Our Fear of Missing OutNeil Wagner
The fear of missing out — we all suffer from it at times, but social media is making it worse.
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Public Pre-K Exceeds Its GoalsAlice G. Walton
Pre-K programs can help kids with school readiness and bring unexpected side benefits that last a lifetime.
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Why Overheard Cell Phone Conversations Are So AnnoyingNeil Wagner
Why that guy on the cell phone at the table next to you is so annoying.
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Exercise Improves Self Control, Decision-MakingCharlotte LoBuono
Exercise can help us exert more self control. It enhances the brain's ability to solve problems, plan, and make decisions.
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Lasting Brain Damage from Even A Single Concussion Neil Wagner
Even a single concussion can result in reduced brain volume and impaired emotional and executive functioning. Take time to recover.
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Deep Brain Stimulation Disrupts OCDNeil Wagner
Obsessions and compulsions are the result of excessive brain activity, not anxiety. DBS can help.
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It's Not How Close You Feel, It's How Close You Want to BeNeil Wagner
Not everyone desires the same level of intimacy. What matters is whether you and your partner have the same need.
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Bullying Leaves Long-Lasting Psychological EffectsCharlotte LoBuono
The effects of bullying can be long-lasting, especially for those who have been both bully and victim.
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Parkinson's Treatment Can Unlock CreativityNeil Wagner
The medications Parkinson's patients take can cause a wonderful side effect — a flowering of creativity.
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Aging Brains, Disrupted Sleep, and Impaired MemoryCharlotte LoBuono
Aging disrupts slow-wave sleep and memory. But better, memory restoring sleep is possible.
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The Myth of MultitaskingCharlotte LoBuono
To the guy checking his mail as he talks on the phone: you aren't efficient; you're distracted.
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Resource Center: Stress
Speaking Two or More Languages May Slow Cognitive DeclineCharlotte LoBuono
Attention! Atención! Achtung! More evidence that the mental challenges of our youth have long-term benefits.
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Flavor Comes in Many ColorsBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Cocoa served in cups of a certain color tastes better.
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Surprise! You Won't Be Who You Think You AreAlice G. Walton
As we age, we tend to think we are pretty much done changing. But the truth is there is more to come.
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Kindness Is a Key to Kids' Happiness and PopularityAlice G. Walton
When kids are encouraged to be kinder, they also end up being happier and more popular.
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Resource Center: Emotional Health
Fructose on the Brain: How the Infamous Sugar Affects AppetiteAlice G. Walton
Fructose, the sugar in high fructose corn syrup, appears to leave the brain craving more food.
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Bipolar Disorder in Children and AdolescentsEsther Entin, M.D.
Moodiness is not uncommon in kids, so how do you know if your child or teen is suffering from mood swings related to this disorder?
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Study Skills and Motivation More Important to Math Than SmartsAlice G. Walton
Math is not all about smarts. Motivation and going beyond rote memorization are more important.
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How Old is Too Old for Santa?Neil Wagner
Concerned about telling your children about Santa? A psychologist says, back off.
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Nature Ignites a Creative SparkCharlotte LoBuono
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Antidepressant-Resistant DepressionNeil Wagner
Antidepressants don't help everyone. A new study finds that one kind of psychotherapy can improve the odds.
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Aromatherapy Can Lower Heart Rate, Blood PressureNeil Wagner
Exposure to certain scents can lower heart rate and BP. Just don't inhale them for too long.
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Short Bursts of Physical Activity Can Boost Your MemoryAlice G. Walton
Short bursts of activity can help memory, for people with memory problems and those without.
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How Our Brain Gets Us Motivated Alice G. Walton
Tracking the brain circuits involved in motivation and depression.
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A Ball by Any Other Name: How Dogs Process LanguageAlice G. Walton
When your dog hears a human word, he processes it his own way. This could be helpful for training.
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Meditation: Changing the Mind for the BetterNeil Wagner
Meditation changes the brain differently, depending on the type of meditation you practice.
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Kids' Generosity Needs MonitorsAlice G. Walton
Physical Activity Supports Brain Structure, Boosts Brain PowerCharlotte LoBuono
Being physically active can help prevent the brain shrinkage that accompanies aging.
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Cyberbullying in Offices is More Common Than You Might ThinkAlice G. Walton
Bullying doesn't just happen at school. Cyberbullying at work can affect your mental health.
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Are You Teflon or Velcro When It Comes to Stress?Leslie Carr
Some people find it pretty easy to shed a stressful day, but for others, it lingers...
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Puzzle Interviews Unpopular with Job ApplicantsNeil Wagner
As if looking for work wasn't hard enough: now interviews feature "trick" questions designed to...
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Screen Media Hinders Child Development Charlotte LoBuono
Screen time is physiologically distinct from other sedentary activities like reading or being read to. And that's a problem.
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Xanax, Valium Linked to Dementia in the ElderlyNeil Wagner
When elderly people take benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Valium and Xanax, their risk of dementia goes up 50%.
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Ketamine Research Leads to the First New Depression Drugs in DecadesNeil Wagner
Ketamine is a pediatric anesthetic, a club drug, and now, the most promising antidepressant...
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Off-Label Antipsychotic Use Continues to Rise, Especially in ChildrenNeil Wagner
Off-label prescribing for kids is way up. So are their serious side effects. The search for...
