Introduction: The Underappreciated Power of Self-Gratitude Hey everyone, it’s the editor here, back with another deep dive into the fascinating world of U.S. university research! This time, we’re unpacking a topic that’s especially pertinent as we navigate the tail end of the holiday season: gratitude. We all know the warm fuzzies that come with thanking […]
Emotional Regulation
Understanding Women’s Unique ADHD Symptoms and Hormonal Impact
Understanding ADHD in Women: A Historical Perspective The historical context of ADHD diagnosis is a tale woven with threads of bias and misunderstanding, particularly when it comes to women. For decades, ADHD has been predominantly viewed through a male lens, with hyperactivity and impulsivity at the forefront of the narrative. This perception has not only […]
Dopamine’s Complex Role in Memory Devaluation and Emotional Regulation
Introduction to Dopamine and Memory Devaluation Dopamine is often hailed as the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter, primarily associated with reward processing and motivation. Traditionally, it’s been viewed as a cheerleader for positive experiences, reinforcing behaviors that lead to pleasurable outcomes. However, the recent findings from Michigan State University (2025 USNews Ranking: 63) (MSU) throw a fascinating […]
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Adolescent Health
The Significance of Sleep Timing and Regularity for Adolescent Health Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, especially during the transformative years of adolescence. A recent study from Penn State College of Medicine sheds light on the critical importance of sleep timing and regularity for the cardiovascular health of young people. The research, published in […]
The Role of Art in Promoting Mental Health and Community Engagement
Introduction to the Stompers Project and Mental Health Awareness The Stompers Project workshop at Penn State University is not just another event on the calendar; it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and mental health awareness. This initiative, set to take place on March 3, is a collaboration with the Jana Marie Foundation, which has […]
Understanding Addiction and Relapse: Importance of Personalized Treatment
Understanding the Nature of Addiction Recovery The Virginia Tech study shines a much-needed spotlight on the chronic nature of substance use disorders (SUDs), revealing that addiction is far from a simple matter of choice. Instead, it emerges as a complex condition that often requires individuals to navigate through multiple attempts before achieving lasting sobriety. This […]
The Complex Role of Dopamine in Motor Control and Emotional Decision-Making
Introduction to Dopamine and Motor Control Dopamine, a neurotransmitter often associated with pleasure and reward, plays a multifaceted role in the brain, particularly in motor control and decision-making. Traditionally, dopamine pathways have been understood through a binary lens, characterized by the ‘go’ and ‘no-go’ pathways. The ‘go’ pathway is responsible for initiating movement, while the […]
The Importance of Mindfulness and Gratitude in Mental Health
Introduction to Mindfulness in Higher Education Mindfulness has emerged as a vital practice in higher education, particularly as institutions like Case Western Reserve University (2025 USNews Ranking: 51) (CWRU) embrace initiatives aimed at enhancing mental well-being among students and staff. The recent celebration of Mindfulness Matters Week at CWRU, held from October 14 to 18, […]
The Importance of Serotonin in Mental Health and Its Relationship with Dopamine
Introduction to Serotonin and Reward Processing Serotonin, often referred to as the “happiness molecule,” has long been a subject of fascination in neuroscience, particularly regarding its role in mood regulation and reward processing. Traditionally, serotonin was viewed as a neurotransmitter that operated on a slower timescale compared to dopamine, which is known for its rapid […]
The Impact of Parental Mental Health on Child Development and the Importance of Social Support
Focus on Stressed-Out Parents: A Call for Support On September 3, 2024, Rosanna Breaux, a psychology expert at Virginia Tech, highlighted the urgent need for support for increasingly stressed parents, as emphasized in a recent advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General. Breaux, who serves as the director of the Virginia Tech Child Study Center, pointed […]
