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6 daily habits to slow aging, from a Harvard brain expert
Harvard scientist Rudolph Tanzi shares his plan for brain health and aging well, including habits for sleep, stress and social interaction.
Fiorentina fans remain idiots, earn season-long travel ban
As usual, a few smooth-brained morons had to ruin things for everyone else.
Opinion: What ‘Steal a Brainrot’ means for the future of youth entertainment
When you Google “Steal a Brainrot,” it’s hard to discern which sources are credible — largely because I’ve never played and have no barometer for what is accurate, but also because there are no peer-reviewed secondary sources on the game. There is no concrete documentation informing the mechanics of “Steal a Brainrot” besides “Brainrot Wiki”...
A “dormant” brain protein turns out to be a powerful switch
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have uncovered a surprising new way to influence brain activity by targeting a long-mysterious class of proteins linked to anxiety, schizophrenia, and movement disorders. Once thought to be mostly inactive, these proteins—called GluDs—turn out to play an active role in how brain cells communicate and form connections.
Hear from a survivor: Protect against brain injury while participating in winter sports
The Brain Injury Association of Maryland talks with Jenyne Donaldson about protecting against injury when participating in winter sports.
Scientists find ‘master regulator’ that could reverse brain aging
Researchers have identified OTULIN, an immune-regulating enzyme, as a key trigger of tau buildup in the brain. When OTULIN was disabled, tau vanished from neurons and brain cells remained healthy. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about tau’s necessity and highlight a promising new path for fighting Alzheimer’s and brain aging. Scientists now believe OTULIN may act as a master switch for inflammation and age-related brain decline.
The Brain Health Wake-Up Call
Brain health is built daily. Science, lifestyle, and nutrition can shape focus, memory, and resilience at every age.
Near-death experiences remain a mystery that science can’t explain
A new study explains why current brain theories fail to fully explain near-death experiences and consciousness.
Scientists Preparing to Simulate Human Brain on Supercomputer
Researchers at the Jülich Research Centre in Germany are working on a simulation at the scale of the entire human brain.
Memory loss does not progress the way scientists once thought
New research reveals memory loss with age follows a curved pattern, linked to widespread brain shrinkage rather than a single gene.
How Curt Cignetti built college football's best staff
Inside the loyal brain trust powering Indiana—OC Mike Shanahan, DC Bryant Haines—and the "production over potential" hiring that built college football's best staff.
This may be the grossest eye pic ever—but the cause is what’s truly horrifying
Hypervirulent germ nearly destroys man, invading brain and blowing out an eye.
The Best Hobbies for Brain Health Have These 3 Things in Common, Neurologist Says
In TODAY.com's Expert Tip of the Day, a neurologist reveals how to choose a hobby with the most potential brain benefits.
Scientists found hidden synapse hotspots in the teen brain
Scientists have discovered that the adolescent brain does more than prune old connections. During the teen years, it actively builds dense new clusters of synapses in specific parts of neurons. These clusters emerge only in adolescence and may help shape higher-level thinking. When the process is disrupted, it could play a role in conditions like schizophrenia.
John Mellencamp says daughter, former 'RHOBH' star Teddi Mellencamp, is 'suffering' amid cancer battle
John Mellencamp says his daughter Teddi Mellencamp, a former 'Real Housewives' star, is 'suffering," following a 2022 brain cancer diagnosis.
A Healthy Brain
Even when so much is happening in the world, it’s important to take care of your brain health. Our Well desk shares tips.
TBICoE Education Series: Performance Nutrition After TBI
This TBICoE virtual training examines the critical role of nutrition, supplementation, and gut health in optimizing recovery and performance following TBI. Participants will learn how specific diets and evidence-based supplements can help heal the brain, lower inflammation, and improve thinking and energy.
The history and science behind why we're all vulnerable to brainwashing
We tend to associate “brainwashing” with cults and hostages, but author and science historian Rebecca Lemov says it can happen to anyone. Her new book “The Instability of Truth" explores the history and science of brainwashing and what it can teach us with misinformation on the rise.
8 ways to boost brain health and reduce your risk of developing dementia
Dementia affects more than 6 million Americans and is blamed for more than 100,000 deaths every year.
Jesuit twin brothers, one who overcame rare brain condition, choose different sporting passions
Jesuit High School
Astronaut With Mystery Health Issue Forces NASA's First Medical Evacuation from Space
NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 mission is ending early to bring back a member with a medical issue. Astronauts who spend a long time in space may have brain changes, 'baby feet' and more.