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Learning to Identify Negative Emotions May Be Important in Battling DepressionAlice G. Walton
Learning to identify your emotions may help with depression. It's not as easy as it sounds.
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Progress on Two Fronts in Our Understanding of AutismAlice G. Walton
Researchers may have found a treatment for one form of autism.
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Molecularly Targeted Therapy for Malignant Brain Tumors>Nicole A. Shonka, M.D.
Chemotherapies for glioblastomas aim to prevent tumor cell growth or promote cell death.
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An Experimental Drug May Address the Cognitive Problems of PTSDAlice G. Walton
Post-traumatic stress disorder is more than anxiety. A new drug may help the cognitive problems...
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A Gene May Help Explain Happiness in Women, Not MenAlice G. Walton
A gene previously dubbed the "warrior gene" because of its links to aggression may also be linked...
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Can Memories Be Strengthened During Sleep?Neil Wagner
But don't try it in place of studying. The brain does pick up, or at least cement, information while
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The Complicated Relationship between Alcohol and AnxietyAlice G. Walton
Alcohol addiction may rewire the brain so that it can't rebound from stress. PTSD suffers may want..
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Glial Cells R. Douglas Fields, Ph.D.
Glia were completely overlooked until it was discovered that Einstein's brain was packed with them.
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Compounds in Cocoa May Boost Brain PowerCharlotte LoBuono
Seniors who took higher concentrations of cocoa flavanols had improvements on cognitive tests...
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The Things We Forget to Do: How to Remember ThemNeil Wagner
Forgetting to do what we intend to do is common. There are ways, however, to remember the milk...
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Study of Rituals Provides Insight Into Human Logic and ReasoningCharlotte LoBuono
Rituals tend to provide a level of comfort, a sense of control. They also tell us a bit about...
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Researchers Discover A Massive "Plumbing" Network in the BrainAlice G. Walton
We thought we knew how the brain cleans itself out. Then a completely unexpected...
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Lying Eyes: Just a Myth?Neil Wagner
A widely accepted method for telling if someone is telling the truth just went out the window...
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The Power of Good DeedsNeil Wagner
When faced with uncertainty, we are more likely to believe in the power of good deeds....
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Could Some Dementias Be Autoimmune Diseases? Alice G. Walton
One form of dementia may be the result of the immune system going haywire. Luckily, there might be..
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Alternative Medicine: Does the Research Support the Movement? Part 3: YogaAlice G. Walton
Yoga has some proven benefits and unproven claims. What you can, and can't, expect it to do for you.
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A Brain Chemical That Makes Bad Memories DisappearAlice G. Walton
Researchers discover why anxiety can persist for months or years after a stressful event. It's all about a brain chemical.
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Give Me More Space: A Novel Strategy For Dyslexic ReadersEsther Entin, M.D.
It appears that having more space around letters and words makes it easier for people with dyslexia to understand printed text.
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Experience Taking: How Good Books Can Change YouNeil Wagner
Reading a book can actually change who you are, teaching you about yourself as you live through...
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Age and the Brain: Use It or Lose ItNeil Wagner
The way to keep the aging brain in shape is keep it occupied. It's as if your mind were asking "what have you done for me lately?"
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Oxytocin May Hold Even More Promise for Treating Symptoms of Autism Alice G. Walton
Oxytocin, the mother-infant bonding hormone, activates the "social" areas of the brain....
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Computer Time Could Prevent Cognitive Decline (But Don't Forget to Exercise)Alice G. Walton
Computer time along with physical activity may prevent cognitive decline.
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The Mainstreaming of Alternative Medicine: Does the Research Support the Movement? Part 2: MeditationAlice G. Walton
Meditation increases the size of brain areas associated with memory and reduces our vulnerability to stress.
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A Three-Hour Therapy Session Could Treat Arachnophobia Alice G. Walton
People so afraid of spiders that they wouldn't walk on grass were cured of their phobia with...
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Rhythmic Neural Patterns Drive MovementLeslie Carr
Neurons firing in the brain produce organized movement in the body. But how? It may take a neural...
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Traumatic Brain Injuries May Be Rising for Young Football Players Alice G. Walton
Fatal brain injuries in high school football players rose last year.
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The Biology of Kindness and Well BeingNeil Wagner
Everyday experiences change the brain. Researchers consider the effects of well being and kindness..
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Being Aware of Your Own Mortality Can Make for a Better Life Alice G. Walton
Being aware of our mortality can actually help us live richer, fuller lives.
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Puttering About Could Reduce Your Risk for Alzheimer's DiseaseAlice G. Walton
The simplest activities, even housework, can reduce your risk for cognitive decline.
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Vitamin D, Sunscreen and Children's BrainpowerBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
If you use sunscreen to protect your child's skin, are you also preventing vitamin D synthesis...
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A Snapshot of Stress Across the GenerationsAlice G. Walton
The Millennial generation is more stressed than generations before. They are also less able to cope.
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Study Illuminates How We Categorize Information and Make DecisionsMichael J. Gertner
Quick categorization is a skill that streamlines thought. Now we know more about how it occurs.
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Losing Weight May Not Change Body Image Alice G. Walton
Losing weight may not make body image issues disappear.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the BrainAlice G. Walton
Certain brain centers are less active in chronic fatigue syndrome patients, suggesting a new...
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Ladies, There's No Turning Back the Biological ClockAlice G. Walton
Delaying motherhood may mean forgoing motherhood. But there are options if you think ahead.
