Mindfulness, Delivered by SmartphoneLeslie Carr
Cell phones can make us feel lonely, but they can also help us connect more and stay in the moment.
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The Power of Happy MemoriesAlice G. Walton
Remembering the good times -- not just the bad -- can help teens build resilience and avoid depression.
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The Attention Span of a 5-Year-OldAlice G. Walton
In kindergarteners, attention training boosts not only attention, but intelligence and brain function.
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Keep Your Chromosomes StrongBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Because it damages chromosomes, a folate deficiency can lead to dementia and mental disorders as well as birth defects.
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Exercise Takes Years Off the MindAlice G. Walton
Seniors who exercised and ate well had significant cognitive improvements – in as little as six months.
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Nature's Healing Power, Written in Your BloodNeil Wagner
When you're stressed, it shows in your blood. Those markers improve when you spend time in greenery.
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Nature Meets Virtual Reality Neil Wagner
VR gives us access to sights we might not otherwise visit. It may also help protect them.
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Grandpa's GunNeil Wagner
What do you do when a senior gun owner shows signs of dementia? Some guidelines for families and doctors.
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Let Your Feelings ShowAlice G. Walton
Suppressing your feelings may seem like the right thing to do, but it's bad for your kids and your relationship.
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Eat Your Way to a Better MemoryBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Following a group of doctors for 20 years, researchers learned what foods most help preserve memory.
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Untreated Hearing Loss Leads to Health ProblemsCharlotte LoBuono
Hearing loss makes it harder for seniors to think and socialize, and easier for them to fall. Addressing it saves healthcare dollars.
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Good News, MultitaskersAlice G. Walton
Sometimes multitasking can actually make you more efficient, at least up to a point.
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Imaginary Friends, Imaginary WorldsCharlotte LoBuono
Many kids have a rich fantasy life, one they may share with other kids. Parents shouldn't worry; it's a sign of something good.
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Social Media Can Bring You DownLeslie Carr
Spending more time looking at others' online lives than connecting with people face-to-face can leave you depressed and lonely.
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Early Intervention Lasts for YearsAlice G. Walton
Addressing childhood behavioral problems early can bring brain changes that persist into adulthood.
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Marijuana Users' Memory IssuesNeil Wagner
Marijuana can interfere with learning and memory, particularly in teens and young adults. One thing brings it back.
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The Pleasure in Others' MisfortuneAlice G. Walton
We all experience schadenfreude, but we don't like to think about it too much. Now researchers untangle its roots.
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An Empathy BoosterAlice G. Walton
Virtual reality experiences can help us become more compassionate toward people whose lives are difficult.
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Multitaskers' Uninformed OpinionsAlice G. Walton
Multitasking doesn't just distract you; it can disrupt your ability to make informed judgments.
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Nice Guys Finish Last?Neil Wagner
Agreeable people are more likely to have money problems. The reason for this may surprise you.
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Put Two Babies in Front of a Screen...Leslie Carr
When it comes to learning language, social interaction makes a difference. infants learn better in twos.
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The Roots of Emotional RegulationAlice G. Walton
The ways babies’ emotion centers are connected in the brain may predict how they handle emotion.
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An Optimistic FailureLeslie Carr
Entrepreneurs who are highly optimistic are more likely to fail than their realistic or pessimistic counterparts.
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The Dark Factor of PersonaltyNeil Wagner
People with the D Factor show evidence of one or more of nine traits and cultivate self-centered beliefs to support their actions.
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Self-Transcendence and the Path to Health Charlotte LoBuono
When we think of healthy behaviors in terms of those people and ideals we care about, it's easier to follow through with them.
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Brain Development, 24 Hours a DayLeslie Carr
School is not the only place where kids' mental abilities grow. Three other areas make a big difference, too.
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An In-Class Exercise BreakLeslie Carr
When kids exercise briefly in class a few times a day, their schoolwork and moods improve. They also burn calories.
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A Better Way to Measure Depression?Neil Wagner
Depressive symptoms ease when people receive vagus nerve stimulation. Something even more important happens, too.
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Trust Your Gut? Not So FastAlice G. Walton
Going with your gut instinct when making a choice has a certain appeal. But it can also lead to a false sense of confidence.
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Babies Know Cartoon BulliesAlice G. Walton
There are leaders and then there are bullies. An ingenious study showed that even toddlers know this.
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A Promising Treatment for PsychosisNeil Wagner
Cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating component of marijuana, seems to help brain areas associated with a loss of touch with reality.
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Gratitude's Double DividendsLeslie Carr
We tend to underestimate how much people appreciate being thanked. We may also overlook how good it is for us.
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It's OK Not to Be OKAlice G. Walton
Yes, most of us recover from trauma in the long run. But that doesn't change how tough the immediate aftermath is.
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Naps' Important Brain WorkAlice G. Walton
Kids who miss their naps can be a pain to be around, but there's an even bigger reason to be sure they get enough sleep.
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Why You Have a Short Attention SpanLeslie Carr
It's not your fault your mind wanders. It's supposed to. That's how we knit our perception of reality together.
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Older is Not WiserNeil Wagner
Seniors are less likely than younger generations to realize -- and admit -- an error.
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The Key to CollaborationAlice G. Walton
Working in teams may be overrated. Collaborating works best when it happens intermittently. People need alone time.
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A Fast Track to Relief from PTSDNeil Wagner
Veterans enrolled in a shorter, more intensive therapy program designed to address their thoughts and fears improved dramatically.
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No Gains from Brain GamesLeslie Carr
Brain training does not translate into gains on similar brain tasks. There are better ways to stay sharp.
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Social Media as a Trigger for Attention Deficit DisorderAlice G. Walton
Kids who use social media a lot are more likely to develop ADHD. Or is it that those at risk for attention problems like social media?
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Greenspace Is Good MedicineNeil Wagner
Spending time in nature can protect you from diabetes and heart disease. Maybe it's time your doctor prescribed a trip to to the park.
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Look for the Forest, Not the TreesAlice G. Walton
Having trouble making a big decision? Research shows that taking a few steps back can help.
