Philippe Izmailov's Blog, page 1721

DNA modifications measured in blood signal related changes in the brain

Researchers say they have confirmed suspicions that DNA modifications found in the blood of mice exposed to high levels of stress hormone — and showing signs of anxiety — are directly related to changes found in their brain tissues. Scientists say th

One in three intensive care survivors develop depression that typically manifests as physical symptoms

A third of intensive care patients develop depression that typically manifests as physical, or somatic, symptoms such as weakness, appetite change, and fatigue, rather than psychological symptoms, according to one of the largest studies to investigat

Gulf war illness not in veterans' heads but in their mitochondria

Veterans of the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War who suffer from “Gulf War illness” have impaired function of mitochondria – the energy powerhouses of cells, researchers have demonstrated for the first time. The findings could help lead to new treatments ben

Use of mood-stabilizing drug linked with reduced risk of developing head and neck cancer

A new study indicates that a commonly used mood stabilizing drug may help prevent head and neck cancer. Valproic acid (VPA) is currently prescribed as an anti-seizure medication and mood stabilizer, but it is also being studied as an anticancer agent

Suppressing unwanted memories reduces their unconscious influence on behavior

Researchers have shown that, contrary to what was previously assumed, suppressing unwanted memories reduces their unconscious influences on subsequent behavior, and have shed light on how this process happens in the brain.

New cell type is implicated in epilepsy caused by traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a risk factor for epilepsy. A new study identifies increased levels of a specific neurotransmitter as a contributing factor. The findings suggest that damage to a specific type of brain cell plays a role in the development o

Key breaking point involved in traumatic brain injury modeled by researchers

Even the mildest form of a traumatic brain injury, better known as a concussion, can deal permanent, irreparable damage. Now, an interdisciplinary team of researchers is using mathematical modeling to better understand the mechanisms at play in this

Half of veterans prescribed medical opioids continue to use them chronically

Of nearly 1 million veterans who receive opioids to treat painful conditions, more than half continue to consume opioids chronically or beyond 90 days, new research says. A number of factors were associated with opioid discontinuation with the goal o

Drug war violence in Mexico connected with desensitization in social media

Amid times of crisis, citizens often turn to social media as a method to share information, make observations and vent. But as a professor’s research into social media use amid the Mexican drug war shows, posts can reveal growing numbness, or desensi

Military dads have to re-learn parenting after deployment

Fathers who returned after military service report having difficulty connecting with young children who sometimes don’t remember them, according to a study released this week. While the fathers in the study had eagerly anticipated reuniting with thei