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Rodent Study Identifies Neurobiological Region That Contributes to Both Alcohol Use Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Research Society on Alcohol — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 EST

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing disorder involving compulsive alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental-health condition developed due to trauma. A new study has used rats genetically selected to prefer alcohol and possess elevated anxiety to demonstrate that the molecular basis of AUD/PTSD lies in a specific region of the brain's hippocampus. These findings will be shared at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

The Risk of Alcohol Misuse and Suicide Is Greater Among College Students with Minority Identities

Research Society on Alcohol — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 EST

Alcohol misuse and suicide are significant public health issues among college students and often co-occur. Individuals with minority identities have a greater risk for both alcohol misuse and suicidality due to increased stress associated with racism and heterosexism. A new study examines risk for alcohol misuse and suicide separately and concurrently among college students with minoritized and intersecting racial, ethnic, and sexual identities. Findings will be shared at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

The Problem of Cyber Sexual Aggression Among College Students Is Bigger Than People Realize

Research Society on Alcohol — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 EST

While extensive research has documented strong associations among alcohol use, sexual assault victimization, and sexual aggression, much less is known about how these risk factors transfer to online situations. A new study has found that college students who drank more were more likely to perpetrate cyber sexual aggression, and among those who did perpetrate, they did so more frequently. These results and others will be shared at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

Binge Drinking During Adolescence Will Disrupt Normal Brain Maturation

Research Society on Alcohol — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 EST

Adolescence is a vulnerable neurodevelopmental period between childhood and adulthood. Binge drinking is common during this period of development. New research using rodents has found that adolescent binge drinking can repress neurons in the brain so they operate less normally because the genes required for their neurotransmitter function have been turned off. These results and others will be shared at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

Offspring From Households with Economic Deprivation Have a Greater Risk of Developing Substance Use Disorders

Research Society on Alcohol — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 EST

Economic deprivation is broadly associated with poor health outcomes, including substance use disorders (SUDs). A new study has examined the impact of lower household income and parental education on the risk for children and young adults from those households to develop SUDs. Findings will be shared at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

Scientifically Modified Hormone, Inspired by Gila-Monster Saliva, May Treat Alcohol Use Disorder

Research Society on Alcohol — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 EST

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced primarily in the gut that helps regulate blood sugar levels, appetite, food cravings, and eating behavior. Scientists have developed modified, longer-lasting versions called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) that can be used as medications - and potentially treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Findings from both rodent and human studies will be shared at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

Greater Awareness of the Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Risk Can Save Lives

Research Society on Alcohol — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 EST

In 1964, the Surgeon General issued an advisory on smoking and cancer, which eventually led to a reduction in smoking prevalence, and smoking-related cancers and deaths. In January 2025, the Surgeon General issued an advisory on alcohol and cancer risk, highlighting the International Agency for Research on Cancer's designation of alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside tobacco, asbestos, and formaldehyde. New research has found that public support for strengthening warning labels and banning outdoor advertising for alcohol can differ by political ideology. These findings will be shared at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

Middle-Aged Women Have the Highest Problematic Alcohol Use and Lowest Awareness of the Alcohol/Breast Cancer Link

Research Society on Alcohol — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 EST

Alcohol use increases breast cancer risk in a dose-dependent manner. Middle-aged and older women are drinking more heavily across the life course, increasing cumulative exposure and breast cancer risk. A recent study examined the association between age and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about the alcohol and breast cancer risk, finding that middle-aged women had the lowest knowledge of the risk between the two. These results and others will be shared at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

Chatbot-Provided Information About Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk Is Inconsistent

Research Society on Alcohol — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 EST

Artificial intelligence (AI) is loosely defined as a narrow form of data-driven intelligence that is exhibited by machines.Generative AI (GenAI) creates new content based on learned patterns, and is what supports online chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot. Given the low awareness of the relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk in the U.S., as well as the increasing use of chatbots to find health information, a new study examined GenAI chatbot responses about alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk. Findings will be shared at the 49th annual scientific meeting of the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

Concussion expert on "heady" U.S.-Australia World Cup match

Houston Methodist — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:55:27 EST

Cleveland Research Team Identifies Key Driver of Age-Related Cognitive Decline

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:35:00 EST

* Researchers at University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland VA identified a key molecular driver of age-related cognitive decline, offering a potential path toward the development of new treatments. * Published today in PNAS, the study pinpoints a key protein behind age-related breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which leads to cognitive decline. * The research team showed that loss of a protein called KLF4 in blood vessel cells weakens the BBB and accelerates brain aging. * In preclinical models, this loss impaired BBB function and proper coupling of blood supply with neuronal activity, which triggered neurodegeneration, inflammation and cognitive decline -- changes typically seen only in much older individuals. * The findings point to KLF4 as a promising therapeutic target, with future treatments potentially aimed at preserving or restoring its function to protect the aging brain.