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Folic Acid's Brainy EffectsBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Pregnant women take the B vitamin folic acid to prevent spinal bifida. But it does more.
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How Do You Deal with Setbacks?Charlotte LoBuono
Setbacks tell us important things about our goals. We just need to listen.
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Police Violence and the Black CommunityCharlotte LoBuono
When an unarmed black man dies at the hands of police, the damage to the community goes on long after the civil unrest has subsided.
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Three-Year-Olds' Self ControlNeil Wagner
Most adults believe that 3-year-olds today are less able to wait for a reward than kids were 50 years ago, but they're wrong.
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Does a Virus Trigger Alzheimer's?Alice G. Walton
People with a common childhood virus may be more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease years later.
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Help for a Terrible, Very Bad DayNeil Wagner
Parents who encourage their kids to interpret slights and hurtful moments in a non-hostile way help reduce aggressive behavior.
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Meditation vs. RelaxationAlice G. Walton
Mindfulness meditation and relaxation offer different benefits to the mind and brain.
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Coffee Builds TeamworkCharlotte LoBuono
Caffeinated coworkers work better together and feel more satisfied. They also do a better job.
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"I Need A Little Space"Alice G. Walton
In the uncertainty of new relationships, playing hard to get can seem like a good idea, but it can backfire.
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The Tipping Point for Social ChangeAlice G. Walton
How many people does it take to set a change in motion? Fewer than you might think.
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A Head Start Lasts a Long TimeAlice G. Walton
Pre-K programs for low-income kids don't just help them do better in kindergarten. The boost they offer lasts on into elementary school.
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That's Disgusting!Neil Wagner
Disgust actually seems to serve a valuable evolutionary purpose, but that doesn't make it any easier to take.
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Two Hours a WeekNeil Wagner
It's surprising how little exercise it takes to stay sharp as you age. But you do have to keep at it.
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Find Your Inner Math WhizNeil Wagner
A free online course is designed to change students' and adults' self-defeating ideas about math. It seems to work.
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Picking Up Alzheimer's EarlyNeil Wagner
European researchers develop a blood test that accurately identifies the misfolded proteins linked to ALZ.
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Self-Perception and the Gender GapCharlotte LoBuono
Men tend to think they're better in science, even when they're not. Women do the opposite.
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Math Skills Begin at HomeLeslie Carr
Parents lay the groundwork for math skills simply by counting and even cooking with their kids.
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"Beeting" Alzheimer'sBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A compound in beets may help prevent the misfolded proteins associated with the disease.
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The Mind of a Girl, The Body of a WomanAlice G. Walton
Girls who reach puberty before their friends do can experience problems that last into adulthood.
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Overconfident Online LearnersLeslie Carr
Whether it's how to throw a curveball, sand a floor or do the moonwalk, online videos make it look easy. And that's a problem.
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Normal Is a Big TentAlice G. Walton
Don't bother looking for a clear line between what's normal and what's not. When it comes to your brain, it's all part of a continuum.
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Ageism and the Risk of DementiaCharlotte LoBuono
A person's feelings about aging may make them more likely to develop dementia.
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A Pill for Emotional PainAlice G. Walton
Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Advil can make you feel better emotionally, too.
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The Sodium-Memory ConnectionBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
In seniors, low sodium levels in the blood -- from medications, heart or kidney problems -- can cause memory loss.
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Dim and DimmerNeil Wagner
Spending time in low light can rob the brain of a chemical important to learning and memory.
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Fractured Sleep, Fractured MindAlice G. Walton
Which comes first: sleep problems or the accumulation of proteins related to Alzheimer's?
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Don't Get StartedNeil Wagner
It's amazing how easy it is to get started smoking. Nearly 70% of those who try cigarettes end up hooked.
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Recipes for a Healthy BrainBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A spice common to Indian, Thai and some African cuisines appears to help keep the cellular detritus associated with Alzheimer's in check.
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New Guidelines for Staying SharpNeil Wagner
The American Academy of Neurology has a new set of guidelines designed to keep memory problems at bay.
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Sleeping with the FishesBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Children who eat fish tend to have IQ scores that are five points higher than those who don't. Here's the reason why.
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Deep Brain Stimulation's Added Parkinson's Benefits Charlotte LoBuono
Parkinson's patients' movement improves with deep brain stimulation. The procedure can help cognition, too.
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The Supervisor's DilemmaAlice G. Walton
Some bosses are approachable; others keep more of a distance. The choice can make a difference in the kind of work that gets done.
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Another Way to Support Mental HealthCharlotte LoBuono
Apps can help people with mental health problems get the support they need.
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The Surest Route to Brain HealthEsther Entin, M.D.
Aerobic exercise beefs up an area of the brain tied to memory and Alzheimer's disease.
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Smart GamersNeil Wagner
Certain video games reward memory, strategy and planning, and reflect players' IQs. Others don't.
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Talking about Numbers Teaches LanguageAlice G. Walton
Working on numbers with your preschooler helps them learn language, too.
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Good to ForgetAlice G. Walton
Being able to suppress unwanted thoughts helps us cope with stress. Now we know more about how the brain makes this happen.
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The Distracting Power of Junk FoodBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
The scent of baked goods or french fries can quickly replace any thoughts in our heads. Carrots, not so much.
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When Sex Goes to PotNeil Wagner
People who smoke pot have more sex than those who don't. Or do they just say they do?
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A Reset for Depressed BrainsNeil Wagner
Psilocybin changed the brains of people with treatment-resistant depression, helping them feel better.
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Where Your Mind Goes When You Space OutAlice G. Walton
This brain network kicks in when we don't need to pay close attention, allowing our minds to wander.
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Urban Gray Matter Needs TreesLeslie Carr
Noise, crowding and pollution all stress city dwellers' brains. But when there's a forest or park nearby, things change.
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Women, Estrogen and Alzheimer'sEsther Entin, M.D.
The hormonal changes of menopause wreak havoc on women's brains, making them twice as likely as men to develop AD.
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Don't Look; Listen Leslie Carr
We can hear the emotional content of interactions better when we aren't looking.
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Paranoid InsomniacsEsther Entin, M.D.
