Specialized brain scans may accurately predict whether a psychotic patient will go on to develop treatment-resistant schizophrenia, Dutch researchers report. The scan — called a neuromelanin-sensitive MRI, or NM-MRI for short — zeroes in on a brain pigment called neuromelanin. This pigment can provide visual evidence of healthy dopamine function. Dopamine is a hormone that… read on > read on >
Doctors looking to help their patients head off dementia may want to ask for their address. An international team of researchers has linked accelerated brain aging and a higher risk of thinking declines to living in a poorer neighborhood. “If you want to prevent dementia, and you’re not asking someone about their neighborhood, you’re missing… read on > read on >
A salmon-and-mushroom sushi roll proved deadly for two restaurant patrons in Montana last year, and experts are sounding the alarm on the dangers of undercooked morel mushrooms. A total of 51 patrons at an unnamed restaurant in Bozeman got very ill last April, including the two fatalities, and researchers soon traced the illnesses to undercooked… read on > read on >
Playing fetch or grooming Fido isn’t just good for your precious pooch — it also benefits your brain. Such interactions appear to strengthen brain waves associated with rest and relaxation, South Korean researchers report in the March 13 issue of the journal PLOS One. Their small study compared people’s mood or hormone levels before and… read on > read on >
There’s a toxic stew of chemicals in polluted air that can all trigger asthma attacks in kids, new research shows. Also, where a child lives — for example, near factories or highways — greatly influences how much they’re exposed to these toxins, reports a team from Washington State University in Spokane. “It’s not just one… read on > read on >
Combat veterans who suffered traumatic brain injuries due to explosive blasts may have markers in their spinal fluid similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease, new research finds. “Previous research has shown that moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries may increase a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” said senior study author Dr. Elaine Peskind, of the… read on > read on >
The blockbuster weight-loss medication Zepbound (tirzepatide) appears to help folks quickly shed pounds regardless of how overweight they are, or how long they’ve lived being overweight or obese. Those are the findings of two separate analyses of a major trial of the injected drug that was funded by maker Eli Lilly. “Regardless of baseline BMI,… read on > read on >
Do you struggle to sleep during the week and play catch up on the weekend? Do you toss and turn all night long and start the day in a fog? Are you a napper? Or are you among the lucky folks who have no problem getting enough shuteye? Researchers at Penn State University report that… read on > read on >
College students who use drugs like Adderall to help them focus on their studies may be setting themselves up for trouble. Researchers asked 700 undergraduates across the United States about drugs commonly used by students — including ADHD medications like Adderall, cannabis, nicotine, alcohol, MDMA and ecstasy. They also asked about students’ academic performance and… read on > read on >
Folks with sinus issues often turn to neti pots or “nasal rinsing” to help clear their clogged passages. Unfortunately, too many don’t follow standard advice to avoid using tap water, and that’s leading to sometimes fatal amoebic infections, a new report finds. “A recent study showed that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults think tap water… read on > read on >