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How Marijuana Impairs MemoryNeil Wagner
Cannabinoid receptors are found on glial cells as well as neurons, raising new prospects for pot...
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A Positive Outlook Helps the HeartLeslie Carr
Having a positive outlook has been associated with improved cardiovascular health and recovery. It's about healthy behaviors.
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Blood Test Can Reliably Diagnose Teen DepressionMichael J. Gertner
Markers found in a simple blood test reliably distinguished depressed teens from those who weren't..
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Looking through the Eyes Helps Doctors See into the BrainAlice G. Walton
Measuring degeneration of the eye could tell us if it is also occurring in the brain.
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Who Will Divorce?Alice G. Walton
Even the happiest newlyweds can go on to divorce. But early warning signs might predict who does...
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Failing Has Its Benefits For KidsAlice G. Walton
Teaching kids that failing is a part of learning can give them the confidence to do well.
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Brain's Wiring Resembles 3D Street MapNeil Wagner
Remarkable scans of a monkeys' brain completely change our understanding of how the brain is wired..
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Rosemary Oil May Boost Brain FunctionNeil Wagner
People performed better on certain math tasks when they had inhaled a little whiff of rosemary...
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Brain Cells Benefit from the Company of OthersAlice G. Walton
Brain connections that form when we learn something new are strengthened when there are friends near
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Parent Training Could Help Manage the Difficult Behaviors of AutismAlice G. Walton
Training parents helps them help their children behave better....
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Neuroethics: The Brain Sciences Pose Ethical - and Philosophical - Conundrums Martha J. Farah, Ph.D. and Jonathan D. Moreno, Ph.D.
Neuroethics asks, if your high test score is the work of a brain-enhancing drug, is it fair? What is neuromarketing anyway?
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A Connection between Cognition and PersonalityAlice G. Walton
When seniors improve their cognitive skills, their personalities also get a boost.
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Why Brain Imaging Studies Can Be MisleadingNeil Wagner
Brain scans provide valuable information, but their meaning is often oversimplified.
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Punch Drunk: Repetitive Brain InjuryAlice G. Walton
Chronic head injuries can cause dementia, violence and death. Helmets may not help.
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Physical Punishment Takes A Toll on Kids' Mental HealthAlice G. Walton
Physical punishment does more harm than good to a child and encourages aggressive behavior. Other methods are more effective.
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Can Overeating Cause Memory Loss?Neil Wagner
Overeating has been linked to some forms of memory loss.
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Humble People to the Rescue Alice G. Walton
Need help? Call on your humble friends. Those who are arrogant may let you down.
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The Need to Feel ConnectedNeil Wagner
Our need to connect is so strong that being ignored or given the air gaze, bothers us...
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The Internet as MatchmakerAlice G. Walton
Internet dating is one of the top methods for finding love, whether the pros outweigh the cons...
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More Education Improves IQAlice G. Walton
An extra year or two of education can raise IQ significantly, even if the students are already teens
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Gossip Can Be Good Alice G. Walton
Some kinds of gossip may actually benefit your health.
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Early Results Promising for New Alzheimer DrugMichael J. Gertner
Different from drugs designed to clear amyloid plaques, a new compound, J147, prevents - and stops - Alzheimer's Disease
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Oxytocin Could Help Introverts Feel More OutgoingAlice G. Walton
The mother-baby bonding hormone, oxytocin, made introverts feel more outgoing and trusting.
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Uncovering Why Marijuana Has Opposing Effects on the BrainAlice G. Walton
Smoking pot can make people calm, anxious, or even psychotic. A study reveals the chemical culprit..
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The Connection Between Good Nutrition and Good Cognition Becomes ClearerAlice G. Walton
Good nutrition and brain health go hand in hand; changing your diet can help protect your brain.
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Adrenal Hormone DHEA For Menopause Symptoms Alice G. Walton
The hormone DHEA sounds like a miracle: it may ease menopause symptoms and boost sexual interest.
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Depression: Paving the Road to RecoveryNeil Wagner
People who suffer from depression can learn to overcome their tendency to overgeneralize and ruminate about difficulties.
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Understanding the Roots of Social Prejudice Could Help Us Counteract It Alice G. Walton
A new look at prejudice finds it may mostly exist just because we're afraid of germs.
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Brain Tsunamis Increase Head Trauma DestructionMichael J. Gertner
Brain tsunamis increase head trauma destruction the way their watery counterparts wipe out homes...
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Important Link in the Stress Response Could Mean Better TreatmentAlice G. Walton
Researchers discover an important step in the stress response, which, if blocked, could stop...
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Children and Family ViolenceEsther Entin, M.D.
The brains of children exposed to family violence show changes similar to those of soldiers...
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A Better Way to Reduce PrejudiceAlice G. Walton
When people are told to be less prejudiced, they are often more so. There's a better way.
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Autism Spectrum Disorders Linked to a Variety of Genetic MutationsMichael J. Gertner
Autism spectrum disorders are increasingly being linked to different genetic mutations...
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Nanomembrane Probe Provides a New Window into the BrainMichael J. Gertner
A new ultra-thin probe enables scientists to gather information about brain activity without invasiv
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Text Messaging Doubles Smokers' Quit RateNeil Wagner
A British study had double the quit rate thanks to support and tips delivered by cell phone...