Lack of sleep can leave you vulnerable to depression, paranoia and hallucinations. Online treatment seems to help.
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A Sniff Test for Alzheimer'sEsther Entin, M.D.
Your sense of smell is directly connected to your brain, making it a potential indicator of how well that organ is working.
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Being a Couch Potato Can Make You SadAlice G. Walton
People who exercise one to two hours a week have a much lower risk for depression than those who are sedentary.
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Relieve Your Worried BrainLeslie Carr
People who are prone to worry waste a lot of mental energy. Here's a way to reboot your brain.
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A Mineral for Your MindBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Too much or too little of this mineral seems to promote dementia and Alzheimers' disease.
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Beware Consumer RatingsCharlotte LoBuono
If you use consumer reviews to make buying decisions, here's why you may be making poor choices.
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Bright Girls, Smarter WomenAlice G. Walton
Believing you are smart and believing you can work your way to an intelligent solution are two very different things.
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Don't Resist Your FeelingsAlice G. Walton
Pushing away feelings you'd rather not have can backfire. To boost your well-being, embrace them.
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ADHD Drugs' Protective EffectsEsther Entin, M.D.
Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall can help people with ADHD focus. They may have other benefits, too.
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Change Your Mind, Improve Your HealthCharlotte LoBuono
It's not just about exercise. Your sense of how fit you are, or aren't, has a big effect on your health and longevity.
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A Laptop ParadoxNeil Wagner
Laptops can help college students learn, but taken to class, they can mean a lower grade on the final.
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Do It in Your TwentiesNeil Wagner
The best way to avoid brain shrinkage in middle age is to take these steps in your 20s.
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Moms' High Fat Diet Jeopardizes Kids' Mental HealthBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Here's another reason to watch your weight and diet when pregnant: it can leave your child vulnerable to depression.
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Treating Pain without PillsNeil Wagner
Just one session of self-hypnosis or meditation training results in a 25 percent reduction in pain. No opioids needed.
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Photos for Fake NewsNeil Wagner
It's easy to doctor images and put them online. It turns out we are not very good at determining what's real and what's not.
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That Warm and Fuzzy FeelingAlice G. Walton
Generosity -- and it doesn't take much -- makes us happier. Brain scans show how it works.
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Obesity and Our Sense of SmellBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A study in mice finds those with an enhanced sense of smell gained more weight; those with no sense of smell lost it. A new diet strategy?
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A Game to RememberNeil Wagner
People with mild cognitive impairment tend to forget things. There's a game that seems to help.
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An Alzheimer's Early Warning SignalEsther Entin, M.D.
Scientists may have found a way to catch Alzheimer's early and reduce its effects.
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Anxiety and Volatility in RelationshipsCharlotte LoBuono
If one member of a couple worries too much about the attachment of his or her partner, it can cause problems.
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Brain FoodBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Two studies find that kids with higher levels of this antioxidant do better academically.
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Raising Children on Digital DevicesEsther Entin, M.D.
They pose special risks for young brains and minds. Set some limits and follow them yourself.
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The Myth of Teenagers' Shrinking BrainsAlice G. Walton
It had been thought that teens' brains shrink during adolescence. That’s far from true.
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The Exercise-Mood Connection Alice G. Walton
Being active is linked to greater well-being and less depression. The real news is it doesn’t take much.
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Free Speech As a Cover for RacismLeslie Carr
Free speech is often used after the fact to justify, or some might say, sanctify, racist comments.
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Multitasking Drains the Brain Neil Wagner
Brain scans of people coping with fragmented attention show how much extra effort it requires.
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Hallucinogens and Higher Consciousness Neil Wagner
The brains of people who have taken LSD, psilocybin or ketamine light up in ways that may explain these hallucinogens' effects.
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Diet Soda-Fueled Dementia?Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Diet soda seems to age the brain. Both dementia and stroke risk increased with soda consumption.
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To Prevent Alzheimer's, Start EarlyEsther Entin, M.D.
In your 40s and worried about dementia? Try to reduce these cardiovascular risk factors.
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The Secret to Staying Motivated Over the Long HaulCharlotte LoBuono
What motivates us changes as we progress toward our goals. It pays to know the difference.
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Sexism and Video GamesEsther Entin, M.D.
Playing video games is significantly associated with sexist attitudes, a French study has found. It's about how women are depicted.
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Better Schools, At No CostAlice G. Walton
Enrichment doesn't have to cost money. Trusting, deep relationships at school can have a huge academic impact.
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Are You an Information-Avoider? Alice G. Walton
We think we want to learn things, but if the information “hurts,” we may try to avoid it.
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Yoga and Breathing Ease DepressionEsther Entin, M.D.
Both high- and low-intensity courses in yoga and breathing techniques helped people suffering from depression.
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Heading Off School Problems Before They StartEsther Entin, M.D.
Some kids start school already behind. Early intervention helps.
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What It Takes to Go ViralAlice G. Walton
Everyone wants to know why some stories go viral. Brain scans offer an answer.
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Over-Medicated SeniorsEsther Entin, M.D.
Seniors are being given prescriptions that can muddle their minds and cause falls. Here is how over-prescribing can be avoided.
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Give Your Mind A Hedge Against Memory ProblemsEsther Entin, M.D.
Some surprising — and fulfilling — ways to reduce your chances of cognitive impairment.
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The Power of MistakesLeslie Carr
We all make mistakes. Some of us are better about using them to good advantage, however. Here's why.
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Two Ways to Crank Up Your MemoryAlice G. Walton
Meditation and music both appear to help preserve memory in the aging brain.
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A Cure for Fake NewsNeil Wagner
You can inoculate yourself against fake news. It starts with knowing that it's out there.
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"Really, Really Smart"Alice G. Walton
When 7-year-olds are asked to pick someone really smart, they choose differently than they did when they were five.
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Your Brain Needs the Mediterranean Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A Mediterranean diet can help keep your brain sharper, a study of people over 70 shows. Brain scans prove it.
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Thanks for the MemoriesBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Lutein, an antioxidant found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, beefs up the brain — and memory.
