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When chronic stress activates these neurons, behavioral problems like loss of pleasure, depression result

Scientists found that chronic stress increases the activity of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, leading to behaviors such as anhedonia and depression. Inhibiting POMC neuron activity reduced these behavioral changes. The study suggests that POMC neurons play a key role in increasing susceptibility to stress-related behavioral problems.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 24, 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

Repeated psychological stress is linked with irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that chronic social defeat stress (cSDS) induced mice showed higher intestinal transit ratio and visceral pain-related behaviors, similar to IBS. The study suggests that prolonged psychological stress can cause IBS-like symptoms in mice without intestinal lesions.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Researchers confirm stress link in the brain

University of Iowa researchers confirmed a neural circuit linking two brain regions that governs how animals react to stressful situations. The study showed that activating this pathway can revive active coping behaviors and reduce stress hormone release in rats.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Does stress make it more difficult to become pregnant?

Research suggests that stress can affect a woman's probability of becoming pregnant within a menstrual cycle. Women with higher levels of chronic stress had lower fecundability rates compared to those with lower levels. The study found that women with an allostatic load score of 5-6 had a 59% reduction in fecundability.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateSep 21, 2022

Digital training at home to beat lockdown frustration

A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Researchers reveal neuronal mechanism controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure

A recent study revealed the importance of Cav3.1-driven burst firing in the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei in controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure following chronic stress. Enhanced burst firing was correlated with increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced food intake, and decreased energy expenditure.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 2022

Poor sleep and stress exacerbate each other among nurses who work night shift, OSU study finds

A recent study by Oregon State University found that night shift nurses are more likely to suffer from poor sleep, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and inflammation. The researchers also discovered a significant disparity in sleep quality among Black nurses, highlighting the impact of systemic racism on their health.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Chronic stress may impact treatment completion and survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer

A study found that chronic stress, measured by allostatic load, was associated with a lower likelihood of completing chemotherapy and lower overall survival rate in patients with lymph node-positive or high-risk lymph node-negative HER2-negative breast cancer. Allostatic load may be a better predictor than genetic ancestry for chemothe...

Chronic stress may reduce lifespan in wild baboons, according to new multi-decadal study

A new multi-decadal study involving 242 wild female baboons found evidence to support chronic stress as a significant factor affecting survival. High stress levels throughout adult life were linked to shorter lifespans, with females experiencing a loss of 5.4 years of life compared to those with lower stress responses.

Stress on every cell:

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science mapped the entire stress axis in detail, identifying 21,723 cells along the route. They found significant alterations in gene expression and cell changes, particularly in the adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in the stress response.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 1, 2021

Burning out in silence

A study by North Dakota State University and HSE University found a positive correlation between Russian's latent dissent at work and emotional burnout. Employees often express dissent through venting to co-workers or friends rather than management, leading to burnout and work-life imbalance.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Intercultural Communication Research·DateMay 8, 2020

Mouse study reveals how chronic stress promotes cancer, identifies vitamin C as therapy

A new study reveals that chronic stress promotes breast cancer growth and spread by activating a biochemical pathway involving the stress hormone epinephrine. Vitamin C has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent to target this pathway, potentially offering new hope for patients undergoing chronic stress.

The psychobiology of online gaming

A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that healthy gaming experiences are linked to favorable gene expression profiles. The research, led by Dr. Jeffrey Snodgrass, highlights the importance of social connectedness in mitigating negative effects of online gaming.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

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

Keeping up the pressure

Researchers discovered a separate mechanism in the brain that deals only with chronic stress, involving a small group of nerve cells in the paraventricular nucleus. The CRFR1 system is thought to play a role in regulating cortisol levels and may be involved in depression, with patients having more of this receptor than average.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateApr 9, 2017