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An Over-Abundance of Neurons Linked to AutismEsther Entin, M.D.
Runaway neuronal growth in the prefrontal cortex, in the brains of kids with autism.
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New Research Broadens Our Understanding of Alzheimer'sAlice G. Walton
A new study uncovers a major surprise in the Alzheimer's puzzle.
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The "Rich Clubs" Make up an Elite Network in the BrainAlice G. Walton
"Rich Club" clusters of highly influential regions of brain cells do serious collaboration.
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Gestational BPA Linked to Developmental Problems in Girls, Not BoysAlice G. Walton
Higher BPA levels during pregnancy are linked to cognitive and emotional problems in children.
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Measuring Happiness Now Could Predict Death Risk Years LaterAlice G. Walton
Happiness measured at one point in time was linked to lower mortality five years later.
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Poverty and Mental Illness: Can the Vicious Cycle be Broken?Esther Entin, M.D.
The economic benefits of offering mental health help to those living in poverty are enormous.
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New Ways to Protect the Brain from StrokeAlice G. Walton
Drugs to reduce the brain's immense energy needs may serve to help preserve it when its blood supply
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Seasonal Affective Disorder: Coming Out of the ColdAlice G. Walton
Seasonal affective disorder occurs when a lack of sun disrupts the body's circadian and serotonin cycles. It a real form of depression.
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Cartoon Viewing Reduces Children's Higher Cognitive FunctioningEsther Entin, M.D.
Fast-paced cartoons and other shows can reduce, at least temporarily, children's ability to plan and organize.
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Movies of the MindNeil Wagner
Brain scans taken while researchers all watched the same film were used to reveal what they saw...
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The Brain Can Form New Connections between Cells into Young AdulthoodAlice G. Walton
Contrary to popular belief, the brain can form new connections into adulthood...
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Embarrassment is Linked to Dependability, GenerosityAlice G. Walton
People who become embarrassed more readily are also more dependable and generous.
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The Mind's EyeOliver Sacks
Can Parents Complete with Clever Marketing to Kids?Alice G. Walton
It's hard to compete with clever marketing, but you can help your kids make better food choices with consistent encouragement.
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Online Gamers Help Solve Mystery of Critical AIDS Virus Enzyme Alice G. Walton
A team of online gamers helps researchers solve a critical piece of the AIDS puzzle...
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Researchers Show that "Paying Attention" May Distort RealityAlice G. Walton
The mind is notorious for playing tricks, but researchers discover paying attention can mislead us..
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Everybody Thinks They're TypicalNeil Wagner
What does a typical American or European or African look like? It depends on whom you ask...
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Breastfeeding May Help Brain DevelopmentAlice G. Walton
Infants, particularly preemies, who were breastfed scored higher on reasoning and language tests at age 5.
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How We React to Stress Influences PerformanceAlice G. Walton
How you interpret your stress can influence how you perform on tests.
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Researchers Unravel How Stress Leads to DepressionAlice G. Walton
Stress can lead to depression, but new brain cells may be responsible for stopping the process...
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Can Old-Age Memory Loss Be Reversed?Neil Wagner
In aging brains cyclic AMP, a cytokine, weakens cell firing, slowing working memory. Blocking it...
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Generalized Anxiety and Interpersonal Relationship Problems Deeply IntertwinedAlice G. Walton
People with anxiety often have problematic social relationships, partly as a result of their worries
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Blue Again: Antidepressants May Lead to Future DepressionNeil Wagner
For all the good they do, antidepressants may lead to another bout of depression. Here's why...
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Overeating Explained by Three Neurological Processes, Not LazinessAlice G. Walton
Overeating involves neurological processes involving impulse control and reward, not laziness.
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Eating Disorder or Disordered Eating?Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Eating disorder or disordered eating? The distinction is fuzzy, but stopping early is key.
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Learning to Be Positive May Help Beat DepressionAlice G. Walton
Positive activity intervention (PAI) such as writing letters of gratitude or performing acts of kindness, may help mild depression.
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Pets Are Good For Everyone, Not Just "Pet People"Neil Wagner
Pet owners score higher on a variety of measures of healthy adjustment...
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Speech Processing May Be at the Heart of DyslexiaAlice G. Walton
The root of dyslexia may be in speech processing, a surprise to researchers...
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How to Mess up Your KidsAlice G. Walton
Twelve things parents do that can damage their children. How to avoid such mistakes.
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Certain Personality Traits Linked to More Weight GainAlice G. Walton
People who have certain personality traits, like impulsivity and cynicism, are more likely to gain weight over time.
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The Invisible Epidemic: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Memory and the BrainJ. Douglas Bremner, M.D.
The Causes Of Autism: So Many Theories. So Few Answers.Esther Entin, M.D.
What causes autism? What can parents do to avoid it? Early environments matter.
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Training in Positive Thinking Helps Teens Interpret Life in Healthier WaysAlice G. Walton
A simple computer program seems to help teens avoid negative thinking, which may help with anxiety..
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Eight Surprisingly Simple Ways to Boost Your PerformanceAlice G. Walton
Doing your best is a balancing act involving practice, calmness and drive. What research has found.
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ADHD and The Risk of Substance AbuseEsther Entin, M.D.
Why are kids and adolescents with ADHD prone to substance use?
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Scientists Gain Clues into How Imagination Affects ActionsAlice G. Walton
New research shows how our ability to imagine affects our reactions and our ability to plan...