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Magic Mushrooms Ease the Fear of DeathCharlotte LoBuono
Psilocybin can be a wonder drug when it comes to helping cancer patients overcome the anxiety associated with their diagnoses.
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Dazed and ConfusedNeil Wagner
Giving antipsychotics to ill and aging patients with delusions deepens confusion — and worse.
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Men and NutsNeil Wagner
Why do nuts, and walnuts especially, do so much for men? They can even boost men's moods.
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Fatty Foods' Profound Effect on the Teenage BrainBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Fatty foods like chips, burgers and fries can rob teens' brains of a protein key to development.
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A Quick Recovery Neil Wagner
A drug commonly used for ADHD seems to make recovering from anesthesia much easier.
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Math PrejudiceNeil Wagner
In kindergarten, girls and boys are equals when it comes to math. But by second grade...
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Raising a ReaderNeil Wagner
Many parents don't realize how easy it is to help kids learn to read, but their involvement makes a huge difference.
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The Pounds on Your Body May Be Taking Points off Your BrainBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Excess weight brings on inflammation inside your body. That's bad for your brain and mental abilities.
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Meditation for PrisonersNeil Wagner
Transcendental meditation can help prisoners confront the trauma that helps put so many behind bars.
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Taking the Guesswork Out of Depression TreatmentAlice G. Walton
Finding the right treatment for depression is not easy. Researchers may have found a way.
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A Pill to Improve Kids' Reading SkillsBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
A Swedish study found children who received this supplement read faster and better.
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Fertility Plummets When Women Are StressedAlice G. Walton
A 45% reduced conception rate is clear evidence for why women — and men — need to take stress reduction seriously.
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New Neurons, Better MemoriesAlice G. Walton
The brain rarely births new cells — except in one very important area.
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Depressing Facts About Depression TreatmentNeil Wagner
Less than a third of the people in the U.S. who are depressed get treatment. Guess who's most affected?
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A Safer Kind of Football PracticeAlice G. Walton
A simple change to kids' football practice routines can reduce the risk of brain injury by over a third.
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Women and ADHDNeil Wagner
Women with ADHD tend to live in poverty, suffer from anxiety and depression, and fly under the radar of mental health programs.
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Athletes and ConcussionNeil Wagner
The brain tsunamis that concussions set in motion can change the structure of athletes' brains.
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A Little Quiet for ToddlersAlice G. Walton
Background noise makes it hard for toddlers to pick up language. So turn off the TV.
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What Saturated Fats Do to Your BrainBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Saturated fats, from cheese or meat, aren't good for your heart; and they do bad things to your brain, too.
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Is Marijuana Addiction Real?Alice G. Walton
Over time marijuana use seems to dull the responsiveness of the reward center of the brain, making it less sensitive to pleasure.
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ADHD: Exercise Helps People FocusNeil Wagner
Short periods of exercise can help people with ADHD get motivated and stay focused.
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Space Cadets, Take NoteLeslie Carr
The active compound in marijuana — THC — may prevent the brain detritus that causes Alzheimer's.
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Saving Billions, With Trees Neil Wagner
When California measured the value to citizens of the trees lining its streets, the savings added up.
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A Global Look At AnxietyEsther Entin, M.D.
A review of anxiety research from around the world finds who is more likely to be anxious.
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In Hand or Hands-Free, Cell Phones DistractAlice G. Walton
Don't think hands-free will make you safer behind the wheel. Your brain has just so much bandwidth.
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Emotional Support for Job SeekersNeil Wagner
Looking for for work is nobody's idea of a good time. But you can prevent yourself from sabotaging your best efforts.
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Memory Problems? Go FishBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
One serving of seafood a week reduced the progression of certain types of memory loss in seniors.
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Help for the Loneliness of DementiaNeil Wagner
A program that helps seniors with early-onset dementia suggests ways to ease loneliness.
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Yoga, For Body And BrainAlice G. Walton
Skip the brain-training. Yoga and meditation can do more for your mood and memory.
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The Attention Span of a Two-Year-OldAlice G. Walton
Children's ability to pay attention appears to be affected by the amount of attention their parents pay to things.
Read more >
Parents' Effects on the Brain Esther Entin, M.D.
Supportive parenting actually leaves its mark on key areas of kids' brains, making them better able to handle stress and emotion.
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Bad to the BrainBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Fructose damages genes in the brain, leading to a variety of problems. Luckily, one nutrient offsets its effects.
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An Acid Trip to The SelfAlice G. Walton
LSD increases communication among high-level regions of the brain, erasing boundaries.
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What Uncertainty Means for StressNeil Wagner
Would you rather know definitely that something bad is going to happen, or be unsure of it?
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Your Brain at A BuffetNeil Wagner
There appears to be yet another biological mechanism behind overeating. It's a signaling problem.
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Not All Mind-Wandering Is the SameAlice G. Walton
There's a big difference between letting your mind wander and having it take off on its own.
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Targeted Ads Tell You Who You Think You AreAlice G. Walton
Online ads that follow you around the Web offer flattering identities as part of their sales pitch.
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The Bolshoi Path to EnlightenmentNeil Wagner
It was no particular surprise when a study found meditation makes you wiser, but ballet?
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Your Partner Could Be Making You FatBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Your spouse has more of an impact on how you eat than your family history does.
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Fish As A Brain-Saving DeviceBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Eating fish twice a week reduces the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's.
Read more >
Enraged MiceNeil Wagner
New brain research offers more insight into where rage comes from, and how it's kept in check.
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A Non-Prescription Way to Fight DepressionNeil Wagner
Exercise and meditation, used together, can be an effective one-two punch for depression.
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Couch Potatoes' Shrinking BrainsNeil Wagner
The brains of people who are fit are bigger than those who aren't.
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The Truth about Old Dogs and New TricksAlice G. Walton
Not only do dogs learn new tricks, they have things to teach us, too.
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Mothers-To-Be Need FishBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Pregnant women who eat more fish have children who grow up to be smarter.
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Why Mice Don't Play FootballNeil Wagner
Mice subjected to repeated mild impacts to the head showed long-term brain damage. No, they weren't wearing helmets.
