Lying is complicated. Psychologists and sociologists have been studying the subject for years. Now, new research indicates that biology may play a role in why we lie.

According to the study, when a person lies for personal gain, an area of the brain called the amygdala produces feelings of guilt that limit how limits how far we’ll take that lie. But that negative feeling fades as the lie continues, making lying easier.

The study results, which were published in Nature Neuroscience, show that the more a person lies, the less of an emotional response to lying their brain produces. According to researchers, the brain “adjusts” to lying and it can become a habit. For most people, risks—such as a fear of punishment, getting caught in a lie, or feeling bad—are usually enough to keep the brain, and specifically the amygdala, engaged enough to promote honesty.

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Sourced from: CNN

We’re learning more and more about the short- and long-term effects of concussions—especially repeated concussions—and the importance of preventing them. But a new study shows that playing as little as one season of football can affect the brains of children and adolescents—even without a diagnosis of concussion.

The study involved 25 male football players between the ages of eight and 13. Before, and then again after, the season, study participants underwent a type of brain MRI called diffusion tensor imaging, which can detect small changes in the brain. Researchers used special software to measure the frequency and severity of impacts involving the head over the course of a season. They attended every game and practice over the course of the study to ensure the accuracy of the data.

According to researchers, higher levels of small changes in brain structure occurred in players who experienced more head impact during the season, even though none of the players were diagnosed with a concussion. The type of changes that occurred are similar to those that are seen with mild TBI (traumatic brain injury). It is not known at this time if these changes are associated with functional changes in the brain or long-term abnormalities.

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Sourced from: MNT

Most people have heard of Zika virus and the devastating birth defects it can cause. However, fewer know about cytomegalovirus, or CMV, which is a much bigger threat to newborn babies in the U.S.

Each year in the United States, 20,000 to 40,000 infants are born with CMV. At least 20 percent of newborns who were exposed to the virus in utero—about 8,000 babies a year—are born with or will develop permanent disabilities. Cytomegalovirus can cause profound hearing loss, vision problems, intellectual deficits, and microcephaly.

There is no vaccine or treatment, and the virus causes about 400 deaths a year. CMV is a herpesvirus that is often transmitted through saliva and urine. Pregnant women can get virus from toddlers—especially in a day care setting. In most people, the virus causes only mild symptoms, but—like Zika—infection can be devastating to a fetus. Frequent handwashing, especially after diaper changes, and not sharing food or eating utensils can help prevent transmission of CMV.

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Sourced from: The New York Times