Blog Archives

Study Analyzes Biochemical Basis for Seasonal Affective Disorder

10/31/2014

According to a study conducted at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) showed seasonal differences in how they regulated the neurotransmitter serotonin compared to the rest of the population. The researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) to analyze 11 SAD patients and 23 healthy individuals. What the study found was that SAD patients showed higher levels of serotonin transporter proteins (SERT) during winter months, leading researchers to believe that there is a correlation between SAD and SERT fluctuations during the changing seasons. More information can be found at:

http://psychcentral.com/news/2014/10/27/biochemical-explanation-of-seasonal-blues/76649.html

Depression May Not Dim Future Outlook

10/27/2014

According to a study conducted by Brock University in Canada, adults with depression can still be optimistic about their future prospects. The study does come with the asterisk that clinically depressed individuals tend to believe that the future will be more satisfying than their past and current life. This belief could lead to depression in the future. However, researchers believe psychologists could turn this belief into a positive by focusing patients on establishing concrete and realistic goals for a more satisfying life. More information can be found at:

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2014/10/27/even-depression-may-not-dim-thoughts-of-bright-future

Scientists Find Link Between Y Chromosome and Cancer Risk

10/7/2014

According to a study conducted at the University of Sweden, there is a link between the Y chromosome and men’s cancer risks. The researchers analyzed 1,153 elderly men and found that those who lost part of their Y chromosome died on average 5 ½ years earlier than those with normal chromosomes. These findings are intriguing to researchers, because they could lead to blood tests indicating the health of the Y chromosome, which in turn could be a predictor of men’s cancer risk. More information can be found at:

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-29703455

Study Analyzes Biochemical Basis for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Depression May Not Dim Future Outlook

Scientists Find Link Between Y Chromosome and Cancer Risk

Categories

Archives