Mental Health News
23rd June, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Brain's Focus: How It Stays Sharp
New research reveals how the brain precisely recognizes objects. It uses complex, non-linear interactions between brain cells, balancing stimulating and inhibiting signals. This enhances how specific brain cells respond to visual details, shedding light on our perception.
20th June, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Nature Helps Our Minds Recover
Ever wonder how nature truly heals? New research shows urban parks boost mental recovery not directly, but through perceiving nature, engaging in activities, and feeling connected to the place, all leading to a sense of deep restoration.
27th May, 2025
| Greg Howard
Link Between Antioxidant Vitamins and Teen Mental Health
A Swedish study shows that adolescents who consume more β-carotene and vitamin C experience less anxiety and better quality of life. This suggests that eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables could help address the rising mental health issues among youth.
9th May, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Differences in Local Food Options and Memory Loss in Older Adults
Study from the University of Iowa reveals that older adults in low-income urban areas with limited access to healthy foods experience faster cognitive decline. Addressing food deserts and underlying social factors is essential for improving health outcomes in aging populations.
18th April, 2025
| Greg Howard
Autism-Linked Chemical Affects Adult Social Behavior Despite Small Early Impact
Exposure to p-Cresol during pregnancy, found in industrial fumes and gut bacteria, is linked to autism-like behaviors in mice. The study shows social deficits in adult mice, highlighting the role of environmental chemicals and gut health in brain development.
20th March, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Comparing Pet and Robot Therapy for Children with Autism or Down Syndrome
Research from Aeres University shows that dog-assisted therapy enhances emotional skills in children with autism and Down syndrome more effectively than robot dogs or no treatment. Real dogs uniquely help kids bond and regulate emotions.
2nd March, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How Touching Different Plant Leaves Affects Your Mind and Body
Urban living ramps up stress, but touching plants could help. Konkuk University found that handling smooth foliage lowers stress levels and boosts relaxation, especially for women. These insights advance horticultural therapy, offering nature-based relief for city dwellers.
22nd October, 2024
| Greg Howard
Organic Food During Pregnancy and Child Neurodevelopment
A study from the University of Bergen found that maternal consumption of organic food during pregnancy does not significantly impact ADHD and ASD symptoms in children. The weak associations observed were mainly due to genetic factors rather than diet.
21st July, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Schisandra Berry Helps Treat Depression and Nerve Pain: A Scientific Study
Recent research highlights Schisandra chinensis as a promising treatment for neuropathic pain and depression. By targeting key molecular pathways, this traditional Chinese medicine could offer dual benefits, alleviating both conditions with fewer side effects.
14th July, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Apple Compounds Improve Memory and Gut Health Through the Gut-Brain Connection
Apple polysaccharides (AP) may help combat aging by improving memory, reducing inflammation, and enhancing gut health in aging mice. This study suggests AP could be a promising natural intervention to extend healthspan and tackle age-related diseases.
7th July, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How Eating Rosemary Affects Brain Activity in Healthy People
Recent research from İstanbul Nişantaşı University shows that consuming rosemary extract can boost cognitive function in the short term. EEG data revealed increased brain activity in specific frequency bands, supporting rosemary's traditional and antioxidant benefits.
30th May, 2024
| Greg Howard
Eating Fruits and Vegetables in Midlife May Reduce Depression in Later Years
A study by the National University of Singapore reveals that higher fruit intake in midlife can significantly reduce the risk of depressive symptoms in later years, highlighting the importance of dietary choices for long-term mental health.
15th May, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Natural Remedies for Anxiety Relief During Tooth Extraction: A Clinical Study
A study by the Federal University of Parana found that Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. significantly reduce dental anxiety in patients undergoing molar extractions, offering a natural alternative to traditional anxiety treatments.
6th May, 2024
| Greg Howard
Gotu Kola Extract and Compound Soothe Stress-Induced Depression in Rats
Exploring plant-based remedies, a study finds that Centella asiatica may counteract depression and stress-related changes in the brain from early-life adversity.
