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- Studies ID Molecular Accomplices of Suspect Schizophrenia Genes
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May 2, 2006
Science Update
NIMH-funded researchers have discovered how certain genes work at the molecular level to increase the risk of schizophrenia.
- Properly Timed Light, Melatonin Lift Winter Depression by Syncing Rhythms
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May 1, 2006
Science Update
Most Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms stem from daily body rhythms that have gone out-of-sync with the sun, a NIMH-funded study has found.
- Cortex Matures Faster in Youth with Highest IQ
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March 29, 2006
Press Release
Youth with superior IQ are distinguished by how fast the thinking part of their brains thickens and thins as they grow up, researchers at NIMH have discovered.
- Aggression-Related Gene Weakens Brain’s Impulse Control Circuits
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March 20, 2006
Press Release
A version of a gene previously linked to impulsive violence appears to weaken brain circuits that regulate impulses, emotional memory and thinking in humans, researchers at NIMH have found.
- Gene Influences Antidepressant Response
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March 15, 2006
Press Release
Whether depressed patients will respond to an antidepressant depends, in part, on which version of a gene they inherit, a study led by scientists at NIH has discovered. Having two copies of one version of a gene that codes for a component of the brain’s mood―regulating system increased the odds of a favorable response to an antidepressant by up to 18 percent, compared to having two copies of the other, more common version.
- Depression Model Leaves Mice with Molecular Scar
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February 27, 2006
Press Release
In addition to triggering a depression-like social withdrawal syndrome, repeated defeat by dominant animals leaves a mouse with an enduring “molecular scar” in its brain that could help to explain why depression is so difficult to cure, suggest researchers funded by NIMH.
- Lithium Blocks Enzyme To Help Cells’ Clocks Keep On Tickin’
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February 17, 2006
Science Update
NIMH-funded researchers have discovered how lithium likely fixes body clocks gone awry, stabilizing sleep-wake cycles and other daily rhythms disturbed along with mood in bipolar disorder.
- Mice Lacking Social Memory Molecule Take Bullying in Stride
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February 9, 2006
Press Release
The social avoidance that normally develops when a mouse repeatedly experiences defeat by a dominant animal disappears when it lacks a gene for a memory molecule in a brain circuit for social learning, scientists funded by NIMH have discovered.
- Nobelist Discovers Antidepressant Protein in Mouse Brain
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January 6, 2006
Press Release
A protein that seems to be pivotal in lifting depression has been discovered by a Nobel Laureate researcher funded by NIMH.
- Trust-Building Hormone Short-Circuits Fear In Humans
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December 7, 2005
Press Release
A brain chemical recently found to boost trust appears to work by reducing activity and weakening connections in fear-processing circuitry.