All articles tagged with #schizophrenia
Northwestern researchers found reduced Cacna2d1 protein in schizophrenia; they created a synthetic replacement, SEAD1, and showed that a single injection in mice with a schizophrenia-like genetic duplication normalized brain circuit activity and behavior, with no observed side effects. Human trials are planned but not yet underway.
MIT researchers link a grin2a gene mutation to impaired updating of beliefs in mice via disruption of a mediodorsal thalamus–prefrontal cortex circuit, slowing adaptive decision-making; optogenetic activation of the circuit reversed the behavioral deficits, suggesting circuit-based targets for cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia.
A Johns Hopkins-led study analyzing nearly 700,000 U.S. medical records finds teens with cannabis use disorder have higher risks of schizophrenia, recurrent major depression, and anxiety than peers with other substances, while adults with cannabis use disorder show lower relative psychiatric risk. The researchers propose that cannabis may accelerate onset of mental illness in vulnerable youths or reveal preexisting predispositions, but the results do not prove causation. The findings highlight age-dependent effects and caution against teen use of cannabis, especially high-potency varieties.
The Stanley Family Foundation will donate $280 million to the Broad Institute to advance genetic and genomic research into bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, expanding the Stanley Center’s work and providing stable funding amid uncertain federal support.
Experts say RFK Jr.'s assertion that a ketogenic diet cures schizophrenia is not supported by solid evidence; the only hints come from two 2019 case reports by Harvard psychiatrist Christopher Palmer, which are uncontrolled and cannot establish efficacy. Ketosis may aid symptom remission in some cases, but medical supervision is essential and meds should not be stopped. Around 20 trials are exploring keto for psychiatric conditions, with research into mitochondria and brain activity; long-term adherence and cost pose practical challenges, so no cure is proven yet.
Kennedy’s claim that ketogenic diets cure schizophrenia is not supported by current science. Evidence is preliminary, coming from small studies and case reports that suggest possible symptom improvement when ketosis is achieved under medical supervision, but large, randomized trials showing clear benefit over medication alone are lacking. The Stanford study reported most adherent patients improved but had no control group, and researchers caution that keto should supplement rather than replace antipsychotic treatment while more rigorous research is underway.
Harvard psychiatrist Christopher Palmer said Kennedy Jr.’s claim that keto diets cure schizophrenia is not accurate; while ketogenic therapy shows promise for some patients, it remains unproven and should not replace antipsychotics without medical supervision. Palmer envisions a future where dietary interventions could play a role, with ongoing trials and funding, as Kennedy’s MAHA movement promotes broader research and access to metabolic treatments.
Health Secretary RFK Jr. claimed the keto diet could cure schizophrenia, a statement experts say greatly overstates early research as he campaigns for real-food eating and new dietary guidelines that favor fats and proteins over carbohydrates.
New UNSW research provides the strongest evidence to date that auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia arise when the brain mispredicts its own inner speech, treating thoughts as external voices. EEG tests across three groups (recent AVH, other schizophrenia patients, and healthy controls) showed healthy individuals reduce brain activity for matched imagined/actual sounds, while those currently hearing voices show the opposite pattern, suggesting a disruption in the brain's prediction mechanism and offering a potential biomarker for psychosis and earlier detection.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have used lab-grown 'mini-brains' or organoids to identify neural signatures associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, achieving up to 92% accuracy in distinguishing these conditions through electrical activity patterns, which could lead to more objective diagnoses and targeted treatments in the future.
Researchers have developed mini brain organoids from patient cells that exhibit distinct electrical activity patterns, enabling accurate identification of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which could lead to improved diagnosis and personalized treatment options.
The article highlights Ila Basu's 30-year dedication to caring for her brother Tarun Das, who has schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of family support, understanding, and proper care in managing mental illness, and inspiring a film about their journey.
Rob Reiner's family and friends gathered at his sister Annie's house one week after the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found murdered in their home. The gathering appears to be a support and mourning event, with family members expressing their grief and discussing the circumstances, including the arrest of their son Nick Reiner, who has a history of schizophrenia.
Scientists used lab-grown brain organoids and machine learning to identify distinct electrical signatures associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, potentially paving the way for more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments.
Nick Reiner, son of director Rob Reiner, is accused of killing his parents and is diagnosed with schizophrenia. His condition worsened after a recent medication change, leading to dangerous behavior. He is held under close supervision and faces murder charges, with potential for a trial focused on mental health considerations.