The week in politics (Jan. 14, 2026)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup. And a series of upcoming performances explores how creativity works in the human brain.
Scientists identify target to treat devastating brain disease
OHSU researchers use near-atomic imaging to find promising target for ‘Brain on Fire’ condition.
Massive brain study reveals why memory loss can suddenly speed up with age
A massive international brain study has revealed that memory decline with age isn’t driven by a single brain region or gene, but by widespread structural changes across the brain that build up over time. Analyzing thousands of MRI scans and memory tests from healthy adults, researchers found that memory loss accelerates as brain tissue shrinkage increases, especially later in life. While the hippocampus plays a key role, many other brain regions also contribute, forming a broad vulnerability rather than isolated damage.
Scientists found the brain rhythm that makes your body feel like yours
A new study reveals that alpha brain waves help the brain decide what belongs to your body. Faster rhythms allow the brain to match sight and touch more precisely, strengthening the feeling that a body part is truly yours. Slower rhythms blur that timing, making it harder to separate self from surroundings. The findings could improve prosthetic design and immersive virtual experiences.
6 super simple ways to have a younger brain into your 60s
It's important to treat your brain like a retirement fund — the earlier you invest, the better it pays off. Building brain health with movement and mental curiosity helps keep your mind's wiring...
'Big Science, Small Pod' podcast: What makes seizures start?
Neurobiologist Matthew Weston explains what happens in the brain during seizures and how his lab is researching their genetic roots to help develop new treatments for children.
So our brains aren’t full of microplastics after all?
The research on microplastics in our bodies is terrifying. It might also be wrong.
New study finds astronauts' brains change after space travel
Following spaceflight, the brain shifts "upward and backward within the skull", with sensory and motor regions showing the largest shift, the study found.
A hidden brain signal may reveal Alzheimer’s long before diagnosis
Researchers have discovered a brain activity pattern that can predict which people with mild cognitive impairment are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Using a noninvasive brain scanning technique and a custom analysis tool, they detected subtle changes in electrical signals tied to memory processing years before diagnosis. The findings point to a new way of spotting Alzheimer’s early—by listening directly to how neurons behave.
From Borges to Jennifer Aniston: Science begins to illuminate the mysteries of memory
How do cell phones affect our memories? What percentage of them are imagined? A group of neuroscientists is trying to unravel the secrets of one of the brain’s most common and least understood functions
Women's health research | FOX 13 Tampa Bay
Research shows that hormone replacement therapy can help reduce brain inflammation and diseases. FOX 13's Danielle Zulkosky reports.
AI can now 'see' optical illusions. What does it tell us about our own brains?
Our eyes can frequently play tricks on us, but scientists have discovered that some artificial intelligence can fall for the same illusions.
Opinion - Richard Nelson: Raising state's sports gambling age to 21 should be a 'no-brainer'
Sports gambling has gone mainstream, sweeping the country. Today, 39 states have legalized it, including Kentucky. Unlike most states, Kentucky allows 18-year-olds to gamble on sporting events — 32 of the 39 states set the minimum age at 21. Perhaps the state legislature overlooked this detail when mainstreaming sports gambling in 2023. But considering the...
Brain Game: Triangle Math & Science Academy vs Lee Early College
Academic teams from Triangle Math & Science Academy and Lee Early College face off in the Jan. 10, 2026, edition of Brain Game.
Doctor reveals what 30 days without alcohol does to the brain and body amid Dry January
Experts explain how Dry January can transform your health in 30 days. Learn about the benefits of taking an alcohol break and what happens to your body.
Scientists Discover The Brain's "Motivation Brake", Revealing Why Eating The Frog Can Be So Damn Hard
No motivation? You’re not alone.
Promoter Peachtree Entertainment Adds Brain Lowe As Talent Buyer, Names Candice Baker Director of Touring
Independent concert promoter Peachtree Entertainment has added two industry veterans to its team, with Brian Lowe named talent buyer and Candice Baker named
I lost my daughter and discovered a terrifying legal reality
Shawnee Baker's daughter had catastrophic brain injuries and was kept on life support. She didn't have a healthcare proxy allowing her to die.
Brain Health Challenge: Doctor Appointments for Your Mind and Body
When was the last time you checked your blood pressure? Today, use a checklist to stay healthy in body and mind.
