Home » Archives by category » Psychology news (Page 456)

BARseq builds a better brain map

A brain mapping technique called BARseq is capable of mapping thousands of neurons in a single mouse, at single neuron resolution, while also detailing which neuron expresses what genes. It could be a game-changer for how neuroscientists look at brains.

Cultivating joy through mindfulness: An antidote to opioid misuse, the disease of despair

New research shows that a specific mind-body therapy, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), increases the brain’s response to natural, healthy rewards while also decreasing the brain’s response to opioid-related cues.

MCI: Should memory tests score males and females differently?

A new study finds that testing memory with sex-specific scores could lead to more females and fewer males receiving a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis.

Scientists develop test for uncommon brain diseases

Scientists have developed an ultrasensitive new test to detect abnormal forms of the protein tau associated with uncommon types of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies. This advance gives them hope of using cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF — an ac…

How hunger makes food tastier: A neural circuit in the hypothalamus

Using optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques, researchers have identified brain circuits underlying hunger-induced changes in the preferences for sweet and aversive tastes in mice. These circuits involved Agouti-related peptide-expressing neurons, whi…

Mindfulness could boost opioid use disorder treatment

A new study offers evidence that mindfulness could boost the effectiveness of traditional therapy for opioid use disorder, improving control over cravings.

Stress during pregnancy may affect baby’s sex, risk of preterm birth

A new study has identified markers of maternal stress — both physical and psychological — that may influence a baby’s sex and the likelihood of preterm birth.

Deaf infants more attuned to parent’s visual cues

A new study finds that deaf infants exposed to American Sign Language are especially tuned to a parent’s eye gaze, itself a social connection between parent and child that is linked to early learning.

Glowing particles in the blood may help diagnose and monitor brain cancer

A chemical that has improved surgeries for brain cancer by making tumor cells fluorescent may also help doctors safely diagnose the disease and monitor its response to treatment.

More aggressive blood pressure control benefits brains of older adults

A new study followed 199 hypertension patients 75 years of age and older for 3 years.