Scientists may now be able to catch dementia earlier than ever before
A new study in the Annals of Neurology tracked a protein known as NPTX2, which is present in spinal fluid. The researchers found that declining levels of this protein could indicate cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s dementia. Scientists hope this discovery leads to preventative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (Johns Hopkins University).
Are eyes the windows to our mental health?
Our pupils control how much light is allowed into our eyes, but they can also signal different states of arousal. If we’re stressed or panicked, they grow big – then constrict back to normal when we’re feeling calm. New research published in Nature Human Behavior shows that the ability to control your pupil size can help control your anxiety. Scientists believe VR headsets can aid in training people how to regulate this arousal response and lower stress levels (ETH Zurich).
A new mouse study may improve diabetes treatments
Research published in Cell Metabolism discovered a hormone that makes insulin work better in mice and rats. The presence of the hormone GDF15 increased insulin sensitivity and helped the animals regulate their blood sugar. More research is needed to understand how exactly this stress hormone is connected to diabetes and obesity (University of Copenhagen).
The neighborhood playground may be holding onto more than just childhood memories
Research published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters found that some city parks have elevated levels of lead in their soil. Playgrounds that’ve been built on former waste incinerator sites can still hold that pollution and expose young children to the chemicals. Some samples the scientists collected contained lead levels that are five times higher than U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for safe soil in children’s play areas. New technology hopes to make sampling and monitoring easier in order to keep our kids safe (Duke University).
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