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Green neighborhoods may help reduce long-term stress during pregnancy, new study finds

A new study found that living in greener neighborhoods is associated with lower levels of chronic stress hormones, such as cortisol and cortisone, during the second trimester of pregnancy. This discovery has significant implications for urban planners and policymakers seeking cost-effective ways to improve public health and well-being.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·DateJul 19, 2026

‘The cause might be vibrating pipes rather than restless spirits’: increased stress and irritability from infrasound exposure may explain paranormal experiences

Researchers suggest that infrasound, a type of low-frequency sound undetectable by humans, may explain paranormal experiences. Exposure to infrasound has been shown to increase cortisol levels and irritability, even if participants are unaware they are listening to it.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Insilico Medicine nominates ISM6200, a potential best-in-class selective NR3C1 inhibitor for ovarian cancer, Cushing’s Syndrome, hypercortisolism-associated obesity and glaucoma

ISM6200 is a potent, potentially best-in-class preclinical candidate targeting NR3C1 for the treatment of ovarian cancer, Hypercortisolism (Cushing’s Syndrome), and other disorders related to excess cortisol. The molecule demonstrates low DDI risks and higher in vivo efficacy across multiple animal models.

Artificial biosensor can better measure the body’s main stress hormone

A new artificial biosensor developed by University of California, Santa Cruz's Andy Yeh can accurately measure cortisol levels across all relevant ranges for human health. The sensor uses a smartphone camera to detect light emissions, providing high sensitivity and dynamic range for detecting small molecule analytes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 28, 2025

A dental floss that can measure stress

Researchers at Tufts University have created a saliva-sensing dental floss that can accurately measure cortisol, a key indicator of stress. The device uses molecularly imprinted polymers and is comparable in accuracy to existing sensors, making it a promising tool for tracking stress and related conditions.

SourceTufts University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2025

Long-term practice of Transcendental Meditation may reduce both stress and aging

Research at Maharishi International University found that long-term TM practitioners have lower inflammation, slower age-related decline in cognitive function, and reduced cortisol levels, indicating potential benefits for overall health and longevity. The study suggests a protective effect against both stress and aging.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalBiomolecules·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2025

Innovative program helps seniors manage stress

A six-week stress management program, O'stress, has been shown to improve the emotional health of seniors by increasing problem-solving strategies and reducing anxiety. The program also addresses emotional contagion, a significant factor in psychological distress among seniors.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 3, 2025

Waking up is not stressful, study finds

Researchers at the University of Bristol found no increase in cortisol release after waking, contrary to long-held assumptions. The study's findings suggest that daily cortisol rhythms may play a more significant role in regulating stress responses.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2025

How stress knocks out your cognitive reserve

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that stress weakens the association between cognitive reserve and improved cognition in memory clinic patients. Cognitive reserve is built through experiences like higher education and social interactions, but high or persistent stress levels can impair these benefits.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Your unsupportive partner is physically stressing you out

A new study from Binghamton University found that couples who receive more negative social support tend to experience higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress reactions. In contrast, those who receive positive support exhibit lower cortisol levels and feel more understood, validated, and cared for by their partner.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

Sleep and stress give clues to understanding epileptic seizures - study

A recent study discovered two subgroups of people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, one experiencing highest incidence during sleep and the other during daytime. The researchers found that either dynamics of cortisol or sleep stage transition explained most of the observed distributions of epileptiform discharges.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Active children are more resilient

Research found that active children produce less cortisol in stressful situations and exhibit reduced physiological stress reactions. Regular exercise may also help prevent high cortisol levels during exams by creating a positive association with the hormone.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateSep 5, 2023

OSU researchers create artificial enzyme for fast detection of disease-related hormone in sweat

Researchers at Oregon State University have created a portable sensor that can detect cortisol hormone levels in sweat, providing a fast and reliable diagnostic tool for various diseases. The device uses an artificial enzyme to capture cortisol molecules, producing electrical signals that indicate the hormone's presence.

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Discovery in zebrafish may lead to a better understanding of a wide range of mental health disorders related to stress, anxiety

Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified a critical molecule in the development of brain's stress response, which may lead to better understanding of stress-related mental health disorders. Deficiencies in DSCAML1 disrupt brain development and increase cortisol levels, leading to imbalanced stress responses.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateFeb 16, 2023

University of Cincinnati research examines workplace stress in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study from the University of Cincinnati examined workplace stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing that increased workload and perception of COVID-19 exposure were major stressors. The research aimed to provide insights for organizations to reduce workplace stress and improve worker mental health.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Work Exposures and Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 28, 2022

Weighted blanket increases melatonin

A new study from Uppsala University found that using a weighted blanket at bedtime increases melatonin production by about 30 percent. The researchers also discovered that the weight of the blanket (12% of participant's body weight) reduced stress system activity, but had no effect on oxytocin and cortisol levels.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022