Research

Cognitive decline is a major concern for older adults. But those who continue to socialize and challenge their brains don’t have to worry as much. Researchers from the University of Alberta analyzed data from 882 older adults to identify factors for maintaining a healthy mind in old age. They found…

Are you feeling stressed? Spend 20 minutes outside. Researchers from the University of Michigan say it can help. The team asked participants to spend 10 minutes or more outside, at least 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Participants chose what time of day and where, but were instructed to…

New research found that middle aged US adults are experiencing rising feelings of despair, indicated by increases in depression, suicidal ideation, drug and alcohol abuse. A drop in US life expectancy was seen in 2016 and explained by an increase in deaths among middle-aged white individuals in rural areas due…

A six-year study suggests that seniors who eat more than two portions of mushrooms a week may have 50% reduced odds of experiencing mild cognitive decline. Furthermore, even just one small portion of mushrooms a week could prove beneficial and reduce these odds. The research team reached this conclusion after…

Overcoming fear relies on an unusual change in DNA. One day, DNA therapy could help to cure disorders like social anxiety or PTSD. University of Queensland researchers taught mice to fear and then unfear a specific sound. First, the mice were placed in a box and exposed to the sound,…

New research says that a fast-acting psychedelic drug could help treat depression and anxiety. Researchers investigated whether administration of this psychedelic in a controlled group setting might affect self-reported feelings of depression and anxiety. The team controlled the dose and ensured that participants had support during and after use of…

Women find same-sex social interactions more rewarding than men do. This discovery could change how mental illnesses, like depression, are treated in women. Researchers from Georgia State University found that women are more sensitive to the rewards of oxytocin, a chemical released during social interactions. The team observed that the…

A new study from McMaster University shows physical activity may help seniors fight depression. A group of men 65 years and older followed a 12-week exercise plan, which combined stationary bike workouts and strength training exercises. After the 12 weeks, researchers analyzed participants’ blood samples and muscular strength. The findings…

Quick Summary A new study “Adolescent alcohol exposure epigenetically suppresses amygdala arc enhancer RNA expression to confer adult anxiety susceptibility” from the University of Illinois at Chicago says that binge drinking in adolescence can lead to anxiety in adulthood. This still holds true for individuals who stop binge drinking while…

You’ve heard it many times before: “Violent video games spark aggressive behavior in players and lead to violence in real life…” But, have you ever stopped to look at the facts and consider the validity of this statement? Heather Ness, a psychology professor and blogger who specializes in the psychology…

Eating well and exercising frequently comes with many benefits: this healthy lifestyle can help us reach or maintain a healthy weight, improve muscle strength, and even help to regulate our mood. This is apparent when we slack off on our healthy eating or exercise routine, as we often feel the…

A new study says that our biases toward non-native speakers as adults are influenced by our preferences as children to befriend those who talk like us. The researchers sought to better understand when, how, and why we develop these biases toward people who speak differently than us. To do so,…