Stress influences the brain via the immune system
16 February, 2024Stress increases the migration of white blood cells called monocytes into the vascular system of the brain, particularly into the reward centre regions.
Love scrambles the brain — and scientists can tell us why
14 February, 2024The way that our loved ones take on special importance is due to oxytocin combining with dopamine, a chemical that our brain releases during romantic love.
How aging alters brain cells' ability to maintain memory
09 February, 2024While it is well established that memory can worsen as people age, it has not been clear what changes occur at the individual brain neuron level to cause this.
'Mini placentas' help us better understand pregnancy disorders
07 February, 2024Scientists grew 'mini placentas' in the lab and used them to shed light on how the placenta develops and interacts with the inner lining of the womb.
Placenta cells may lower blood pressure, study finds
06 February, 2024While a drug can reduce high blood pressure, these cells could target inflammation in the arteries caused by hypertension.
Cell-based flu vaccine joins National Immunisation Program
05 February, 2024Cell-based flu vaccines are designed to be a close match to the strains selected by the WHO as likely to be prevalent for the upcoming flu season.
Dopamine release explains why exercise boosts your brain
30 January, 2024We know cardiovascular exercise improves cognitive performance, but the mechanisms behind this process have not been rigorously investigated in humans until now.
Amnesia caused by head injury reversed in mouse study
25 January, 2024Amnesia and poor memory following head injury is due to inadequate reactivation of neurons involved in forming memories — and has the potential to be reversed.
Humidity and temperature affect foetuses' future blood pressure
22 January, 2024Outdoor humidity and temperature levels during pregnancy appear to affect the future blood pressure of the unborn child, according to an international study.
Disrupted sleep in midlife tied to cognition problems later on
15 January, 2024People who have more disrupted sleep in their 30s and 40s may be more likely to have memory and thinking problems a decade later.
Lost brain function can be restored after stroke
11 December, 2023Researchers have succeeded in restoring lost brain function in mouse models of stroke using small molecules, which could in future be developed into a stroke recovery therapy.
Placebos could help to treat depression and ADHD
05 December, 2023Taking into account whether people believe they are receiving a real treatment or a placebo could help improve interventions for conditions such as depression and ADHD.
Exercise boosts cognitive function after a bad night's sleep
04 December, 2023Moderate-intensity exercise can improve cognitive function in people who are sleep deprived and have low levels of oxygen, researchers have found.
Nanoscale probes reveal how cell structure responds to pressure
27 November, 2023By giving living cells a 'poke' and monitoring the results, scientists have gotten their first glimpse of how whole cells respond to external mechanical pressure.
Maternal gut bacteria found to communicate with foetus
17 November, 2023In healthy pregnancy, nanoparticles secreted by maternal gut bacteria migrate to the amniotic fluid, containing molecules derived from bacteria.