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Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative MindScott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire
Friends With BenefitsNeil Wagner
Having a social network of friends does good things for your health. But at certain ages quality matters more than quantity.
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Your Brain, In the ZoneAlice G. Walton
Understanding the neural mechanisms behind creativity may tell us the conditions under which it is most likely to arise.
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Sixteen Years of Football; Dead at 25Neil Wagner
The case of a football player with CTE offers a sobering portrait of what repeated head injury does to a life and a mind.
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Beep. Talk to Me, BabyEsther Entin, M.D.
Even before they can talk, babies are picking up communication skills. So do talking toys help?
Read more >
No Parents NecessaryAlice G. Walton
Doctor visits are a prime time for teens to take charge of their health. Parents can be obstacles.
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Unpacking The Sensory Overload of AutismEsther Entin, M.D.
The brains of children with ASD have less of a neurotransmitter that helps us filter out competing stimuli.
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A One-Stop Treatment for Phobia?Alice G. Walton
Could phobias be treated in as little as one session? Research is starting to say ‘yes.’
Read more >
Mushy Brains On TVNeil Wagner
People who watch a lot of TV are less able to plan, problem-solve or process info quickly.
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High Intensity ShoppersAlice G. Walton
The holidays bring out the best in those for whom shopping is a competitive sport.
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Parents, Dial Down the PressureAlice G. Walton
High expectations can be good for kids. But when they are unrealistic, they can backfire.
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The Two Faces Of Social MediaLeslie Carr
The time teens spend on Facebook can increase stress. But there's another, beneficial, side to it.
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Shorter Days, Darker MoodsNeil Wagner
Seasonal affective disorder is often treated with light, but something else seems to work better.
Read more >
Soothing With SongAlice G. Walton
If you’re trying to calm your baby, try singing. It works even better than talking.
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A Game To Help Seniors Remain At HomeNeil Wagner
Virtual Week helps sharpen seniors’ ability to perform the tasks of daily life.
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You've Been PhubbedNeil Wagner
Snubbing by cell phone — phubbing — is bad for relationships.
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Relaxation Puts A Dent In Healthcare CostsAlice G. Walton
People who meditate or do yoga use far fewer healthcare services than those who don't. Insurers, take note.
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Fathers Shine At BedtimeNeil Wagner
Dads beat Moms when it comes to reading at bedtime. Their style is best for kids’ language development.
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Theater As TherapyLeslie Carr
A theater program that pairs autism spectrum disorder children with child actors helps teach social skills.
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Parents And Bulimia: From Part Of The Problem To Part Of The SolutionBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Parents used to be viewed as a cause of bulimia. Now they are part of an effective treatment.
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What Makes You, You?Neil Wagner
Your moral compass is a key part of what makes you, you.
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Good Housekeeping: Ridding the Brain of JunkAlice G. Walton
Younger brains are better at clearing away Alzheimer’s proteins than older brains. Is there anything we can do?
Read more >
Delay of Game?Esther Entin, M.D.
NFL players who started playing before age 12 brains' show more damage than those who began later.
Read more >
The Dark Side of PerfectionismNeil Wagner
It's fine to want to do a really good job, but constant perfectionistic worry about being judged can bring burnout.
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The MIND Diet — Keep More of Your Marbles in PlayBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
When aging adults ate from a group of specific foods, it slowed the decline in their cognitive abilities.
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Intellectual Stimulation, A Hedge Against Addiction?Alice G. Walton
“Intellectually” stimulated mice are less likely to become addicts. The same may be true for humans.
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A Move Worse than Headers? Alice G. Walton
When kids play soccer, concussions are a worry. But parents may be looking in the wrong place to protect their kids.
Read more >
Altruism SimplifiedNeil Wagner
Which takes more time — deciding to be generous or selfish? Brain scans tell the story.
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Drugs Disrupt Sleep and Kids’ Brain Development Alice G. Walton
Drugs used to treat ADHD, depression and psychological problems interfere with sleep, and this is a problem for the developing brain.
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When Parents Micro-ManageAlice G. Walton
Even when parents are warm and caring, their “helicoptering” can reduce self esteem — and worse.
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With Autism, Early Treatment Offers Lasting BenefitsNeil Wagner
When parents and therapists work with young children at home, one-on-one, benefits continue even after treatment has ended.
Read more >
FDA Bans Trans FatsBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
The FDA has banned partially hydrogenated oils starting in 2018. What to look for until then.
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Clogged Hearts and MindsAlice G. Walton
Trans fats slow your memory just the same way they clog your heart.
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One Reason You May Feel Anxious — Too Much SittingNeil Wagner
When you feel anxious, sitting may seem like a good idea, but it could make it worse.
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Don't Malign Millennials, Mentor ThemNeil Wagner
Hey, Boomers, stop complaining. What if you had had YouTube and video streaming at age 18?
Read more >
The Executive in Your Head Is No Friend to CreativityNeil Wagner
The executive in your head — the planner and decider — is no friend to creativity.
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Cynics Earn Less — In Most Countries AnywayNeil Wagner
A multinational study finds that in most places, cynics cooperate less and earn less money than their more optimistic peers.
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Don't Cut That Cord — Yet!Alice G. Walton
Waiting a little longer to clamp the umbilical cord may help neurodevelopment – especially in boys.
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Segregation Is Bad for The BrainNeil Wagner
Even today, African Americans who attended segregated schools are proof that there is no separate but equal when it comes to education.
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There Must Be a Safer Way to Treat Kids’ DepressionEsther Entin, M.D.
Antidepressants increase the risk of suicide in some kids. Here's why.
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The Upside of Stress -- Why Stress is Good for You and How to Get Good at ItKelly McGonigal, Ph.D.
The Spark Behind Creativity May Also Ease DepressionNeil Wagner
When a mild electrical current is applied to the brain, creativity rises.
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What Legalizing Marijuana Means for Adolescents and ChildrenEsther Entin, M.D.
Pot may be legal for adults in some states, but it's not for kids. Experts outline policies to protect developing brains.
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Under Pressure? Try Self-Affirmation Annie Sofield Reed, LCSW
When we want to do a good job, self-affirmations are a good way to counteract our worries about not being able to do well enough.
