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Neuronarrative

Musings on the complicated business of thinking

Stress
We May Be More Adaptive Than We Think

David DiSalvo on November 10, 2020

While stressful events throw us off our game, a recent study finds that our psychological immune system has the power to bounce back faster than previously thought.

While stressful events throw us off our game, a recent study finds that our psychological immune system has the power to bounce back faster than previously thought.

Motivation
Why We Often Fail to Reach Our Goals

David DiSalvo on March 30, 2020

If you're sitting at home, as many of us are, thinking through goals you've been wanting to achieve, take note of new research that explains why we often fail to get there.

If you're sitting at home, as many of us are, thinking through goals you've been wanting to achieve, take note of new research that explains why we often fail to get there.

Health
Yes, Air Pollution Is Affecting Our Mental Health

David DiSalvo on March 8, 2020

A growing number of studies are pointing to a link between exposure to air pollution and mental health disorders across age groups.

A growing number of studies are pointing to a link between exposure to air pollution and mental health disorders across age groups.

Anxiety
Finding the Brain Circuits Behind Mood and Anxiety Disorders

David DiSalvo on February 24, 2020

The largest brain imaging study of its kind may have found the reason why people with anxiety and mood disorders so often feel unable to escape negative thoughts and emotions.

The largest brain imaging study of its kind may have found the reason why people with anxiety and mood disorders so often feel unable to escape negative thoughts and emotions.

Career
Study: Put Down Your Smartphone to Let Your Brain Recharge

David DiSalvo on September 28, 2019

Our smartphones exert an enormous mental energy drain and it's taking a toll on our performance. A new study reveals the reasons why and what we can do about it.

Our smartphones exert an enormous mental energy drain and it's taking a toll on our performance. A new study reveals the reasons why and what we can do about it.

Health
12 Ways to Change Your Health by Changing Your Mind

David DiSalvo on July 6, 2019

When it comes to improving health, changing your mindset can result in science-backed benefits if you can commit to the challenge of following through.

When it comes to improving health, changing your mindset can result in science-backed benefits if you can commit to the challenge of following through.

Stress
Could Stress Turn Our Gut Bacteria Against Us?

David DiSalvo on June 29, 2019

Findings from new research suggests that social stress alters both the composition and behavior of gut bacteria, leading to self-destructive changes in the body’s immune system.

Findings from new research suggests that social stress alters both the composition and behavior of gut bacteria, leading to self-destructive changes in the body’s immune system.

Depression
Depression, Inflammation and Women's Mental Health

David DiSalvo on June 21, 2019

New research uncovers evidence of the link between inflammation and depression, and also sheds potential light on why women suffer from depression more frequently than men.

New research uncovers evidence of the link between inflammation and depression, and also sheds potential light on why women suffer from depression more frequently than men.

Stress
The 'Stress Vaccine' May Be Another Step Closer To Reality

David DiSalvo on June 15, 2019

The long-theorized 'stress vaccine' may have just taken a big step closer to becoming real, with the discovery of how dirt-dwelling bacteria disarm the fight-or-flight response.

The long-theorized 'stress vaccine' may have just taken a big step closer to becoming real, with the discovery of how dirt-dwelling bacteria disarm the fight-or-flight response.

Stress
Stress Eating Could Be Even Worse For Us Than We Think

David DiSalvo on June 2, 2019

For many of us, stress makes comfort food seem even more irresistible, but research is finding that satisfying the urge might do more harm than we think.

For many of us, stress makes comfort food seem even more irresistible, but research is finding that satisfying the urge might do more harm than we think.

Sleep
Understanding the Connection Between Sleep and Anxiety

David DiSalvo on December 31, 2018

New research is helping to explain crucial linkages between sleep and our mental health, especially the effects of sleep loss on anxiety.

New research is helping to explain crucial linkages between sleep and our mental health, especially the effects of sleep loss on anxiety.

Depression
How Untreated Depression Changes the Brain Over Time

David DiSalvo on April 6, 2018

A first-of-its-kind study finds evidence of lasting biological changes in the brain for those suffering with depression for more than a decade.

A first-of-its-kind study finds evidence of lasting biological changes in the brain for those suffering with depression for more than a decade.

Anxiety
How The Brain Deals With The Deluge Of Unwanted Thoughts

David DiSalvo on December 31, 2017

New research shows what’s going on in the brain when those unwanted thoughts occur, and why some brains are better at controlling them than others.

New research shows what’s going on in the brain when those unwanted thoughts occur, and why some brains are better at controlling them than others.