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Buying Flashy Cars Does Not Marriage Material MakeAlice G. Walton
Men who engage in “conspicuous spending” (think Porsches) have one thing on their minds...
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Pediatric Mental Health Emergencies: Where are they Treated?Esther Entin, M.D.
Too often, children with behavioral or emotional issues are taken to the ER.
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Stressful Events Lead to Unexpected Reaction in Panic PatientsAlice G. Walton
You might think people with panic disorder would fall apart in a crisis, but that's not the case...
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New Approach Increases the Usefulness of Brain ScansNeil Wagner
A new technique enables researchers to view patterns of activity within the whole brain...
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Kids' Brains Change as They Learn New Math SkillsAlice G. Walton
Children's brains change as they learn math skills. Adults' too, hopefully.
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The Roots of Body Dysmorphic DisorderAlice G. Walton
People with body dysmorphic disorder have problems in the brain's visual processing system.
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The Color Red Boosts Speed and Intensity of PerformanceAlice G. Walton
Looking at the color red actually boosts the strength and speed of our physical reactions.
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Violence in Cartoons Does Not Make Them More EnjoyableAlice G. Walton
Contrary to popular belief, kids do not enjoy violent cartoons any more than nonviolent ones...
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Dogs Can Make Medical Procedures Less ThreateningNeil Wagner
The presence of a therapy dog can help reduce the anxiety of patients waiting for an MRI - unless...
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The Agony of Ecstasy: Permanent Brain ChangesNeil Wagner
The club drug Ecstasy produces changes in brain chemistry. But these may not be the type of changes.
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Elusive Manhood: Hair Today, Gone TomorrowNeil Wagner
Little things - like being asked to hold a purse - can make men feel their manhood has been...
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Cooperation and Guilt Linked in the BrainAlice G. Walton
Do we cooperate with others to experience positive feelings or avoid the bad ones?
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Pesticide Exposure May Affect Kids' Cognitive FunctionAlice G. Walton
A banned residential pesticide is linked to lower IQ in kids.
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When Neurons Nap, Mistakes are MadeAlice G. Walton
In sleep-deprived rats random brain cells take "naps" while the animal is awake...
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Alcoholism May Be Linked to Impulsivity Gene, Brain DifferencesAlice G. Walton
People with alcoholism in the family tend to have a genetic variation affecting impulsivity. Environmental factors also play a role.
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Clues to Why Meditation Relieves PainNeil Wagner
A very simple form of meditation has been found to help reduce pain as well or better than morphine.
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Liberal or Conservative? It's All in the HeadNeil Wagner
Conservatives and liberals really are different. It's not just their beliefs. It's their brains.
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FDA Panel Votes to Reject Warning Labels on Artificially Colored Foods: Good Move? Alice G. Walton
Some studies show a link between artificial dyes and ADHD. So why did the FDA reject warning labels?
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Physical and Emotional Pain Have Similar Effect on the BrainAlice G. Walton
The emotional pain of romantic relationship break-up has the same effect on the brain as physical...
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Omega-3 Supplements May Ease PMSAlice G. Walton
Omega-3 fatty acids supplements may help ease symptoms in women who suffer from PMS.
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Food for Thought: What the Ultimate Organ Needs to Stay HealthyAlice G. Walton
Some foods can help you feel, think and remember better. You may know about blueberries, but curcumin?
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Brain Areas Take On New Functions Alice G. Walton
Brain scans show how the visual cortex of blind people is recruited by the brain to help process...
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Ibuprofen May Stave off Parkinson's DiseaseAlice G. Walton
Ibuprofen appears to offer protection against Parkinson's disease. Brain inflammation may be the...
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The Larger the Society, the More Outstanding Its MembersAlice G. Walton
A study has found that the larger the society, the more distinctive its members tend to become.
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Cancer Patients on Opioid Drugs Have More Cognitive DeficitsAlice G. Walton
Cancer patients on opioid painkillers often experience confusion, disorientation and forgetfulness.
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Exercise Boosts Tests Scores, Thinking AbilityNeil Wagner
Intelligence scores rose by four points with just 40 minutes of play a day...
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"Talk Therapy" May Rewire the BrainAlice G. Walton
Anxious? Cognitive behavior therapy can help. The changes it brings can be seen in the brain itself.
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Exercise May Be Best Bet for IBS SufferersAlice G. Walton
Exercise significantly reduces the severity of IBS symptoms.
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Pencils Better Than Pixels When It Comes to LearningAlice G. Walton
Writing by hand promotes learning far more than pressing a key. So what are we to do?
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Meditation Changes the Cells of the BrainAlice G. Walton
Meditation changes the brain, with areas related to learning and memory expanding and areas related to anxiety, contracting.
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Menopause Symptoms Are Linked to Reduced Breast Cancer Risk, Say ResearchersAlice G. Walton
Hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause may actually have a protective effect when it comes to certain cancers.
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Kids' Friends May Be Big Influence on Grades Alice G. Walton
Kids' friends may have a bigger influence on how well they do in school than parents do.
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New Research Shows Us Why We Should Listen to the HeartAlice G. Walton
Do people listen to their bodies have better instincts when it comes to making intuitive decisions?
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New ESP Study Has Scientific Community Up In ArmsAlice G. Walton
New study reports evidence of ESP and stirs debate. Critics say we need reevaluate before believing.
