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Maternal depression may alter stress and immune markers in children

New research suggests that depression in women may impact their children's stress and physical well-being, leading to higher cortisol and s-IgA levels. Children of depressed mothers tend to exhibit psychiatric disorders and social withdrawal. Early interventions targeting maternal stress and parenting behavior are advocated.

SourceWiley·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateAug 22, 2018

Marshall School of Medicine research team defines possible anti-aging intervention

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that the Na/K-ATPase oxidant amplification loop plays a key role in aging and may be targeted for anti-aging interventions. Researchers successfully demonstrated the therapeutic potential of pNaKtide, a synthetic peptide, in improving impaired physiological functions.

Is your stress changing my brain?

Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that stress transmitted from others can change the brain in mice, altering CRH neurons that control the brain's response to stress. In females, these effects are reversed after a social interaction, while males do not exhibit this reversal.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 8, 2018

Neuroscientists shed light on causes of postpartum depression using new research model

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a novel preclinical model of postpartum depression, showing the involvement of the HPA axis and specific protein KCC2 in inducing disorder. The study provides empirical evidence that dysregulation of the HPA axis and KCC2 can lead to behaviors mimicking postpartum depression.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateDec 26, 2017

Cannot sleep due to stress? Here is the cure

A study found that octacosanol, a compound rich in sugarcane and other natural products, can reduce stress and restore normal sleep in mildly stressed mice. The researchers also suggest that octacosanol may be useful for treating insomnia caused by stress due to its potential to increase sleep.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 4, 2017

Captive meerkats at risk of stress

New research suggests that captive meerkat groups in zoos are more susceptible to chronic stress due to their small group sizes and constant exposure to human visitors. The study measured stress levels by analyzing hormone samples from the meerkats' droppings, revealing a link between small group sizes and high visitor numbers.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 18, 2017

Stressed snakes strike first

A team of scientists led by Mark Herr found that cottonmouths with high baseline levels of corticosterone were more likely to strike during encounters. The study suggests that protecting snake habitats may reduce the incidence of snakebites and that a snake's striking behavior is related to its baseline level of stress.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology·DateDec 21, 2016