Michigan's Aging Brains Need More Protection, Poll Shows

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:25:41 EST

Nearly all Michiganders age 50 and over say it's very important to keep their brains healthy as they grow older, a new poll finds. But less than half (47%) of middle-aged and older Michiganders know that everyday actions can be very important for reducing their future risk of dementia.

Research Sheds New Light on Laser Polarization Effects in NIF Experiments

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:20:45 EST

Experiments at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility (NIF) require breathtaking precision.

Johns Hopkins and WVU Launch Research Partnership to Advance Joint Solutions for Shared Challenges

West Virginia University — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:20:07 EST

Tapping into the power of collaboration, Johns Hopkins University and West Virginia University are launching a new partnership to bring together researchers from both institutions to address complex challenges in health, science and society while positioning faculty teams to compete for future external funding.

FIFA World Cup 2026, World UFO Day, Plastic Free Month and More: Call for Experts June 15, 2026

Newswise — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:00:00 EST

Newswise editorial staff have compiled the following suggestions for Expert Pitches and story ideas to pitch reporters.

Wet Coffee Grounds Turned into High-Grade Solid Fuel in Just 90 Seconds

National Research Council of Science and Technology — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:00:22 EST

A Researcher team at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) has developed a technology that converts wet spent coffee grounds directly into high-quality biochar in just 90 seconds, no drying or oil removal required.

Excessive Instagram Use Could Erode Our Sense of Self, Altering the Perception of Our Bodies

Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:00:00 EST

Instagram use could influence not only how we see our bodies, but also how our brain perceives as "ours" the bodies we inhabit. In short, it could erode our sense of self to the point of no longer recognizing ourselves in our own bodies, or feeling "at home" within them.

AI Reveals Unexpected Source of Antibiotic Candidates in Prion Proteins

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 01:00:00 EST

New antibiotic candidates for drug-resistant bacteria may reside inside prions, mis-folded protein in the brain best known for rare and fatal degenerative brain diseases.

A Light-Color-Programmed Artificial Synapse for Brain-Like Balanced Learning

Sungkyunkwan University — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:05:18 EST

The human brain actively keeps "learning" in balance, by holding on to what matters and letting go of what does not. Researchers in Korea have now reproduced this ability in a semiconductor device, using the color of light to strengthen (remember) or weaken (forget) an artificial synapse's memory.

Multimedia Artist Laurie Anderson to Receive 2026 Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy

Inamori Foundation — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 EST

The Inamori Foundation today announced experimental multimedia artist and musician Laurie Anderson to receive the 2026 Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy.

UC San Diego Researcher Farooq Azam to Receive 2026 Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences

Inamori Foundation — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 EST

The Inamori Foundation today announced Farooq Azam, a marine microbiologist and distinguished professor emeritus at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, as the recipient of its 2026 Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences. Among Azam's many contributions to science is his discovery of the "microbial loop," which has influenced our understanding of the ocean's role in sustaining life and regulating the planet.

Chemist Tsutomu Miyasaka to Receive 2026 Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology

Inamori Foundation — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 EST

Chemist Tsutomu Miyasaka will receive the 2026 Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology for his contributions to the development of perovskite solar cells.

Inamori Foundation Announces 2026 Kyoto Prize Laureates

Inamori Foundation — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 EST

The Inamori Foundation has announced the 2026 Kyoto Prize Laureates: Tsutomu Miyasaka, Farooq Azam and Laurie Anderson.

Videos Help New Dads Learn about Infant Safety Before Bringing Newborn Home

Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:05:00 EST

Brief videos shown in the hospital newborn nursery may be an effective way to educate first-time fathers on infant care topics, such as safe sleep, infant crying and car safety, according to a pilot study published in the journal Pediatrics Open Science.

Myeloid Cell Targeting Strategies Show Limited Durable Activity in the Breast Cancer Tumor Microenvironment and Do Not Enhance the Activity of Thermally Ablative Focused Ultrasound

Focused Ultrasound Research News — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:50:41 EST