A new research study, published online by JAMA Psychiatry, showed that the thickening of the cortex in human brain associated with regular meditation or other spiritual or religious practice could be the reason those activities guard against depression. This is especially true for individuals who are genetically predisposed to developing clinical depression. The study was…
DetailsA Michigan State University study shows that 14- and 15-year-olds are at a higher risk of becoming dependent on prescription drugs within a 12-month period after using them extra-medically, or beyond the prescribed amount. The study found that out of about 42,000 respondents, they found that 14- and 15-year-olds were two to three times more…
DetailsThere has been a suggestion in existing body of research indicating a linkage between having a sweet tooth and alcoholism. It has been shown that same regions of the brain are implicated in alcohol and substance abuse as they are in consumption of sweet-tasting foods. Using new brain imaging technique called Functional MRI, researchers have…
DetailsBath salts are powerful stimulants such as cocaine or amphetamines but can they be even more addictive than these well-known dangerously addicting drugs; recent research seems to suggest exactly that!! Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute conducted a study on a chemical compound called “MDPV” which is an illicit drug sold as a bath salt.…
DetailsThis study proved that low dose lithium inhibited GSK-3 (Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3). GSK-3 is an enzyme that is increased in many illnesses (Diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Bipolar Disorder as well as others). As with many things in nature, a balance is necessary. Completely getting rid of GSK-3 increases mortality (Hoeflich et al., 2000, McColl…
DetailsOpioids work due to their effects on specific targets in the brain called “mu” receptors. Drugs that can get attached to these “mu” receptors can have 3 types of effects on them: Full Activation (caused by drugs such as Morphine or Methadone) Partial Activation (effects reaches a plateau) so more drug will not have more…
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