While women’s reaction times and accuracy peak during ovulation, physical activity level plays a far greater role in cognitive performance. Inactive participants had reaction times around 70 milliseconds slower and made three times as many impulsive errors compared to active women, regardless of menstrual phase.
Exercise Boosts Women’s Brain Power More Than Ovulation Timing Read More »
New research shows that our own physical movements can alter how we perceive emotions on others’ faces. In a virtual reality experiment, participants were more likely to judge a face as angry when they actively moved away from it, compared to when the face moved away from them.
Moving Away Makes Faces Seem Angrier Read More »
Researchers have identified two forms of estrogen, estradiol and estriol, that may reduce inflammation and protect nerve fibers in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Using a virus model of the disease, the study found that both hormones lowered spinal cord inflammation, while estradiol significantly preserved the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells.
Pregnancy Hormones Show Promise in Treating Progressive MS Read More »
Hearing their mother’s voice may help premature babies develop stronger language pathways in the brain. In a groundbreaking study, preemies who regularly listened to recordings of their mothers reading had more mature language-related brain connections than those who did not.
Mother’s Voice Boosts Language Development in Babies Read More »
Scientists have discovered a way to induce a hibernation-like state that protects the brain after injury—without using external cooling. By activating a specific population of neurons, researchers created a reversible drop in body temperature that preserved neuron health and improved motor recovery in mice.
Triggered Hypothermia Protects the Brain After Injury Read More »
New research reveals that chemotherapy may cause “chemo brain” by damaging the brain’s lymphatic system — the network responsible for clearing waste and supporting immune function. Using mouse models and human-engineered tissues, scientists found that common drugs like docetaxel shrink lymphatic vessels and impair drainage, leading to memory deficits and cognitive decline.
Lymphatic Damage Tied to Chemo Brain Fog Read More »
A new study reveals that the human brain synchronizes more accurately with rhythm when listening to music than when feeling it through touch. When people tap along to sound, slow rhythmic brain waves align with the perceived beat, helping maintain steady timing.
Why the Brain Feels the Beat Better Through Sound Than Touch Read More »
New research reveals that mental health patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis are more likely to have skin conditions, and that these patients face significantly higher risks of depression and suicidality. In a study of 481 individuals, those with dermatological symptoms such as rashes or itching were over three times more likely to report
Skin Problems Signal Depression and Suicide Risk Read More »
New research reveals that people who have near-death experiences often undergo profound shifts in perspective, purpose, and priorities, but many struggle to integrate these changes into daily life. In a study of 167 individuals, over half sought counseling or support afterward, and those who received validation and understanding found the help most beneficial.
What Happens After a Near-Death Experience? Read More »
A philosophy scholar has developed a practical “decision tree” to help scientists and ethicists evaluate which creatures may be conscious.
Can Animals Feel? A New Roadmap for Consciousness Read More »
