Lauren van Stavel

Can scientists 'hack' memory?

Is it possible to manipulate memory formation and consolidation? And why would we want to do it? We explore these questions in this Spotlight feature.
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Scientists quash claims about single 'depression genes'

After reviewing data on 620,000-plus people, scientists quash claims that a single or handful of genes can have a strong influence on risk of depression.
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Mental health can impact memory decades later

A new longitudinal cohort study has confirmed a link between experiencing mental health problems throughout adulthood and having poorer memory in midlife.
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Wishing others well may boost your own well-being

New research has found a simple psychological technique that could reduce stress and anxiety and make people happier in just 12 minutes.
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Music may enhance the effect of pain relievers

Can music soothe pain? A new study in mice finds that listening to Mozart alongside taking standard pain medication works better than drugs alone.
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What does science say about the effects of meditation?

In this Spotlight feature, we look at the benefits of practicing meditation or mindfulness, and we weigh up some of the potential unwanted effects.
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Depression: Brain stimulation may be a good alternative treatment

A new review of clinical trials delves deeper into the benefits of various forms of non-invasive brain stimulation for treating severe depression.
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Musical training may improve attention

New research finds that people who have had musical training are better at controlling their attention and blocking out distractions.
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What really happens in the brain during a hallucination?

A new study reveals a surprising brain mechanism tied to the experience of drug-induced hallucinations. These findings may even have wider implications.
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What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?

The symptoms of ADHD in adults vary depending on the type of ADHD, but they may include disorganization and restlessness. Learn more about adult ADHD symptoms here.
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Why too much vitamin D can be a bad thing

Vitamin D is essential for good health. However, a new study has found that too much can have a negative effect on some members of the population.
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Can scientists learn to remove bad memories?

New research in human participants explores a novel intervention that aims to weaken traumatic memories and lessen their psychological impact.
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Could cannabis use contribute to psychosis?

Researchers have found strong associations between the frequent use of highly potent cannabis and reports of first-time psychotic episodes.
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New PTSD blood test could aid prevention and treatment

A groundbreaking new blood test for genetic biomarkers of PTSD could improve accuracy of diagnosis, precision of treatment, and prediction of future risk.
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New brain stimulation therapy is effective against depression

A pilot clinical trial has found that a new type of electrical stimulation therapy can be very effective in treating the symptoms of major depression.
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Sleep loss can turn us into social outcasts

Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that sleep loss can make us want to avoid social contact, while also sending a 'keep away' signal to others.
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The FDA approve esketamine nasal spray for severe depression

Federal regulators have approved the use of the new prescription nasal spray drug esketamine for depression that has not responded to other treatments.
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Cancer: Does mental health influence a person's outlook?

New research examines whether having a history of mental health issues influences a person's outlook after they receive a cancer diagnosis.
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Genes may contribute to marital satisfaction

When at least one partner within a married couple had the GG oxytocin gene receptor variant, the spouses reported greater feelings of marital satisfaction and security.
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What are mania and hypomania?

Mania and hypomania are periods when a person feels unusually elated or energized. They are often symptoms of different types of bipolar disorder. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between mania and hypomania.
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