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The Case for Treadmill DesksNeil Wagner
Office workers kept moving with little loss of productivity. Tell your boss.
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Taking a Step Back from a Stressor May Be the First Step in Recovering from ItAlice G. Walton
Taking a mental step back from a problem may be just the trick to solving it.
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Start Now: Recovering from Psychological TraumaJ. Douglas Bremner, M.D.
More than half of us will be exposed to some form of a psychological trauma which can lead to PTSD.
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Bad Air Days Are Bad for the BrainNeil Wagner
If you live in an area with the kind of air pollution cars and factories bring, your brain is likely shrinking faster than it should.
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The Perks of Being InvisibleLeslie Carr
Special glasses tricked people into perceiving their bodies had disappeared. So did social anxiety.
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Anti-Texting Laws: An Early Report CardNeil Wagner
When states have laws that are designed to penalize texting, they help save lives.
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The Unexpected Helps Babies LearnAlice G. Walton
Learning becomes almost effortless when the unexpected happens.
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Helping Others Can Ease Social AnxietyAlice G. Walton
When teens with social anxiety help others, they come to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
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Activating Important Memories May Make Us Forget Alice G. Walton
The act of committing something to memory may make us unable to recall other events.
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Air Pollution Raises Anxiety LevelsEsther Entin, M.D.
Air pollution puts your emotional health as well as your physical health at risk.
Read more >
Being Lonely is Bad for Your HealthNeil Wagner
Loneliness can be a health hazard, just like being sedentary, or overweight.
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Parents Who Share Too MuchLeslie Carr
When parents share their children's every move on YouTube or Facebook, it can create problems with privacy and identity.
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Treating Depression is Good for the HeartNeil Wagner
People who are depressed improve more than their emotional state when they seek treatment.
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Atypical Antipsychotics: What Parents Need to KnowEsther Entin, M.D.
Antipsychotic drugs can be lifesavers for kids. But parents, you have a major role to play.
Read more >
Use of Marijuana May Have Lasting Effects on Memory Alice G. Walton
Marijuana use in adolescence may have lasting effects on memory.
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Walking The Road to Higher LearningNeil Wagner
When a computer science teacher had his classes walk as he lectured, something interesting happened.
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For Sleeplessness, The Best Medicine May be MeditationAlice G. Walton
Before trying medication, seniors having trouble sleeping should try a short course on meditation.
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Brain Scans Can Predict Depression and Anxiety down the RoadAlice G. Walton
Some of us have brains that react more vigorously to stress and fear. Knowing this could help prevent problems down the road.
Read more >
Teens’ Misperceptions of Others’ Risky BehaviorAlice G. Walton
Teens misjudge one another a lot, and it can lead them into trouble.
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Benadryl, Other Meds May Up Risk of DementiaNeil Wagner
The more Benadryl and certain other anticholinergic drugs you take, the greater the risk of dementia.
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Depression Too Common Among TeensEsther Entin, M.D.
Depression is more common among teens than most people realize. Parents, know the warning signs.
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A Surprising Way to Heal from a BreakupAlice G. Walton
Writing or talking about a breakup can help you process the pain, but better talk with strangers.
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Study Pinpoints the Chief Source of Gun ViolenceNeil Wagner
Better screening for mental stability is not the solution to gun violence, a new study finds.
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Why the Guilt-Ridden Make Good EmployeesAlice G. Walton
People who are prone to feeling guilty make the best workers.
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Mild Cogniitive Impairment: What It Is, What It's NotEsther Entin, M.D.
You're over 60 and are starting to find it hard to remember things. Are you on the road to senility?
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Virtual Body-Swapping Can Help Address Unconscious Racial BiasesAlice G. Walton
Virtual body-swapping may be the key to reducing racial prejudice.
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Brain Impact of Football Hits Seen in Even High School PlayersCharlotte LoBuono
Scans of high school players' brains show how hard hits jar the brain and disrupt cells' communication.
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Musical Training Improves Language Processing and School PerformanceSami Hocine
Musical training can make a difference in children's ability to process language and learn in school.
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Seniors Vulnerable to Gambling's AllureEsther Entin, M.D.
Gambling offers seniors excitement and a way to socialize. What could be bad? Actually, plenty.
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Trans Fats: As Bad for the Mind As They Are for the BodyNeil Wagner
New Insights into Why Some People Are Resistant to Stress, DepressionSami Hocine
Some people are just not affected by stress very much. A new study suggests why and offers hope for new treatments for depression.
Read more >
Speaking a Second Language May Keep the Brain in Good ShapeAlice G. Walton
Speaking more than one language is one of the most powerful ways to keep your mind sharp.
Read more >
The Science of Choking Under PressureSami Hocine
Performing our best under pressure is not easy, and people have different reasons for choking.
Read more >
Of All the Emotions, Sadness Lasts the LongestAlice G. Walton
Of all the emotions, one lasts the longest. Here's why.
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Survey Catalogues Americans' FearsNeil Wagner
What do people fear most? A survey finds It is not always rational...or reasonable.
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Chocolate Sharpens the MindSami Hocine
Specific nutrients in chocolate stimulate brain areas associated with memory loss. But read before you indulge.
Read more >
Workplace BulliesNeil Wagner
Over a third of U.S. workers report being bullied at work. Co-workers can help and still avoid repercussions.
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Experts Agree: Violent Gaming is Linked to Aggression in KidsAlice G. Walton
The exact relationship between violent video games and violence and aggression among children isn't clear, but the fact they are linked is.
Read more >
Curiosity Primes the Brain to Learn Alice G. Walton
Curiosity literally makes the brain more open to learning. We may be able to use this finding in schools.
Read more >
Immature Connections Among Brain Networks May Be Behind ADHDEsther Entin, M.D.
The connections among brain networks in people with ADHD are immature. Can they be helped to develop normally?
Read more >
How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why It HappensBenedict Carey
A “Dimmer Switch” for Depression Alice G. Walton
Some people react more strongly to negative life events than others. It’s all about an overactive “disappointment pathway.”
