Increasing serotonin can change how people learn from negative information, as well as improving how they respond to it, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications.

A recent review outlines the genetic complexity of schizophrenia, highlighting nearly 300 common genetic variants and over 20 rare variants linked to the disorder. Researchers emphasize that schizophrenia’s genetic basis is multifaceted, involving multiple genes rather than a single cause. Environmental factors like lifestyle and stress also play crucial roles.

Researchers have conducted a study examining the impact of alcohol on the electrical conductivity of the brain, highlighting its sedative effects.

New research indicates that 20% of children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism are also likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with this rate increasing to 36% when there are multiple siblings with ASD.

A new study suggests that the risk of developing dementia in Parkinson’s disease patients may be lower or occur later than previously reported.

An international team of researchers has investigated the neural mechanisms underlying imitative behavior: a phenomenon that facilitates interaction and social cohesion and allows people to engage spontaneously with others. The study—published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)—has uncovered new insights into how the brain regulates this behavior, opening up new perspectives for clinical and therapeutic applications.

Advanced MRI scans, particularly diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), have shown promise in predicting which concussion patients are at risk for long-term symptoms. 

A significant breakthrough in the understanding of sleep mechanism opens new promise for treating sleep disorders and associated neuropsychiatric conditions: Scientists have pinpointed the melatonin receptor MT1 as a crucial regulator of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

Innovative new research has revealed that the activity of different versions of genes expressed in the brain is associated with the accumulation of the protein tau, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Finally this week, western classical music can significantly affect brain activity, particularly in people with treatment-resistant depression. By measuring brainwaves and neural imaging, scientists discovered that music synchronizes neural oscillations between brain regions associated with sensory and emotional processing, enhancing mood.