A new analysis of 44 studies has linked “doomscrolling” to higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress — but for some, information overload may also contribute to a phenomenon one neurologist calls “helicopter brain.” The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, found associations between excessive consumption of negative online content and poorer mental health, although … Read more
You might not turn into a pumpkin, but at midnight, your brain could be undergoing a dramatic transformation. Some researchers call it “Mind After Midnight.” They believe that not getting to bed has effects long before you’re drowsy at work the next day. In the dark of night, your brain changes to become more impulsive, … Read more
Holding your breath may be more than just a good party trick. While it sounds like the last thing you’d want to do to your brain, new research suggests that regularly depriving it of oxygen could come with some surprising benefits. The study authors say their findings could one day pave the way for a … Read more
People obsess over looking younger — but what about staying sharp? For many, the brain isn’t a priority until something goes wrong. But by then, you may have missed the chance to get ahead of the problem. “Basically every single thing that we’re doing now is shaping our brain health down the road,” Dr. Randy … Read more
How can your bones tell you about your brain health? Researchers at Johns Hopkins knew that bone and brain health can both deteriorate with age. They wondered whether the health of one could offer clues about how quickly the other would decline. It might be a way to spot problems in the brain earlier and … Read more
As GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy continue to surge in popularity, experts warn that rapid weight loss and severe caloric restriction could deprive the brain of vital energy and nutrients. Dr. Tommy Wood, a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington, said the drugs’ effects on the brain may depend on whether … Read more
It may be time to take this old-school pastime off the shelf. A growing body of research suggests that a once-beloved childhood hobby, now increasingly falling by the wayside, is linked to better mental health, sharper cognitive skills and even differences in brain structure later in life. “It’s something we ought to be encouraging from … Read more
Next time you have a good, hard think, just know you’re racking your brains. Yes, you read that right — it’s plural. Scientists at Stanford University have discovered that the human brain isn’t one, but two organs. And the revelation could be huge for researching treatment for serious diseases including ALS. Scientists have uncovered an … Read more
The key to slowing deadly brain tumors could be right on our plates. Gliomas are a group of tumors that develop in the brain or spinal cord and can range from slow-growing — like the one Busy Philipps was diagnosed with this year — to highly aggressive, like the ones John McCain, Beau Biden and Sophie … Read more
A brain-boosting nutrient may sharpen your mind but knock years off your life. Research suggests the popular supplement ingredient, widely touted for improving focus and cognitive performance, may have a surprising downside when it comes to longevity. Scientists found that men with higher levels of the substance in their blood tended to have shorter lifespans … Read more
Think pink for better sleep and extra brain benefits. While research is mixed about the benefits of background noise during sleep, many have added apps and ambient sound machines to nighttime routines for reduced clamor and improved rest. And our brains could see a big benefit with sound machines — and one type of static … Read more
Two common GLP-1 weight loss drugs have been linked to a brain condition that can cause permanent brain damage and become deadly. More than one in 10 American adults are now on GLP-1s for weight loss. And while the jabs work to shed pounds and provide a host of other unexpected benefits, they can come … Read more
Slow and steady wins the race. The benefits of exercise for the brain and mood are well documented and worthwhile — even taking a few thousand steps a day can positively affect cognitive function. And whether you love it or hate it, just a few minutes of one exercise in particular can boost brain function … Read more
A personal trainer can help you get jacked, but who do you call for brain gains? That’s where Jim Kwik comes in. The brain coach has worked with Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Alex Rodriguez, Novak Djokovic and Elon Musk’s team at SpaceX, helping them improve focus, memory and mental performance. Kwik, who has spent more … Read more
Are drivers who never learn this skill getting the short end of the stick? Recent research shows that this once-ubiquitous ability is increasingly becoming a lost art. Only 18% of Americans know how to use a stick shift — with the number even lower among younger drivers. In a survey of US drivers, Extreme Terrain … Read more
The best time to start caring for your brain is right now, at any age. That said, middle age or younger is the perfect time, says Dr. Douglas Scharre, a neurologist at at the Ohio State College of Medicine. “Once you start working on your brain health, it could provide a more robust brain reserve which … Read more
There’s a popular belief that weed can’t kill you. While it’s almost impossible to overdose on weed by itself, marijuana use can indirectly cause life-threatening complications. A 15-year-old learned this the hard way, a new case study reveals. His is one of only two recorded cases in teens in which “scromitting,” slang for cannabinoid hyperemesis … Read more
Busy Philipps is “grateful to be alive” after a shocking health scare. The 47-year-old actress revealed this week that doctors discovered a rare, slow-growing malignant tumor in her brain earlier this year, despite her having no obvious symptoms. Philipps opened up about the ordeal in a People cover story published Wednesday, saying she underwent two … Read more
The brain may undergo a notable shift at midlife, as new research suggests that its protective immune cells begin to decline and are increasingly replaced by inflammatory cells at around age 50. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego; New York Genome Center; and University of California, Irvine, found that these brain changes may … Read more
Next time your favorite streaming service asks if you’re still watching, you might want to think twice before hitting “Yes.” Ever since TVs became fixtures in American homes, doctors — and plenty of worried parents — have warned that too much screen time could take a toll on our bodies, brains and social lives. But … Read more