One of the first studies in this area to use clinical-level diagnoses reveals a range of differences between young people with and without mental health conditions when it comes to social media – from changes in mood to time spent on sites.

About The Study: In this study, the prevalence of depressive symptoms increased substantially among U.S. adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Worsening mental health trends were concentrated among younger adults. 

About The Study: Cannabis use in pregnancy was associated with greater odds of preterm birth, small for gestational age, and low birth weight even after adjusting for co-use of tobacco products, and confidence in these findings increased from low in the prior review to moderate in the current meta-analysis. The findings of this study may help inform patient counseling and future public health policies. 

About The Study: Parents’ use of technology in their child’s presence was negatively associated with cognitive and psychosocial outcomes and screen time among young children, although the effect sizes were small. Further research focusing on potential impacts on physical activity, sleep, and motor skills is needed. Understanding these associations is crucial for informing research and guidelines aimed at minimizing the potential negative effects of this phenomenon on early childhood development. 

The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) welcomes the public to join a free webinar, “Is “Stressed” Really “Desserts” Spelled Backwards? How More Objective Assessment of Eating Behavior Can Refine Our Understanding of Stress Eating” on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET. Kristin N. Javaras, D.Phil., Ph.D., Assistant Psychologist, Division of Women’s Mental Health at McLean Hospital and Assistant Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School will be the guest speaker. The session will be hosted by Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., President & CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation and host of the Emmy® nominated television series Healthy Minds.

A new study led by investigators at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could help detect interval breast cancers before they become more advanced and harder to treat.