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Elsevier


Depressive ruminations and the idling brain

A recent study by Dr. J. Paul Hamilton and colleagues reveals that depressive ruminations are linked to the subgenual prefrontal cortex and default mode network, suggesting a functional integration of these brain regions that supports rumination in depression. This understanding may provide new insights into the treatment of depression.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 30, 2015

Geography, skills, local companies affect higher education impact on economic development

A new study suggests that higher education's impact on economic development is influenced by geography, available skills, and knowledge, as well as networks of local companies. The research highlights the importance of considering these contextual factors in policy-making to maximize the positive effects of investment in education.

SourceElsevier·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Development·DateJul 28, 2015

Synthetic coral could remove toxic heavy metals from the ocean

Researchers developed a new material that mimics the structure of coral, a natural adsorbent of heavy metals, and found it could remove around 2.5 times more mercury from water than traditional aluminium oxide nanoparticles. The synthetic coral-like material has potential applications in environmental remediation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJul 23, 2015

Keep fears at bay by learning something new

Researchers find that presenting a new outcome instead of omitting an expected threat can lead to more effective fear extinction in both rats and humans. The study's findings have implications for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and phobias.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 20, 2015

Could dissolvable microneedles replace injected vaccines?

A new vaccine patch made of dissolvable material has been shown to be effective in protecting against flu infection, with an immune reaction equal to or stronger than traditional needle-delivered vaccines. The patch is easy to use without medical personnel, making it ideal for developing countries.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 14, 2015

Male black widow spiders destroy female's web to deter rivals

In a surprising display of courtship behavior, male black widow spiders destroy large sections of the female's web and wrap it up in their own silk. This home-wrecking behavior makes the web less attractive to rival males, potentially protecting the female from harassment and allowing her to focus on parenting.

SourceElsevier·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJul 13, 2015

Inflaming the drive for suicide

Researchers found elevated cytokine levels in blood and brain of individuals with suicidality, distinguishing them from non-suicidal patients. This study contributes to understanding the role of immune system dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders, potentially leading to more personalized medicine.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 24, 2015

Longitudinal brain changes during transition from adolescence to adulthood found in ASD

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reveals longitudinal brain changes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during late adolescence and young adulthood. The research found that these individuals experienced an exaggeration of normal cortical thinning, which wa...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 11, 2015

Early intensive intervention improves outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder

A recent study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry demonstrates that early intensive behavioral intervention improves outcomes for young children with ASD, including intellectual ability and adaptive behavior. The study found no group differences in core autism symptoms immediately post-treat...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 10, 2015

Dopamine signals the value of delayed rewards

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that dopamine signals the value of delayed rewards, revealing a sophisticated role in guiding decision-making behavior. The research used rodent models to examine the neurotransmitter's dynamic tracking of specific elements of value-based decision making.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 11, 2015

No quick fixes for developing world's solid waste management crisis

A study published in Waste Management highlights the need for a multi-dimensional approach to managing solid waste in developing countries. The research emphasizes the importance of considering environmental, socio-cultural, legal, institutional, and economic linkages in implementing effective waste management systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalWaste Management·DateApr 29, 2015

Human hunting weapons may not have caused the demise of the Neanderthals

A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution suggests that technological innovations in hunting weapons may not have been a driving force behind the colonization of Europe by anatomically modern humans. The researchers found that stone tools used by humans around 40,000 years ago appeared in Europe earlier than previously th...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateApr 28, 2015

Is there such a thing as 'pure' autism?

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found no genome-wide significant associations between genetic variants and autism spectrum disorder. Instead, the researchers suggest that clinical variability in autism may be due to factors such as epigenetic changes or environmental responses. The study's results have implications for f...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 20, 2015

Beta secretase inhibitors to treat Alzheimer's disease

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that beta secretase inhibitors can impair synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions, highlighting the need for dose-dependent treatment. The researchers urge caution in dosing these inhibitors to balance safety and efficacy.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 2, 2015

DNA-directed RNA transcription may have profound adaptability

Researchers used single-cell transcriptogenomics to study the cell's defense mechanisms and found that DNA-directed RNA transcription can exclude ENU-mutated alleles, preventing them from being expressed. This novel mechanism may provide a new approach to understanding aging and disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalMutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis·DateMar 11, 2015

Antibodies to brain proteins may trigger psychosis

A new study has identified antibodies targeting dopamine D2 receptors and NMDA glutamate receptors in children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. This finding suggests that autoimmunity may play a role in the development of psychosis, offering hope for new treatment approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2015

An alternative to medical marijuana for pain?

Researchers discover cannabinoid CB2 agonist AM1710 suppresses chemotherapy-induced pain in mice without tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. The therapeutic effect of AM1710 is preserved even after repeated dosing and blocking CB1 receptors produces no signs of withdrawal.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 4, 2015

Family-based interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed preadolescents

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that Family Based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) is more effective than child-centered therapy (CCT) in treating preadolescent children with depression. Preadolescents with depressive symptoms are at increased risk of experien...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 3, 2015

Licorice manufacturers encouraged to state daily limit of consumption

A 10-year-old boy developed seizures and hypertension after consuming excessive licorice sweets. The case study highlights the dangers of overconsumption of glycyrrhizic acid in licorice, a risk particularly high for children with low body weight. Manufacturers are urged to state recommended daily limits as a safety measure.

SourceElsevier·JournalPediatric Neurology·DateMar 2, 2015