New Atlas

Medical Audio available

Major schizophrenia breakthrough finds immune cells on the wrong side of the tracks

Nick Lavars September 16, 2018

In what is being labeled one of the biggest breakthroughs in schizophrenia research of recent times, scientists have detected heightened immune cell activity in the brains of sufferers, providing a brand new target for further research into its causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Scientists have discovered new links between schizophrenia and the immune cells in the body

Medical

Huge meta-study confirms link between autoimmune disorders and psychosis

Rich Haridy July 1, 2018

One of the most compelling hypotheses in research today is the belief that psychiatric disorders are related to immune irregularities. A team has added weight to that idea with a meta-analysis confirming people with autoimmune disorders are consistently more likely to develop psychotic disorders.

A study tracking data from 25 million people has found a link between autoimmune disease and ...

Medical

New trial confirms aerobic exercise does improve schizophrenia symptoms

Rich Haridy June 20, 2018

A new trial into the effects of aerobic exercise on schizophrenia has added to a growing body of evidence suggesting physical activity does lessen negative symptoms associated with the condition.

A new study bolsters the body of evidence suggesting aerobic exercise can directly reduce the negative ...

Health & Wellbeing

Eye-examination tool may also detect schizophrenia

Ben Coxworth May 30, 2018

Currently, in order to make a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a doctor must assess a patient's reported symptoms … which can be somewhat subjective. According to a recent study, however, an existing optometrist's tool may be able to do the job quickly and objectively.

Docia Demmin (left) and Steven Silverstein, with the RETeval device

Biology

Is the placenta the missing link connecting genes, environment and schizophrenia?

Rich Haridy May 28, 2018

A compelling new study suggests that activity in the placenta could be the missing link connecting environmental factors with genetics in relation to the development of many behavioral disorders, including schizophrenia.

Stresses in the placenta could be key in triggering the onset of a variety of neurodevelopmental ...

Science Feature

Schizophrenia as whole-body disorder – the 100-year-old idea only now being proven

Rich Haridy May 16, 2018

A new study suggests that schizophrenia is not just a disorder of the mind but also associated with defined physiological changes across the whole body. The study hypothesizes that these physical symptoms are not secondary effects but in fact indications that schizophrenia is a whole-body disorder.

New research suggesting schizophrenia could be a whole-body disorder recalls 100-year old ideas from early German ...

Science

Rocket video game may help schizophrenic patients control their condition

Anthony Wood February 12, 2018

An international team of researchers has used a "computerized rocket game" to help patients with schizophrenia visualize and reduce the level of activity in a region of the brain associated with auditory hallucinations.

The researchers used the rocket to help patients visualize brain activity

Biology

Molecular similarities found between autism, schizophrenia & bipolar disorder

Rich Haridy February 8, 2018

A study has generated molecular profiles for several psychiatric disorders by examining RNA in brain tissue samples from 700 subjects. The research revealed fascinating physical similarities, and differences, in the patterns of gene expression across disorders including autism and schizophrenia.

New research has identified overlaps in molecular signatures for various brain disorders

Medical

How giving a face to the voices in their heads can help schizophrenics

Rich Haridy November 26, 2017

A fascinating study led by King's College in London has shown success in rapidly reducing auditory hallucinations in people with schizophrenia using a novel form of avatar therapy which essentially allows a person to talk to a visual representation of the voice in their head.