I’ve read hundreds of diary entries to quantify the restorative power of Scotland’s lochs and rivers

Diary entries revealed people’s strong appreciation of Scotland’s freshwater environments.

Megan Grace, PhD Candidate, Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling • conversation
Sept. 2, 2024 • ~5 min

Blood sugar fluctuations after eating play an important role in anxiety and depression

High-carb diets, especially of ultraprocessed foods, create blood sugar spikes, while diets high in leafy, green vegetables and whole grains are absorbed more slowly and produce smaller fluctuations.

Mary Scourboutakos, Family Medicine Resident and Nutrition Expert, Eastern Virginia Medical School • conversation
Aug. 20, 2024 • ~9 min

Psilocybin legislation is helping psychedelic drugs make a comeback – a drug researcher explains the challenges they face

Pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson as well as smaller startups are investing in psychedelic drug development, and both are pursuing FDA approval for their patented psilocybin formulations.

Benjamin Y. Fong, Drug Researcher and Honors Faculty Fellow, Arizona State University • conversation
Aug. 2, 2024 • ~9 min

Beach cleans aren’t just good for the sea – they can boost your mental health and encourage better behaviour

Litter reduces the beneficial effects of being by the sea.

Kayleigh Wyles, Associate Professor in Environmental Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Plymouth • conversation
July 19, 2024 • ~6 min

Late bedtimes and not enough sleep can harm developing brains – and poorer kids are more at risk

Less sleep and later bedtimes are linked to a section of the brain involved in emotion regulation suffering reduced growth, along with weaker connections to other brain areas.

Melissa Hansen, Ph.D. Candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience, Colorado State University • conversation
July 18, 2024 • ~5 min

Navigating mental health treatment options can be overwhelming – a clinical psychologist explains why it’s worth the effort

Knowing which kind of provider to see and how to access help can be half the battle.

Bryan Cochran, Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training, University of Montana • conversation
July 8, 2024 • ~10 min

Do hormonal contraceptives increase depression risk? A neuroscientist explains how they affect your mood, for better or worse

A neuroscientist explains how hormonal contraceptives work − and how stress may increase or decrease depression risk while on them.

Natalie C. Tronson, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Michigan • conversation
June 24, 2024 • ~7 min

Making art is a uniquely human act, and one that provides a wellspring of health benefits

From drawing to gardening and woodworking, self-expression can lower stress, improve mood and increase self-confidence.

Girija Kaimal, Professor of Art Therapy Research, Drexel University • conversation
June 20, 2024 • ~11 min

Abortion bans are changing what it means to be young in America

The 2022 Dobbs decision that overturned 50 years of abortion rights is affecting where young people choose to go to college, to work and to live, as well as the way they vote.

Julie Maslowsky, Associate Professor of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan • conversation
June 17, 2024 • ~9 min

Simply looking at greenery can boost mental health – new research

You can choose where to look during your daily commute.

Whitney Fleming, Lecturer, School of Environmental & Natural Sciences., Bangor University • conversation
June 11, 2024 • ~5 min

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