circuit, which may lead to the dopamine dysfunction seen in adults with schizophrenia.
Published Amputees feel warmth in their missing hand
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An unexpected discovery about temperature feedback has led to new bionic technology that allows amputees to sense the temperature of objects ¬-- both hot and cold -- directly in the phantom hand. The technology opens up new avenues for non-invasive prosthetics.
Published Researchers discover brain circuit underlying spontaneous synchronized movement of individuals in groups
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Individual fish in schools scatter in unison when a predator is in their midst. Such precisely coordinated group movements and immobility during threats have long been observed in insects and mammals. Now, a brain pathway has been discovered that enables individual animals to rapidly coordinate a unified response, with no rehearsal required.
Published A special omega-3 fatty acid lipid will change how we look at the developing and aging brain
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have found a lipid transporter crucial to regulating the cells that make myelin, the nerve-protecting sheath.
Published Why do Champagne bubbles rise the way they do? Scientists' new discovery is worthy of a toast
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source ere are some scientific findings worthy of a toast: Researchers have explained why bubbles in Champagne fizz up in a straight line while bubbles in other carbonated drinks, like beer or soda, don’t.