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Mediterranean Diet May Keep the Brain YoungAlice G. Walton
Eating a Mediterranean-style diet significantly slows cognitive decline in seniors.
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Can "Good" Cholesterol Help the Brain, Like the Heart, Stay Fit?Alice G. Walton
In addition to helping your heart, higher levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol may reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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The Mind Works Better When It's HappyNeil Wagner
We tend to think more creatively and flexibly when we are happy.
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Scientists Make Big Strides in Understanding the Cause of Alzheimer'sAlice G. Walton
It is not that Alzheimer's brains overproduce dangerous plaques; they have trouble getting rid of...
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Is a Wandering Mind an Unhappy Mind?Neil Wagner
What are you thinking of right now? Was your mind wandering? Happier people tend to have minds focused on the present moment.
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When One Half of the Brain Is Damaged, the Other Half CompensatesAlice G. Walton
When part of the brain is damaged, it often gets an assist from undamaged areas to pick up the slack
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New Mothers' Brains May Grow LargerAlice G. Walton
The thrill and pleasure of a new baby appear to stimulate brain growth, particularly in areas...
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Close Friends "Light Up" The BrainAlice G. Walton
Close friends activate "social" areas of your brain more than strangers do.
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Literate Mothers Boost Children's Test ScoresNeil Wagner
For young children in poor communities, having a mom who reads is a huge boost to school success.
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Paying with Cash Curbs Junk Food SpendingAlice G. Walton
Research shows that if you pay with cash instead of credit, you'll be less likely to buy junk food
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Vitamin B12 Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's DiseaseAlice G. Walton
Higher B12 levels are linked to reduced risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease.
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A Hard-Knock Life May Do You Good Down the RoadAlice G. Walton
Facing some adversity in your life may help you better cope with stress and be happier later on.
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Been There, Done That, Didn't HappenNeil Wagner
"Observation inflation" occurs when we think we've done something we haven't.
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B Vitamins Help Reduce Brain Shrinkage in the ElderlyAlice G. Walton
People taking high doses of B vitamins had less brain shrinkage than those who didn't...
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Contagious Yawning Teaches Researchers About Social Development Alice G. Walton
Contagious yawning is familiar to most. But did you know it is a form of normal social bonding...
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Marijuana: Last Resort for Neuropathic Pain?Neil Wagner
People with chronic nerve pain found some relief by smoking marijuana in a Canadian study...
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Early-Onset Parkinson's DiseaseRoy N. Alcalay, M.D., M.Sc. and Karen Marder, M.D., M.P.H.
Early-Onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) can be difficult to diagnose. Genes play a role.
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Luckily, Cancer Risk Does Not Depend on Personality, Researchers FindAlice G. Walton
The idea that one's personality can contribute to cancer has not been found to be true.
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Worrying About Falling May Make It Happen - So Relax!Alice G. Walton
Seniors who worry about falling actually fall more than those who don't.
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The Other Brain: From Dementia to Schizophrenia, How New Discoveries About the Brain Are Revolutionizing Medicine and ScienceR. Douglas Fields, Ph.D.
Reduce Your Anger, Reduce Your Heart RiskAlice G. Walton
Relax. Being angry may cause your arteries to thicken and increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Affects the Brain and Gut AlikeAlice G. Walton
Researchers find that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is linked to changes in the brain as well as the gut.
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People's Brains "Coupled" to Each Other in Good ConversationAlice G. Walton
The better we understand another, the closer our brain patterns resemble theirs, neutral coupling...
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Being More Connected to Those Around You May Lengthen Your LifeAlice G. Walton
Having a strong social support system rivals quitting smoking in terms of the years it can add to our lives.
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A Sniff of Insulin May Help Alzheimer's PatientsAlice G. Walton
Not just for diabetics: A sniff of the hormone insulin may help recover memory in Alzheimer's...
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Don't Throw Out the Rabbit's Foot: Good Luck Charms May Just WorkAlice G. Walton
Have a good luck charm? It may actually help performance by boosting confidence
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Food for Thought: Pesticide Exposure and ADHD Risk in ChildrenEsther Entin, M.D.
Pesticide exposure may play a role in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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Does Mozart Really Make Your Kid Smarter? New Study Says "Nein."Alice G. Walton
There’s little evidence that exposing your child to Mozart will actually improve their IQ.
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The Mere Sight of Illness Boosts the Immune SystemNeil Wagner
Just seeing people who show symptoms of illness seems to stimulate the immune system.
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Nerve Block May Help Treat Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderAlice G. Walton
A promising experimental treatment for intractable PTSD involves anesthetizing the nerves of the stellate ganglion.
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To Boost Your Self-Esteem and Mood, Exercise in the Green, Researchers SayAlice G. Walton
If you are feeling a little down, head outdoors. Just five minutes outside boosts mood and self-esteem.
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Dancing Improves Seniors' Balance, Reduces FallsNeil Wagner
Dancing can improve seniors' balance, walking speed and overall functioning, not to mention their spirits.
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Side Effects of Antidepressants More Common Than Previously ThoughtNeil Wagner
Antidepressant medications have many side effects. Too often these go unreported by doctors and patients.
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Do Brain Games Make You Smarter? Alice G. Walton
Playing computer games may improve the specific mental skills the game calls for, but doesn't seem to improve mental capacity.