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Many in Long-Term Care Receive Medications of Questionable BenefitEsther Entin, M.D.
Too many nursing home residents with advanced dementia are given medications that offer little benefit.
Read more >
Networking: Dirty Work or Community-Building?Alice G. Walton
Self-promotion can leave people feeling dirty. Literally. But it doesn’t have to.
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Changing A Memory’s Emotional Color and Maybe Its ImpactSami Hocine
Events connected to strong emotions are colored by those feelings. Scientists are figuring out how to disconnect the two.
Read more >
Biochemical Keys to Stress and Resilience Are UncoveredAlice G. Walton
Some people seem resistant to stress, while others are susceptible to it. Researchers are starting to understand why.
Read more >
Good Neighbors — and Neighborhoods — Make Good HealthEsther Entin, M.D.
Good relationships with your neighbors and a feeling that you belong to a community are good for heart health.
Read more >
Pruning the Hedges of AutismSami Hocine
“Neural pruning” helps kids' brains become more efficient. This happens less among children with ASD. Here's why.
Read more >
Young People with Depression Have “Hyper-Connected” Brain Networks Alice G. Walton
The brains of depressed people have different, more intense patterns of connections. What does that mean for treatment?
Read more >
Severe Depression Helped by A Combo of Antidepressants and Talk Therapy Alice G. Walton
Antidepressants and talk therapy together may be the key to overcoming severe depression.
Read more >
Lack of Motivation May Masquerade as Cognitive Decline Alice G. Walton
As people age, it can be hard to tell whether memory or motivation is fading.
Read more >
Promising New Technique for Monitoring Early Brain Development in InfantsSami Hocine
A new technique makes it possible to predict developmental delays more accurately.
Read more >
Finding Narcissists is EasyLeslie Carr
Figuring out who is a narcissist is pretty easy. All you have to do is ask.
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Good News at the Wrong Time Isn’t Good News at AllAlice G. Walton
The timing of good news is almost as important as the news itself.
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Ginkgo Promotes Repair Following StrokeSami Hocine
The herb ginkgo biloba helped mice generate new neurons after a stroke. Can it do the same for people?
Read more >
Brain Patterns Predict Stock Market BubblesSami Hocine
What is it that inspires some investors to leave the market before a crash? They use a different part of their brains than the rest of us.
Read more >
Synchronized Brain Waves Make Rapid Learning PossibleSami Hocine
How are we able to shift from thinking about what's for dinner to what's happening in Iraq? It starts with humming in two brain areas.
Read more >
Sun Worshipper or Sun Addict?Leslie Carr
Some people need the sun the way an alcoholic needs a drink. And the health risks can be just as severe.
Read more >
An Obsession with Popularity Can Handicap Teens' Social Development Esther Entin, M.D.
Kids obsessed with who's cool may be less popular later in life. They don't know how to make friends.
Read more >
Engineering Memories with LightSami Hocine
Using light, researchers have been able to create, extinguish and re-create a memory. The finding may offer help people with PTSD or memory loss.
Read more >
Discrimination and Favoritism May Be The Same ThingAlice G. Walton
We think of discrimination as being about hate and holding certain people back. But it can be just the opposite.
Read more >
Psilocybin Shows Potential As Treatment for DepressionLeslie Carr
Psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms, appears to help prevent depression and anxiety by enhancing mood.
Read more >
The Stress of Family Conflicts Increases the Risk of Premature DeathCharlotte LoBuono
The stress of conflict in our relationships with family and friends can actually shorten our lives. Pick your battles.
Read more >
Apathy, Inactivity, and Brain AtrophyEsther Entin, M.D.
The prospect of dementia haunts people over 50, but what they ought to fear is apathy and inactivity.
Read more >
Marijuana's Bad Effects on the BrainMichael J. Gertner
Marijuana may ease the pain and nausea associated with chemotherapy, but it also leaves certain brain areas abnormally enlarged.
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Let's Talk About It Over Dinner: When Blood Sugar Drops, Anger Levels RiseAlice G. Walton
Couples get angrier with each other when they are hungry, and they have the voodoo dolls to prove it.
Read more >
Stress Makes Allergies WorseLeslie Carr
Stress appears to make allergies worse. Calming the mind can help.
Read more >
Violent Video Games and Aggression Esther Entin, M.D.
Playing violent video games makes kids prone to seeing others as hostile and acting aggressively.
Read more >
With Hormone Replacement Therapy, Timing and Formulation MatterCharlotte LoBuono
Some forms of hormone replacement therapy help keep women's brain metabolism rolling. But others may cause problems.
Read more >
New Hints at The Brain Chemistry Behind AnxietyMichael J. Gertner
The brain chemistry of people with anxiety may make it more difficult for them to turn off activity. Luckily, there appears to be a way to change this.
Read more >
Scientists Begin to Understand Why Autism Is More Common in Boys Than GirlsAlice G. Walton
Now we know why boys are more genetically susceptible to autism.
Read more >
In Relationships, A Good Foundation Matters More than CommunicationAlice G. Walton
Conflict happens, and can even make relationships stronger. But you need one ingredient.
Read more >
Can Childhood Memories Be Trusted?Neil Wagner
Our memory for childhood events is usually modest. The details we recall are often added later.
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Chronic Stress Disrupts Balance Between White and Gray Matter in the BrainMichael J. Gertner
Chronic stress appears to alter the balance of white to gray brain matter. This may explain several mental disorders.
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Neurofeedback: High Tech Mind ControlNeil Wagner
What if epileptics could learn to prevent their own seizures using neurofeedback? MEG scans may make it possible.
Read more >
A Possible Biological Basis for ReligiosityMichael J. Gertner
People who are religious have thicker cortices than those who aren't. So which causes what?
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Vitamin E Could Slow Alzheimer's ProgressNeil Wagner
Vitamin E may help slow the mental decline of seniors with Alzheimer's Disease, allowing them to remain independent longer.
Read more >
Caffeine's Memory-Boosting AbilitiesCharlotte LoBuono
Your morning coffee doesn't just wake you up; it can help you remember things more clearly.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnoses on The RiseEsther Entin, M.D.
