When emotions strike, they leave a lasting trace in the brain, reaching far beyond the moment itself. A new study led by Chenyang (Leo) Lin from Boston University reveals that emotional or rewarding experiences can enhance memories of ordinary events that occur just before or after them. The research, published on September 24 in Science Advances, provides evidence that emotions can shape memory retention in specific and measurable ways.
Building meaningful relationships at school could be one of the most effective ways to reduce the negative mental health effects of bullying. A new study led by Tiwaloluwa Ajibewa at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago has found that students who feel connected to their schools report fewer signs of depression, even if they have been bullied. The research analyzed data from more than 2,000 children and highlights how school belonging may protect emotional well-being.
Three decades after its creation, Erowid remains one of the most comprehensive and unconventional databases on psychoactive substances. What began in 1995 as a small, experimental website built by two young graduates has evolved into a vital resource for scientists, doctors, and policymakers around the world. Today, its archives are used by thousands every day, offering rare insights into human interaction with drugs ranging from caffeine to LSD.
Recent research is challenging the long-held assumption that all proteins are created equal. Scientists say this misconception could undermine global health recommendations and nutritional balance, especially among older adults. The findings from researchers in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands indicate that the quality of protein not just its quantity plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle health and preventing disease.
A groundbreaking study has revealed that modern potatoes originated from an ancient cross between a tomato-like plant and a potato relative about 9 million years ago in the Andes. The findings, published in Cell on September 18, shed new light on the genetic origins of one of the world’s most important staple foods.
Read more: Ancient hybrid in the Andes gave rise to today’s potatoes