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The Female Reproductive Cycle...ExplainedAlice G. Walton
The hormonal changes surrounding ovulation are often intense.
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Exercise as Mental Health TreatmentNeil Wagner
Exercise is a useful component of any mental health treatment plan.
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Packing up Your Troubles Really WorksNeil Wagner
Sealing up a reminder of an unpleasant experience and throwing it or putting it away may help you move on.
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Stressed Out, Part II: Managing StressAlice G. Walton
Stress is a fact of life, but you can learn to manage it better, both mentally and physically.
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Mild Depression Should Not be Left Untreated, Researchers SayAlice G. Walton
People who believe they may be depressed should not ignore the symptoms. Untreated symptoms raise the odds of full-blown depression.
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Fish Oil May Help Prevent PsychosisNeil Wagner
Study finds omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent youth psychosis.
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SIDS and Serotonin: Is There a Connection?Esther Entin, M.D.
The cause of sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS is not yet known, but low levels of serotonin may play a role.
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Taking a Break May Help You Remember What You Just LearnedNeil Wagner
Taking a break after absorbing new information may help you retain it better by making it easier to move into long-term memory.
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Antipsychotic Users Not Being Tested for Side EffectsNeil Wagner
Second generation antipsychotic drugs, like clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone, can raise the risk of diabetes and heart problems.
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Controlling Depression Helps Reduce Blood Sugar in DiabeticsAlice G. Walton
When diabetics suffer from depression, treating it can lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels as well.
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Better Relationships Cut Teenage Weight GainNeil Wagner
Negative emotions can contribute to overeating or binge eating. Therapy aimed at improving social skills can therefore help prevent weight
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England Gets Serious about Penalty KicksNeil Wagner
England has lost three World Cups on penalty kicks, so researchers came up with a new strategy.
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Diet, Cognitive Ability, and Heart Health Interlinked in Seniors, Study FindsAlice G. Walton
Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables helps seniors' hearts and their cognitive function.
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A Reminder for New Year's Eve: Coffee Does Not Sober You UpNeil Wagner
Coffee does not sober you up. In fact, it may impair judgment further.
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Therapy Brings More Happiness than Money, Study FindsAlice G. Walton
Therapy is a more cost−effective way of finding happiness than is money.
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Adolescent Behavior: Expectations vs. RealityEsther Entin, M.D.
When teenagers feel alienated from their families, they are at greater risk for sadness and depression.
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Decision-Making Suffers in the Sleep-Deprived, Study FindsAlice G. Walton
People who are sleep-deprived cannot make quick, "gut" decisions. For first-responders like police officers, this can be dangerous.
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Telephone Intervention Helps Post-Surgery Heart PatientsAlice G. Walton
Phone contact with a nurse practitioner can help reduce depression and the likelihood of re−hospitalization in heart surgery patients.
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Yo-Yo Dieting May Work Like Addiction in the BrainAlice G. Walton
Yo-yo dieting may generate a withdrawal effect in the brain, increasing the likelihood of a relapse.
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Newly Retired Feel Younger and HealthierAlice G. Walton
Retirement is good for your health. In fact, if your work life has been stressful, you are likely to feel much better after you retire. According to one study, it's like turning the clock back eight years
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When It Comes to Learning New Skills, A Little Stress Is Worth ItAlice G. Walton
As stressful as learning a new skill can be, the happiness we gain from our new level of competence more than makes up for it.
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Researchers Find No Connection between Coffee and CognitionAlice G. Walton
Drinking coffee offers no defense against the natural decline of mental abilities as we age. But several other factors seem to be good predictors...
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Alcoholism, Depression, and Obesity Create Vicious Triangle in WomenAlice G. Walton
Women who obsessively replay negative events in their mind are more at risk for alcoholism, depression and obesity.
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Found: A New Piece in the Alzheimer's PuzzleAlice G. Walton
In what may be a crucial finding for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease, a tiny portion of a protein, called N60, appears to be...
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Memory Problems? Bad Habits May Be to BlameAlice G. Walton
There is a strong connection between bodily health and brain health.
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Multitaskers Strike Out at Mental AbilitiesNeil Wagner
People who multitask – doing several things at once – tend to have trouble filtering out distractions.
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Little Boy Blue: Depression in ToddlersEsther Entin, M.D.
What does a depressed toddler look like? He may be unable to enjoy things that used to be fun or not thinking as clearly as she used to.
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As the Waist Grows Larger, The Brain Gets SmallerNeil Wagner
Obese and overweight people have less brain tissue than do those who are normal weight.
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Stress Rewires the Brain, Unstressed Times Bring ReliefAlice G. Walton
Stress appears to rewire the brain, making it respond in an obsessive, repetitive rather than creative fashion. The good news is...
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Antidepressant Nation: A Good Thing?Neil Wagner
Antidepressant use has doubled over the last decade according to a recent study. Is this a good thing or a sign that the drugs are being.
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Optimism is Linked to Less Heart Trouble, Better Life ExpectancyAlice G. Walton
Studies show that cynical and hostile people have a higher mortality rate than those who are optimistic and trusting.
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Minding Your Weight with YogaNeil Wagner
Being mindful of what you eat can help you shed pounds.
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“Silent” Strokes May Put Seniors at Risk for Memory Loss and Cognitive ProblemsAlice G. Walton
People over 60 may be at risk of experiencing "silent" strokes, those which go unnoticed...