More and more children are being diagnosed and treated for attention deficits. Is this a good thing?
Read more >
Catching Alzheimer's Decline Before It StartsMichael J. Gertner
Scientists have found where Alzheimer's begins in the brain.
Read more >
A Different Approach to Self-ControlNeil Wagner
Our willpower can fail us when we are tired or stressed. But how we view the problem could be the problem.
Read more >
Music: A Roadmap to Forgotten Memories?Neil Wagner
Some songs call up old memories. They may also help brain-injured patients remember their past.
Read more >
Brain Training Can Help Prevent Cognitive Decline in the Years to ComeAlice G. Walton
Training sessions can protect aging brains against cognitive decline — up to a decade later.
Read more >
Meditation May Help Relieve Anxiety, Depression, and PainCharlotte LoBuono
A Sense of Smell Is Highly PersonalMichael J. Gertner
No two people smell the same scent the same way. The difference lies in the cocktail of amino acids your genes produce.
Read more >
Physical Brain Injuries Increase Likelihood of PTSDNeil Wagner
Physical injury to the the brain also raises the risk of post-traumatic stress.
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Student-Teacher Relationships Are Key to Early Education Alice G. Walton
Teachers' responsiveness to preschoolers' questions and needs is even more important than what's being taught.
Read more >
Another Study Links Pesticides to Parkinson’s DiseaseAlice G. Walton
In the lab, exposure to pesticides caused Parkinson's. Genes matter, too.
Read more >
Men and Women's Neural Networks Reflect Sex DifferencesMichael J. Gertner
A new kind of brain scan tells us a lot about why women are better at meetings and men at maps.
Read more >
Sacrosine Shows Promise As a New Way to Relieve DepressionNeil Wagner
Sarcosine, found in muscles and other body tissues, improved mood better than a popular antidepressant.
Read more >
Decision-Making Linked to Motivation, DepressionMichael J. Gertner
Decisions, motivation and depression all seem to reside in the same areas of the brain.
Read more >
Promising New Treatment for Seizures Related to Liver DiseaseMichael J. Gertner
A blood pressure medication already approved for human use may prevent seizures.
Read more >
Psychobiotics, A Possible New Treatment for DepressionAlice G. Walton
We know probiotics are good for GI heath. They may also affect mental health.
Read more >
Musical Training Improves the Brain's Sensitivity to Sound, SpeechCharlotte LoBuono
People who have studied music for a few years tend to hear better because their brains process sounds more rapidly.
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How Couples Use Texting Can Bring Them Closer, Drive Them Apart Charlotte LoBuono
Text messages offer lovers another way to whisper endearments. But some texts just shouldn't be sent.
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Exercise During Pregnancy Can Improve Infant Brain DevelopmentNeil Wagner
Exercise makes pregnancy and childbirth easier. It also seems to boost infant brain development.
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Monkey Mind, A Memoir of AnxietyDaniel Smith
Brief School Counseling Program Helps Teens CopeNeil Wagner
Offering teens a couple sessions of therapy can go a long way to nipping mental health problems in the bud.
Read more >
Brain Changes Are Seen in More Ex-Football PlayersAlice G. Walton
Former football players may have "pronounced" brain abnormalities, even if they do not have dementia.
Read more >
Memory and Forgetting: It's All about the NetworksMichael J. Gertner
Memory and forgetting go hand-in-hand. Now we know that network coordination is more important than brain activation.
Read more >
High Blood Sugar Linked to Dementia RiskAlice G. Walton
The higher your blood sugar, the greater your risk for dementia, whether you have diabetes or not.
Read more >
The Message of A Messy DeskNeil Wagner
Disorderly environments can foster creativity.
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NVC -- Cerebral Blood Flow and Mental Processing: The Case for Cocoa Charlotte LoBuono
Our brains use blood the way a Formula 1 car guzzles gas. Cocoa appears to help keep blood flowing.
Read more >
Facebook Use May Reduce Happiness, Not Enhance ItAlice G. Walton
Facebook may actually increase sadness. Be sure to make time to connect for real.
Read more >
Discovery Suggests A Surprising Culprit in Alzheimer's and Other Neurodegenerative DiseasesMichael J. Gertner
New Alzheimer's disease discovery -- how it's "like a fire burning through the brain."
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Scientists Succeed in Creating a False MemoryMichael J. Gertner
It's not quite "Inception," but scientists have invaded the brains of mice and made fake memories.
Read more >
Brain Development Appears Influenced by Regular BedtimesAlice G. Walton
Regular bedtimes for kids are important for brain development.
Read more >
Self-Help That WorksJohn C. Norcross, PhD, Linda F. Campbell, PhD, John M. Grobal, PsyD, John W. Santrock, PhD, Florin Selagea, MS and Robert Sommer
Study Finds Probiotics in Yogurt Affect BrainMichael J. Gertner
You really are what you eat. The probiotics in yogurt actually change the chemistry of your brain.
Read more >
Brain Exercises Can Help Breast Cancer Survivors with “Chemo Brain” Alice G. Walton
Cognitive exercises can help improve brain function after chemotherapy.
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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.
Read more >
Flavor Comes in Many ColorsBeth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN
Cocoa served in cups of a certain color tastes better.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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?
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
How Our Brain Gets Us Motivated Alice G. Walton
Tracking the brain circuits involved in motivation and depression.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
Meditation: Changing the Mind for the BetterNeil Wagner
Meditation changes the brain differently, depending on the type of meditation you practice.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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...
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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%.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
Progress on Two Fronts in Our Understanding of AutismAlice G. Walton
Researchers may have found a treatment for one form of autism.
Read more >
Molecularly Targeted Therapy for Malignant Brain TumorsNicole A. Shonka, M.D. and Mark R. Gilbert, M.D.
Chemotherapies for glioblastomas aim to prevent tumor cell growth or promote cell death.
Read more >
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...
Read more >
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...
Read more >
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
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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
Read more >
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).
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
Fish Oil May Help Prevent PsychosisNeil Wagner
Study finds omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent youth psychosis.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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
Read more >
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.
Read more >
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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