'From Magic Mushrooms to Big Pharma' – a college course explores nature's medicine cabinet and different ways of healing

An anthropology course explores how peoples and cultures around the world use nature-based medicines to heal.

Heather McIlvaine-Newsad, Professor of Anthropology, Western Illinois University • conversation
June 9, 2023 ~6 min

Rhythmically stimulating the brain with electrical currents could boost cognitive function, according to analysis of over 100 studies

Transcranial alternating current stimulation, or tACS, is a type of brain stimulation that can change neural activity and improve memory, attention and executive function.

Shrey Grover, Ph.D. Candidate in Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University • conversation
May 24, 2023 ~6 min


Trans joy and family bonds are big parts of the transgender experience lost in media coverage and anti-trans legislation

Trans motherhood showcases the unique joys of being transgender, be it through developing a deeper connection with one’s own child or caring for others in one’s community.

Derek P. Siegel, Ph.D. Candidate, Sociology, UMass Amherst • conversation
May 22, 2023 ~11 min

Mindfulness, meditation and self-compassion – a clinical psychologist explains how these science-backed practices can improve mental health

Many studies show that consistent meditation practice lowers depression, anxiety and self-criticism.

Rachel Goldsmith Turow, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Population Health Science and Policy, Seattle University • conversation
May 5, 2023 ~10 min

Poverty hurts young brains but social safety net may help

Study finds aid programs cut disparities in brain structure and mental health, especially in states where the cost of living is high.

Christy DeSmith • harvard
May 2, 2023 ~6 min

The thinking error that makes people susceptible to climate change denial

A psychologist explains how opponents of climate policies use a common thinking error to manipulate the public – and why people are so susceptible.

Jeremy P. Shapiro, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University • conversation
May 2, 2023 ~8 min

Expanding our understanding of gut feelings

Women who suppressed emotions had less diverse microbiomes in a study that also found a specific bacterial link to happiness.

BWH Communications • harvard
April 27, 2023 ~4 min

Problems with ‘pruning’ brain connections linked to adolescent mental health disorders

Problems with the brain’s ability to ‘prune’ itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during

Cambridge University News • cambridge
April 24, 2023 ~6 min


Depression too often gets deemed 'hard to treat' when medication falls short

An overreliance on medication as the first-line treatment for depression can lead some people to be labeled with treatment-resistant depression when there are other viable alternatives for relief.

Jay Kayser, PhD Student in Social Work and Developmental Psychology, University of Michigan • conversation
March 15, 2023 ~12 min

Robots can help improve mental wellbeing at work – as long as they look right

Robots can be useful as mental wellbeing coaches in the workplace – but perception of their effectiveness depends in large part on what the robot looks like.

Cambridge University News • cambridge
March 15, 2023 ~6 min

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