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Molecule deficiency may help diagnose severe depression

New research shows that reduced blood levels of a specific molecule may predict the severity of major depressive disorder and change diagnostic practices.

Lack of a single molecule may indicate severe and treatment-resistant depression

Researchers find that a deficiency of acetyl-L-carnitine is associated with a particular subtype of depression. Individuals with very low levels of this molecule often have highly severe symptoms and don’t respond to traditional antidepressants.

Brain game doesn’t offer brain gain

Neuroscientists have debunked claims that getting better at a brain training game can translate to improved performance in other, untrained cognitive tasks.

Letter from the Editor: Making a difference

Managing Editor Honor Whiteman gives her rundown of what’s been happening in the MNT editorial office this month — and it’s not what you might expect.

A brain injury diagnosed with a single drop of blood

Every year, millions of people are admitted into hospitals for suspected mild traumatic brain injury cases. Today, the only reliable diagnosis is the CT Scan, which is only available in some hospitals and exposes patients to radiation. Researchers have…

Neurodegenerative disease found in monkeys

Scientists have discovered a naturally occurring disease in monkeys that mimics a deadly childhood neurodegenerative disorder in people — a finding that holds promise for developing new gene therapies to treat Batten disease. Scientists confirmed thro…

Leopard geckos can make new brain cells

Researchers have discovered the type of stem cell allowing geckos to create new brain cells. This finding provides evidence that lizards may also be able to regenerate parts of the brain after injury.

Mass hysteria: An epidemic of the mind?

Mass hysteria is a highly controversial phenomenon that has been documented since the Middle Ages. In this Spotlight, we investigate how it can manifest.

How a cat parasite can change your personality

A new study finds a link between being infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and displaying riskier, more entrepreneurial behavior.

The big picture: Mouse memory cells are about experience, not place

When it comes to memory, it’s more than just ‘location, location, location.’ New research suggests that the brain doesn’t store all memories in ‘place cells,’ the main type of neuron in the hippocampus, a structure crucial for navigation and memory. In…