5th May, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Air Pollution Links to Dementia Over Time in the UK
Exploring air pollution's role in dementia, a Newcastle study found no strong link, challenging prior research and calling for nuanced, lifecourse-focused analysis.
15th April, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Hop Extract Eases Stress Damage and Depression Signs
Exploring the potential of hop extracts, researchers found they could protect brain cells and reduce inflammation, offering a new dual approach to treating depression.
3rd April, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Lavender Oil Silexan Helps with Mild Depression
A study reveals that silexan, an oral lavender oil extract, may effectively treat depression, showing similar benefits to the antidepressant sertraline with fewer side effects.
30th March, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Flavonoids from Skullcap Boost Brain Repair and Memory via Signaling Pathway
A study shows a potential Alzheimer's treatment using Scutellaria baicalensis; it may improve memory and nerve regeneration by affecting key cellular pathways.
10th March, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Lavender Affects Mood When Using Birth Control Pills
Research suggests that lavender oil capsules may help improve mood and reduce stress for women on birth control pills without affecting anxiety levels.
27th February, 2024
| Jim Crocker
CBD Oil May Reduce Stress in Dogs
A study found CBD reduces stress in dogs during car travel, with significant behavioral and physiological improvements observed compared to a control group. The implications may be far reaching in terms of expanding CBD treatment beyond humans.
21st February, 2024
| Greg Howard
Walks in Nature May Ease Stress for Heart Disease Patients
Exploring the intersection of climate and health, a new study evaluates how different walking environments impact stress responses in heart disease patients during rehab. By monitoring stress indicators, like cortisol levels, and cardiovascular responses to indoor and outdoor exercise, the research aims to enhance cardiac care in the face of a changing climate.
17th February, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Contact with Nature Affects Our Emotions and Coping Skills
A study reveals how nature boosts well-being: frequent engagement lessens distress & enhances emotions. It influences how we regulate feelings, suggesting a 'dose' of nature may be enough for emotional benefits, with effects plateauing after a certain point.
5th February, 2024
| David Palenski
Exploring How Ayahuasca Could Enhance Gratefulness and Nature Bonds
Modern seekers find transformative power in ancient Ayahuasca rituals, with studies showing lasting gratitude and connection to nature post-retreat, hinting at potential for deep societal shifts towards empathy and environmental consciousness.
4th February, 2024
| Mary Jones
How Touching Decorative Grass Benefits Women's Health and Mind
Touching real grass for just five minutes can have a relaxing and focusing effect on the brain, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress, according to a study by Tongji University. This contrasts the no-benefit experience of those who touched artificial turf.
3rd February, 2024
| David Palenski
How Feeling Rushed Distorts Our Big Picture Thinking
Time poverty affects our cognitive processes, making us focus on minute details over overarching reasons, especially with 'have-to' tasks. Studies show intrinsic motivation may help retain a focus on the bigger picture amid the chaos of our packed schedules.
31st January, 2024
| David Palenski
How Nature Views Affect Hospital Recovery Times
Hospital design is embracing nature's healing effects through 'biophilic design', weaving natural elements into acute care settings. Studies reveal psychological benefits like reduced anxiety and depression, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship with therapeutic nature encounters enhanced by technologies like virtual reality.
25th January, 2024
| Phil Stevens
Nature Outings Can Bridge Happiness Gaps Linked to Income
Delving into the power of nature as a societal equalizer, a study by the University of Vienna reveals that engaging with natural spaces can bridge the well-being gap between socio-economic classes, stressing the importance of accessible green spaces for all.
24th January, 2024
| Greg Howard
Being in Nature Boosts Your Mental Focus
New research using brain scans reveals that 40-minute nature walks can enhance executive control in the brain, rejuvenating mental focus unlike walks in urban settings, offering clues into the brain's response to nature.