STAFF NOTE: Our Small Businesses Need Some Love
I may not have every area business organized alphabetically in my brain, but I do spend an above-average amount of time researching and writing about Chippewa Valley businesses. It doesn’t take a trench coat-wearing, magnifying-glass wielding detective to see quite a few of them have been
This brain trick makes exercise feel easier
Exercise doesn’t just challenge the body; it challenges how the brain interprets effort. Scientists discovered that vibrating tendons before cycling allowed people to push harder without feeling like they were working more. Their muscles and hearts worked overtime, but their sense of strain stayed the same. This brain-body mismatch could one day help make exercise feel less intimidating, especially for people who struggle to stay active.
Health Rounds: AI uses sleep study data to accurately predict dozens of health issues
Artificial intelligence can use brain recordings from a single night in a sleep lab to predict a person's risk of developing more than 100 health conditions, researchers say.
Brain Health Challenge: Workouts to Strengthen Your Brain
To strengthen your brain, exercise is essential. Today, we’ll help you find a new routine.
Top small business ideas for 2026: Start & succeed
Explore the best small business ideas for 2026—wellness, tech, sustainability, and more. Start with low capital and grow by solving real needs.
Young dementia victim from Dereham dies leaving brain to science
Andre Yarham dies aged 24 after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia a year earlier.
Brain Health Challenge: Try the MIND Diet
Today, we’ll show you how to eat more of them.
Lego’s Smart Brick Gives the Iconic Analog Toy a New Digital Brain
The new sensor-packed Smart Play Brick will land this spring as part of a special Star Wars collection. The update adds interactive lights and sound to the Lego experience—including the Minifigs.
Evangeline Lilly says she has brain damage after hitting her head on rock
Evangeline Lilly says she has brain damage, months after fainting and hitting her head on a rock while at the beach.
It’s all mental: Science-backed tips to get you moving in 2026
Is this the year you – finally – incorporate exercise into your routine? An expert in the brain-body relationship, Assistant Professor Marcelo Bigliassi offers advice to get started and keep going.
First US at-home depression kit on its way after trial shows benefits in weeks
In a major shift for how mental health conditions might be treated, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first at-home brain-stimulation device to treat moderate to severe major depressive disorder (MDD).
Brain Health Challenge: Test Your Knowledge of Healthy Habits
It’s never too early or too late to start healthy brain habits. Today, test your knowledge with a pop quiz.
The NFL’s harebrained division does it yet again
Welcome to The Pulse, The Athletic's daily sports newsletter.
AI may not need massive training data after all
New research shows that AI doesn’t need endless training data to start acting more like a human brain. When researchers redesigned AI systems to better resemble biological brains, some models produced brain-like activity without any training at all. This challenges today’s data-hungry approach to AI development. The work suggests smarter design could dramatically speed up learning while slashing costs and energy use.
'Marvel' star left with brain damage after freak accident, faces uphill health battle
Actress Evangeline Lilly shares a sobering update on her condition and the long-term impact the incident as caused.
Brain Game: Triangle Math & Science Academy vs. Lee Early College
Academic teams from Triangle Math & Science Academy and Lee Early College face off in the Jan. 3, 2026, edition of Brain Game.
This ancient fossil could rewrite the story of human origins
Scientists may have cracked the case of whether a seven-million-year-old fossil could walk upright. A new study found strong anatomical evidence that Sahelanthropus tchadensis was bipedal, including a ligament attachment seen only in human ancestors. Despite its ape-like appearance and small brain, its leg and hip structure suggest it moved confidently on two legs. The finding places bipedalism near the very root of the human family tree.
A weak body clock may be an early warning for dementia
Your daily rhythm may matter more for brain health than previously thought. Older adults with weaker, more disrupted activity patterns were far more likely to develop dementia than those with steady routines. A later daily energy peak was also linked to higher risk. The study points to the body clock as a possible early warning sign for cognitive decline.
The hidden timing system that shapes how you think
The brain constantly blends split-second reactions with slower, more thoughtful processing, and new research shows how it pulls this off. Scientists discovered that brain regions operate on different internal clocks and rely on white matter connections to share information across these timescales. The way this timing is organized affects how efficiently the brain switches between activity patterns tied to behavior. Differences in this system may help explain why people vary in cognitive ability.
A hidden brain problem may be an early warning for Alzheimer’s
Researchers discovered that clogged brain “drains” show up early in people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These blockages, easily seen on standard MRI scans, are tied to toxic protein buildup linked to memory loss and cognitive decline. In some cases, they may signal Alzheimer’s earlier than other commonly used brain markers. This could help physicians detect the disease earlier, before irreversible damage sets in.
