Mental Health and Brain Health

Active Teens Have Healthier Brains: Study Links Fitness and Screen Time to Mental Health and Learning

5 min read

KUOPIO, Finland — A growing body of research now reinforces an important message: physical fitness, meaningful screen engagement and an active lifestyle during adolescence aren’t just good for the body — they shape the brain’s wiring in ways that influence

Mental Health and Brain Health

Momentum for brain and mental health across continents

3 min read

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

This past quarter has been both energising and inspiring for the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI). Across Africa and South Asia, we have seen encouraging progress. Stronger partnerships, new initiatives and growing momentum for brain and

Mental Health and Brain Health

Brain Cells That May Prevent Schizophrenia Symptoms Identified

6 min read

Summary: Researchers have identified a rare type of brain cell whose overactivity may contribute to schizophrenia-like symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and disrupted sleep. When scientists reduced the activity of these cells in mice with a schizophrenia-linked mutation, the animals’

Mental Health and Brain Health

Brain training game boosts chemical linked to memory and attention, study shows

7 min read

With age comes a natural decline in cognitive function, even among otherwise healthy adults without dementia. A new study finds that a cognitive training program may boost production of a brain chemical that plays a role in memory and attention.

Mental Health and Brain Health

Exercise counteracts junk food’s depression-like effects through gut-brain metabolic signaling

7 min read
The metabolic tug-of-war: Exercise versus ultra-processed diet.

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The metabolic tug-of-war: Exercise versus ultra-processed diet. Voluntary exercise exerts an antidepressant-like behavioral effect and attenuates metabolic dysregulation in rats fed a cafeteria diet. However, diet quality still significantly influences the neuroplasticity response, highlighting the complex interplay between movement

Mental Health and Brain Health

Mental exercise can reverse a brain change linked to aging, study finds : NPR

4 min read
This image shows a cartoon-like pink brain with thin arms and legs walking on a treadmill. The brain is wearing a lime-green headband, and droplets of sweat drip out of the brain.

A new study finds that cognitive training can increase the levels of a key chemical messenger in the brain responsible for decision-making, and reverse a process associated with aging.

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Scientists are reporting

Mental Health and Brain Health

How to nurture infant microbiomes for a lifetime of good mental health

6 min read
How to nurture infant microbiomes for a lifetime of good mental health

Families who garden together have more diverse microbiomes

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New parents have plenty to fret about – sleeping, feeding, the colour of their newborn’s poo – but their baby’s microbiome probably isn’t high on the list. According to

Mental Health and Brain Health

How to Keep Your Brain Sharp as You Age, According to Amy Sedaris

9 min read

There aren’t many people in public life like Amy Sedaris. The comedian, actress and writer has a longtime following for her smart, absurdist comedy; her love of crafts and bright colors; and her empathetic and curious writing. This is a