The NIH has awarded $3.9 million in new grants to support innovative treatments for autism and establish a nationwide network of major research centers. The grants will focus on aspects such as speech therapy, imitation skills, and biological effects of medications.
Researchers at NIMH found that brain activity patterns are unique to each category of object, with even weak responses conveying information about attributes. The study suggests a 'topography' of responses in the ventral temporal lobe of the visual cortex, enabling the brain to represent complex attributes of objects and faces
Researchers found that a new depression treatment approach, funded by NIMH, significantly reduces patient suffering and is cost-effective. The study's two-year data showed improved outcomes for patients receiving the intervention, which included training and resources for clinicians and medication or psychotherapy.
Researchers discovered that HIV DNA serves as a template to produce viral proteins Nef and Tat, bringing CD4 T cells out of their resting state. Non-integrated HIV DNA contributes to disease progression, despite not producing new viruses.
A strong association has been found between depression and osteoporosis, with depressed individuals experiencing lower bone mineral density. Research suggests that depression may contribute to hormonal abnormalities leading to bone loss and changes in body composition.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has named 25 new Outreach Partners for its Constituency Outreach and Education Program, bringing the total number of Partners to 43. These partners will deliver science-based mental health information to the public and healthcare professionals through various outreach programs.
A preliminary study suggests that estrogen can effectively boost mood in women experiencing depression during perimenopause. The hormone significantly improved symptoms such as early morning awakening and loss of enjoyment, with relief achieved within three weeks.
Researchers found that plasma exchange and IVIG relieve neuropsychiatric symptoms in children with tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with symptom improvements lasting up to a year. The study suggests these treatments may be effective for a subgroup of children with strep-triggered disorders, but not all cases.
Researchers tested human subjects with fMRI scans to show that focusing attention on a single stimulus cancels out suppressive influences of nearby stimuli, improving information processing. This effect is observed in the object vision circuit and is enhanced by spatially directed attention.
A new study suggests that blocking glutamate activity may prevent schizophrenia-like behavior in rats. Using an experimental compound, researchers found that doses of PCP no longer triggered behavioral abnormalities when glutamate levels were normalized.
A landmark study found that behavioral interventions can cut high-risk sexual behaviors in half and more than double regular condom use among hardest-to-reach populations. The intervention, which focuses on motivation and skills to reduce high-risk behaviors, was effective in reducing gonorrhea incidence by half among men.
The symposium brings together experts to present on recent findings in the science of emotion, including how environment impacts brain development and can affect emotional health. Researchers will also share insights into the effects of early nurturing and experiences on emotional memory and trauma.
Scientists have identified a specific area in the human brain that temporarily stores information about spatial locations, solving a decade-long puzzle. The discovery sheds light on how our brains process spatial working memory and its connection to other cognitive abilities.
A study by NIMH researchers suggests that female sex hormones trigger PMS symptoms, but the susceptibility to these symptoms in some women remains unexplained. Researchers found no differences between women with PMS and those without when hormone levels were artificially manipulated.
Millions of Americans experience social phobia, a fear of embarrassment or disapproval in social situations, which can lead to debilitating symptoms like blushing, sweating, and nausea. Effective treatments include medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and a combination of both.
In a breakthrough study, scientists found that fruit flies' clock genes respond in unison to environmental light manipulations, indicating independent operation outside the brain. This discovery suggests that cells harbor novel photoreceptors and challenges traditional views of circadian rhythm regulation.
The study found that people with the 4/4 variant are 15 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those with the 3/3 variant. In contrast, individuals with the 2/3 genotype appear to be protected from developing AD due to the presence of the protective 2 allele.
A longitudinal brain imaging study found progressive abnormal brain development in schizophrenia, particularly enlarged ventricles and reduced total cerebral volume. This may provide insights into the risk factors and neurodevelopmental abnormalities involved in the disorder.
The NIH study aims to determine if St. John's Wort is effective in treating moderate depression, a condition affecting over 17 million Americans annually. The three-year trial will enroll 336 patients and compare the herb's efficacy with an SSRI antidepressant.
A review of 90 animal studies suggests that diet pills containing fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine can cause permanent loss of serotonin nerve terminals in the brain. This damage may lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, cognitive problems, and sleep disturbances.
Research suggests that fact memory can be preserved despite hippocampal damage, offering new hope for children with memory problems. The study's findings have implications for healthcare professionals and teachers in assessing and educating children with special needs.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that depression increases a woman's risk for broken bones, particularly hip fractures. Women with major depression had significantly lower bone mineral density compared to their age-matched controls.
Researchers found that identical twins with differing tic severities had higher binding to D2 dopamine receptors in the caudate nucleus. This finding suggests that environmental influences modify Tourette Syndrome expression, contrary to previous studies suggesting a fixed genetic component.
A comprehensive brain imaging study confirms subtle structural abnormalities in the brain circuit responsible for executive functions in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study found smaller right hemisphere brain structures and abnormally symmetrical brains in boys with ADHD.
A study by NIH scientists found that individuals with dyslexia exhibit no activation in the V5/MT brain area, which specializes in movement perception. This suggests trouble processing specific visual information and may contribute to reading disabilities characteristic of dyslexia.