The Science Behind Better Visualizing Brain Function
The Science Behind Better Visualizing Brain Function: Fluorescent trackers are helping scientists study the mind in real-time
The Science Behind Better Visualizing Brain Function
Fluorescent trackers are helping scientists study the mind in real-time
Video: Why Exercise Is the Best Thing for Your Brain Health
Research shows that people who exercise regularly tend to perform better on attention, memory and executive functioning tests. Dana G. Smith, a reporter for Well, explains.
A "herculean" genetic study just found a new way to treat ADHD
Attention depends on the brain’s ability to filter out distractions, but new research suggests this works best when background brain activity is quieter. Scientists found that lowering certain versions of the Homer1 gene improved focus in mice by calming neural noise. The effect was strongest during a critical developmental window. This approach could inspire new treatments for ADHD that work by reducing mental clutter instead of increasing stimulation.
Brain organoids are helping researchers, but their use also creates unease
Pea-size clusters of human cells called brain organoids inspire both hope and fear. Experts are debating how scientists can responsibly use these bits of gray matter.
6 pillars of a healthier lifestyle in 2026, from experts on staying young
An NFL neurosurgeon and a brain health expert reveal longevity secrets beyond typical resolutions, including the surprising benefits of not retiring early.
Elon Musk says Neuralink will ramp up production of brain-chip implants in 2026
Elon Musk said that Neuralink implants will move to an "almost entirely automated surgical procedure in 2026."
Researchers find ADHD strengths linked to better mental health
New research reveals a brighter side of ADHD, showing that adults who recognize and use their strengths feel happier, healthier, and less stressed. People with ADHD were more likely to identify traits like creativity, humor, and hyperfocus as personal strengths. Across the board, using these strengths was linked to better quality of life and fewer mental health symptoms. The study suggests that embracing strengths could be a game-changer for ADHD support.
Researchers find ADHD strengths linked to better mental health
New research reveals a brighter side of ADHD, showing that adults who recognize and use their strengths feel happier, healthier, and less stressed. People with ADHD were more likely to identify traits like creativity, humor, and hyperfocus as personal strengths. Across the board, using these strengths was linked to better quality of life and fewer mental health symptoms. The study suggests that embracing strengths could be a game-changer for ADHD support.
9 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health in 2026
These tips will help refresh your mind and bolster your brain.
Novo Nordisk's 'long game' on weight loss drugs sparks hope in science, but the Street is impatient
The medicine developed by the100-year old Danish drugmaker may impact patients' brains in surprising ways
5 celebrities who went public with alarming health diagnoses in 2025
Celebrity health battles dominated 2025 as stars faced serious diagnoses, from brain aneurysms to cancer. Kim Kardashian, Dave Coulier and others shared struggles.
The brain has a hidden language and scientists just found it
Researchers have created a protein that can detect the faint chemical signals neurons receive from other brain cells. By tracking glutamate in real time, scientists can finally see how neurons process incoming information before sending signals onward. This reveals a missing layer of brain communication that has been invisible until now. The discovery could reshape how scientists study learning, memory, and brain disease.
ADHD drugs don’t work the way we thought
ADHD stimulants appear to work less by sharpening focus and more by waking up the brain. Brain scans revealed that these medications activate reward and alertness systems, helping children stay interested in tasks they would normally avoid. The drugs even reversed brain patterns linked to sleep deprivation. Researchers say this could complicate ADHD diagnoses if poor sleep is the real underlying problem.
Thinking through what may be on tap in 2026
When the three-million-year-old bones of Lucy were unearthed in an Ethiopian valley in 1974, paleoanthropologists anointed her as the Eve to all of us. Though her skull was not big enough to accommodate our larger, homo sapiens’ brain, she was a genetic hominid. Although a few bone fragments of a greater age have been discovered […]
Mini brains reveal clear brain signals of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Tiny lab-grown brains are offering an unprecedented look at how schizophrenia and bipolar disorder disrupt neural activity. Researchers found distinct electrical firing patterns that could identify these conditions with high accuracy. The discovery opens the door to more precise diagnoses and personalized drug testing. Instead of guessing medications, doctors may one day see what works before treating the patient.
As a neurologist, I know the brain. Then my postpartum psychosis began.
I smiled through checkups, believing my own script: 'I am OK. I am thankful. I am happy.' But my mind quietly betrayed me.
This is your teen’s brain on phones and social media, according to science
A wave of new studies is shedding light on the risks of early smartphone access and heavy screen use for adolescent mental health and development.
This is your teen’s brain on phones and social media, according to science
A wave of new studies is shedding light on the risks of early smartphone access and heavy screen use for adolescent mental health and development.
