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Neighborhood features and one’s genetic makeup interact to affect cognitive function

Few studies have examined how the neighborhood’s physical environment relates to cognition in older adults. Researchers categorized 4,716 individuals by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype — a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to determine…

Think all BPA-free products are safe? Not so fast, scientists warn

Using ‘BPA-free’ plastic products could be as harmful to human health — including a developing brain — as those products that contain the controversial chemical, suggest scientists.

Why Zika virus caused most harmful brain damage to Brazilian newborns

Researchers have found that the strain of Zika that circulated in Brazil during the microcephaly epidemic that began in 2015 was particularly damaging to the developing brain.

Empathy can be detected in people whose brains are at rest

Researchers have found that it is possible to assess a person’s ability to feel empathy by studying their brain activity while they are resting rather than while they are engaged in specific tasks.

Time of day affects global brain fluctuations

As the day progresses, the strength of the brain’s global signal fluctuation shows an unexpected decrease, according to a new study.

Stress in small children separated from their parents may alter genes

Several studies show that small children cared for outside the home, especially in poor quality care and for 30 or more hours per week, have higher levels of cortisol than children at home.

Masking the memory of fear: Treating anxiety disorders such as PTSD with an opioid

While fear memory — or the ability to remember contexts in which to be afraid — is important for survival, too much of it, and an inability to forget contexts that no longer apply, hinders daily activities. Recently, scientists found that a certain o…

B cells may travel to remote areas of the brain to improve stroke recovery

New research shows that the immune system may target other remote areas of the brain to improve recovery after a stroke.

Uncovering the plastic brain of a fruitfly

Genetic mechanisms that govern brain plasticity — the brain’s ability to change and adapt — have been uncovered by researchers.

Binaural beats synchronize brain activity, don’t affect mood

An auditory illusion thought to synchronize brain waves and alter mood is no more effective than other sounds. The effect reported in other studies might be a placebo but could still have helpful effects for some people.