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Did I Take That Pill?Neil Wagner
Older adults are more likely to incorrectly repeat a task once it has become habitual, like taking daily medication.
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For Veterans, the War LingersNeil Wagner
It is no surprise: there is an epidemic of mental disorders among veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A lack of social support...
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Effective Schizophrenia Drug Under-Prescribed?Neil Wagner
Clozapine, a highly effective anti-psychotic, is rarely prescribed because of its dangerous side-effects. But a new study finds...More
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These Are The Good Times Alice G. Walton
Appreciating even the smallest positive moments in your life builds emotional strength, and wards off stress and depression.
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Anxious People Need to Work Harder to Keep UpAlice G. Walton
People who are anxious may have a hard time ignoring distractions.
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If You Have a Problem, Sleep on It Alice G. Walton
If you have a problem that needs some creative problem solving, a good solid nap can be very helpful.
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Women's Slight Cognitive Decline Early in Menopause Rebounds Alice G. Walton
Cognitive functions do indeed seem to suffer slightly in early menopause. But these functions rebound when menopause is fully underway.
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Exercise as Mood EnhancerNeil Wagner
People feel good after exercising and this feeling can last up to 12 hours.
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Happiness Doesn't Come from Material, "American Dream"-Type Goals, New Study Finds Alice G. Walton
Being beautiful, rich, and famous doesn't actually equate with being happy. More important are personal growth and social relationships.
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Turn off the TV and Talk to Your BabyEsther Entin, M.D.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children do not watch TV or videos before age two years.
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Brain Stimulation Helps Ease Hard-to-Treat Depression Alice G. Walton
Early studies suggest that cortical brain stimulation may offer hope for people suffering from long-term depression.
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Improving Children's Mental Health: An Updated Agenda and a Roadmap Esther Entin, M.D.
Resilience, the ability to thrive in the face of extreme adversity, is a reason why some children develop successfully while others fail.
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Books, Games, and Computers — but Not TV — Help Ward off Memory Loss Alice G. Walton
Staying mentally active by reading or playing games (turn off the TV) are excellent ways to keep the brain "fit."
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Meditation, Anxiety, and ADHD Esther Entin, M.D.
People with ADHD have a hard time filtering out stimuli present in the environment and deciding which deserve their attention.
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Brain Cell Starvation May Trigger Alzheimer's Disease Neil Wagner
Alzheimer's disease may be a result of energy deprivation in the brain brought about by poor circulation causing insufficient glucose.
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Bad Managers Raise Risk of Heart Disease Neil Wagner
Stress at work from a bad boss can increase your risk of heart disease.
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Sleep on It: Napping Helps Form Complex Memory Alice G. Walton
Short naps have the power to help form a complex form of memory known as relational memory.
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Take 12 Bars and Call me in the Morning: Music, Mood and IllnessNeil Wagner
Listening to music you like (it does not matter what kind) can lower anxiety, reduce pain and improve mood.
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Cocoa's Memory-Enhancing PotentialLindsey Harle, M.D
Eating more chocolate increases blood flow to the brain, and may improve memory...
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Optimism Pays Off for Heart PatientsNeil Wagner
Having a positive outlook can improve a heart patient's outcome.
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Meditation Can Reduce Reliance on Hypertension MedicationLeslie Carr
Simple relaxation and stress management techniques may make it possible for elderly people with a form of high blood pressure reduce their reliance on antihypertensive drugs, which pose certain risks for this age group.
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Music Soothes the Stroke-Injured BrainTom Gilbert
According to fairy tales, music has the power to tame savage beasts.
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Schizophrenia and StressCheryl Corcoran, M.D., and Dolores Malaspina, M.D., M.S.P.H.
A Stimulating ExperienceTom Gilbert
Once used to treat Parkinson's and other movement disorders, deep brain stimulation surgery, or DBS, may have the potential to treat a wide variety of other conditions.
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Days OffTom Gilbert
According to a new study, American workers took over a billion days off for mental health reasons.
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The Children of 9/11Tom Gilbert
Nearly 73 percent of children who lost a parent in the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center catastrophe developed a psychiatric illness in the years following the event.
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Dealing with Chronic Pain: The Mind Body SolutionHilary Tindle, M.D., M.P.H.
An "Old" New Treatment for SeizuresTom Gilbert
Although it has been used for other purposes for decades, a sugar substitute may turn out to be a potential cure for epilepsy.
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Suicide Assessment, Intervention and PreventionMorton M. Silverman, M.D.
A Fate Worse than Debt: Credit Cards and StressTom Gilbert
Most Americans know from personal experience that high credit card debt is bad for their financial health.
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The Neurobiology of DepressionJuan F. Lopez, M.D.
The Response to StressBruce McEwen, Ph.D., and Dean Krahn, M.D
What do we mean when we say we are "stressed out"? We may just be having a bad day, or feeling pressured by too many things to do and too little time to do them.
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Rewards and AddictionsDean D. Krahn, M.D.
Drug abusers, alcoholics and overeaters may appear to be out of control but, actually, it's the opposite. Their brain chemistry, thrown out of balanceby substance abuse, is strongly dictating their behavior.
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What We Know about Unhealthy Behaviors and How You Can Change ThemDean D. Krahn, M.D.
We pride ourselves on our intelligence but we still engage in many unhealthy behaviors — eating and drinking to excess, smoking, abusing drugs.
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