Brain hardwired to respond to others’ itching
Some behaviors — yawning and scratching, for example — are socially contagious, meaning if one person does it, others are…
Author Washington University School of Medicine
Early signs of anxiety and depression may be evident in newborns
Early predictors of anxiety and depression may be evident in the brain even at birth, suggests a study at Washington…
Drug compound halts Alzheimer’s-related damage in mice
Under ordinary circumstances, the protein tau contributes to the normal, healthy functioning of brain neurons. In some people, though, it…
Many smokers with serious mental illness want to kick habit
Among American adults who have a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or clinical depression, 57 percent are…
Study details the molecular roots of Alzheimer’s disease
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have detailed the structure of a molecule that has been…
Depressed children respond differently to rewards than other kids
For many children, December often is linked to presents and excitement, but when a young child doesn’t seem all that…
Earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis may be possible with new imaging compound
By the time unambiguous signs of memory loss and cognitive decline appear in people with Alzheimer’s disease, their brains already…
Brain scans of children with Tourette’s offer clues about disorder
Using MRIs, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified areas in the brains of children…
Ability to turn off genes in brain crucial for learning and memory
Every time you play a game of basketball, make a cup of coffee or flick on a light switch, you…
Measuring damage to brain networks may aid stroke treatment, predict recovery
Close to half a million people survive strokes every year in the United States, and many are left with long-term…
As more states legalize marijuana, adolescents’ problems with pot decline
A survey of more than 216,000 adolescents from all 50 states indicates the number of teens with marijuana-related problems is…
Brain scans reveal that tau protein predicts Alzheimer’s disease progression
A buildup of plaque and dysfunctional proteins in the brain are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. While much Alzheimer’s research has…
This small brain area plays a key role in making everyday decisions
Choosing what shirt to buy, what to order for lunch or whether to go with the hearty red wine or…
Breast milk linked to significant early brain growth in preemies
Feeding premature babies mostly breast milk during the first month of life appears to spur more robust brain growth, compared…
Receptors inside nerve cells may be a key to controlling pain
In real estate, location is key. It now seems the same concept holds true when it comes to stopping pain.…