A machine learning algorithm was used to analyze children’s speech and identify depression and/or anxiety with 80% accuracy. Three features proved to indicate these illnesses: low pitch, repeated speech inflections and subject, and a higher pitch when surprised. Kids came up with a three-minute story on the spot, of which…
Steroid use could increase the risk of cocaine use and addiction among teens. This, from researchers at the University of Puerto Rico who studied female rats. The team first exposed half of the rats to nandrolone, a performance-enhancing steroid commonly used by teens. After ten days, they split all of…
Every single year, millions of Americans suffer with a mental illness. By definition, a mental illness is a disorder that negatively affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, mood, and/or behavior. Examples include depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each individual has a unique experience, as far as which symptoms they…
Yoga has been scientifically-proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. A new study from Washington State University says it can also boost body positivity. Researchers studied 376 people who attended a yoga exercise class for 16 weeks. Over this 16-week period, the participants answered questionnaires designed…
Most youth football helmets lack sufficient front padding. This, from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which rated every youth football helmet on the market. Only seven of these helmets received a perfect score for effectively reducing head acceleration during impact. Those with lower ratings typically had front padding that was…
Millions of people in the US alone suffer with specific phobias, or severe irrational fears of a given thing, place, or circumstance. While there is effective treatment out there, of which often centers around cognitive behavioral therapy, not all phobia suffers find relief. Researchers from Wurzburg University Hospital and the…
Cognitive decline is a major concern for older adults. But those who continue to socialize and challenge their brains don’t have to worry as much. Researchers from the University of Alberta analyzed data from 882 older adults to identify factors for maintaining a healthy mind in old age. They found…
Are you feeling stressed? Spend 20 minutes outside. Researchers from the University of Michigan say it can help. The team asked participants to spend 10 minutes or more outside, at least 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Participants chose what time of day and where, but were instructed to…
New research found that middle aged US adults are experiencing rising feelings of despair, indicated by increases in depression, suicidal ideation, drug and alcohol abuse. A drop in US life expectancy was seen in 2016 and explained by an increase in deaths among middle-aged white individuals in rural areas due…
A new study says that another individual’s stress can alter your brain the same way your own stress does. Additionally, these harmful side effects of stress can be reversed by social interactions—at least in women. The research team reached these findings after studying male and female mice; they separated male…
A six-year study suggests that seniors who eat more than two portions of mushrooms a week may have 50% reduced odds of experiencing mild cognitive decline. Furthermore, even just one small portion of mushrooms a week could prove beneficial and reduce these odds. The research team reached this conclusion after…
Many people argue about whether cats or dogs are the “better” pet—and a large part of the argument has to do with their intelligence. While the majority seem to claim that cats are more intelligent, recent research says that dogs appear to be smarter due to their number of cortical…
