Conflict, a death in the family, financial hardship and serious medical crises are all associated with accelerated physical aging. In a new study, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that such negative fateful life events — or FLEs — appear to also specifically accelerate aging in the brain. Continue reading “Negative fateful life events and the brains of middle-aged men”
The brain learns completely differently than we’ve assumed since the 20th century
The brain is a complex network containing billions of neurons, where each of these neurons communicates simultaneously with thousands of other via their synapses (links). However, the neuron actually collects its many synaptic incoming signals through several extremely long ramified “arms” only, called dendritic trees. Continue reading “The brain learns completely differently than we’ve assumed since the 20th century”
Drinking during adolescence can alter brain cell nerve growth
The developmental period from adolescence to adulthood is accompanied by a greater vulnerability to addictions — including alcohol use disorders — than is seen in other periods of life.
Continue reading “Drinking during adolescence can alter brain cell nerve growth”
Life expectancy significantly worse in deprived areas
Life expectancy and health outcomes worsen the more deprived an area or population is, new research from Cass Business School has found. Continue reading “Life expectancy significantly worse in deprived areas”
Brain combats dementia by shifting resources
The brain continues to put up a fight even as neurodegenerative diseases like dementia damage certain areas and functions. In fact, recent findings in a Baycrest-University of Arizona study suggest that one method the brain uses to counter these diseases is the reassigning of tasks to different regions. Continue reading “Brain combats dementia by shifting resources”
Digital addiction increases loneliness, anxiety and depression
Smartphones are an integral part of most people’s lives, allowing us to stay connected and in-the-know at all times. The downside of that convenience is that many of us are also addicted to the constant pings, chimes, vibrations and other alerts from our devices, unable to ignore new emails, texts and images. Continue reading “Digital addiction increases loneliness, anxiety and depression”
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