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Why after 2000 years we still don’t know how tickling works

How come you can’t tickle yourself? And why can some people handle tickling perfectly fine while others scream their heads off? Neuroscientists argue that we should take tickle research more seriously.

Weight loss linked to nerve cells in the brain

A specific group of nerve cells in the brain stem appears to control how semaglutide affects appetite and weight — without causing nausea.

Social connection is still underappreciated as a medically relevant health factor

New studies reveal that both the public and healthcare providers often overlook social connection as a key factor in physical health, even though loneliness rivals smoking and obesity in health risks.

Tiny genetic switch found to control brain balance and behavior

Researchers have identified a remarkably small but critical piece of genetic code that helps determine how brain cells connect, communicate, and function. The discovery not only deepens our understanding of how the brain’s wiring is built but may also …

How stress disrupts emotion control in people with mental health conditions

New research suggests that acute stress may impair key brain functions involved in managing emotions — particularly in people living with ‘distress disorders’ such as depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.

Could AI understand emotions better than we do?

Is artificial intelligence (AI) capable of suggesting appropriate behavior in emotionally charged situations? A team put six generative AIs — including ChatGPT — to the test using emotional intelligence (EI) assessments typically designed for humans….

Potential new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, other neurodegenerative conditions

Worldwide, more than 55 million people suffer from dementia caused by Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other conditions that destroy cells in the brain and nervous system. While there is no treatment to control or manage these neurodegenerative conditions,…

Biological markers for teen depression

Using a novel lab method they developed, researchers have identified nine molecules in the blood that were elevated in teens diagnosed with depression. These molecules also predicted how symptoms might progress over time. The findings of the clinical s…

Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms more common among long-term users

People who have been taking antidepressants for more than two years are substantially more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms compared to short-term users when they come off the medication, finds a new study.

Are groovy brains more efficient?

The smallest grooves on the brain’s surface, unique to humans, have largely been ignored by anatomists, but recent studies show that they’re related to cognitive performance, including face recognition and reasoning ability. A new study shows that the …