Soak it up: everything science taught us about health and wellness in 2025
Do hot baths improve endurance? Will creatine bolster your brain power? Does pickle juice prevent cramp? Here’s what we learned about living well this year
Soak it up: everything science taught us about health and wellness in 2025
Do hot baths improve endurance? Will creatine bolster your brain power? Does pickle juice prevent cramp? Here’s what we learned about living well this year
This is ‘brain rot,’ a slang term with something to it
Teens talk about their “brain rot” online. While there isn’t data to back it up, per se, experts do have concerns about the effect on kids and adults.
What we have learned about neuroscience in 2025
Researchers studying the human brain shared a lot of fascinating research this year, like how to keep brains young and how to reduce inflammation in joints.
ADHD drugs may work indirectly to boost attention
Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin appear to help children with ADHD by activating brain areas involved in alertness and motivation.
'Memory manipulation is inevitable': How rewriting memory in the lab might one day heal humans
Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez has found ways to plant memories in mice. Here's what that could mean for humans.
Six Brilliant Brain Science And Psychology Books From The Year
A selection of science-based books from the year that together shine new light on who we are and why we think and act as we do.
A Healthy Gut Could Improve Mental Health
New research explores the gut-brain connection, suggesting that improving gut health may enhance mental well-being.
I'm watching brain surgery to see if Alzheimer's can ever be cured
BBC health and science correspondent James Gallagher finds out if it is scientifically possible to ever cure Alzheimer's
Experts met to discuss the ethics of using organoids in research
Organoids are bits of neural tissue that model human brain development. Their use in science makes some uneasy, in part because the brain is so closely tied to our sense of self.
A surprising brain cleanup reduced epileptic seizures and restored memory
A new study suggests temporal lobe epilepsy may be linked to early aging of certain brain cells. When researchers removed these aging cells in mice, seizures dropped, memory improved, and some animals avoided epilepsy altogether. The treatment used drugs already known to science, raising the possibility of quicker translation to people. The results offer new hope for patients who do not respond to existing medications.
Scientists found a way to restore brain blood flow in dementia
A new study suggests that dementia may be driven in part by faulty blood flow in the brain. Researchers found that losing a key lipid causes blood vessels to become overactive, disrupting circulation and starving brain tissue. When the missing molecule was restored, normal blood flow returned. This discovery opens the door to new treatments aimed at fixing vascular problems in dementia.
Nvidia Buying AI Chip Startup Groq For $20 Billion: CNBC
This would be the Dow tech giant's largest-ever acquisition.
This tiny peptide could help stop brain damage after injury
A four–amino acid peptide called CAQK has shown powerful brain-protective effects in animal models of traumatic brain injury. Delivered through a standard IV, it zeroes in on injured brain tissue, calming inflammation and reducing cell death while improving recovery. The peptide worked in both mice and pigs, whose brains are closer to humans in structure. Researchers are now preparing to move toward early human clinical trials.
Tiny implant 'speaks' to the brain with LED light
By directly communicating with the brain, a new wireless device could someday help restore lost senses or manage pain without medications, its developers say.
Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”
Video: Why Scientists Are Performing Brain Surgery on Monarchs
Scientists in Texas are studying monarch butterflies to understand how they navigate thousands of miles, possibly by sensing Earth’s magnetic field. Alexa Robles-Gil explains how researchers are examining the butterflies’ brains to find answers.
What does a huge festive meal do to your brain?
Many of us with throw modesty out the window when it comes to Christmas lunch. But what do these blow-out festive meals do to our body and brain?
Sandra Martinez & Line Kemeyou
Line Kemeyou, a cardiologist at University of Utah Health, says it’s executive assistants (EAs) like Sandra Martinez who help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes and who really deserve the spotlight. “She’s my brain,” Line says of Sandra. “I wouldn’t know how to function without her.”
This cancer-fighting molecule took 50 years to build
MIT scientists have achieved the first-ever lab synthesis of verticillin A, a complex fungal compound discovered in 1970. Its delicate structure stalled chemists for decades, despite differing from related molecules by only two atoms. With the synthesis finally complete, researchers created new variants that showed strong activity against a rare pediatric brain cancer. The breakthrough could unlock an entire class of previously unreachable cancer-fighting molecules.
A new drug could stop Alzheimer’s before memory loss begins
New research suggests Alzheimer’s may start far earlier than previously thought, driven by a hidden toxic protein in the brain. Scientists found that an experimental drug, NU-9, blocks this early damage in mice and reduces inflammation linked to disease progression. The treatment was given before symptoms appeared, targeting the disease at its earliest stage. Researchers say this approach could reshape how Alzheimer’s is prevented and treated.