New research links childhood adversity with later attention deficits, sleep disruptions, and specific dopamine imbalances in the brain. Focusing on critical developmental windows, scientists found that disrupted care early in life affected males more than females.

New research has unveiled how gut bacteria play a key role in regulating stress by interacting with circadian rhythms, opening possibilities for microbiome-based therapies for mental health. Researchers found that depletion of certain gut bacteria can lead to time-specific increases in stress responses through the HPA axis, the body's central stress response system. Specific bacteria, such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri, were identified as crucial to modulating stress hormones throughout the day.

Having a happy intimate partner can lower stress levels in older adults by reducing the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Couples with higher relationship satisfaction experience an even stronger effect, suggesting that positive emotions in relationships act as a buffer against stress.

Scientists have uncovered a new pathway regulating cell death, or ferroptosis, which could pave the way for innovative cancer treatments. By examining how oxidative stress damages lipid membranes, the team found that the proteasome recycling system becomes clogged, accelerating cell destruction.

Hair turns grey due to a decrease in melanin production in hair follicles, a process influenced by both genetics and environmental factors like stress. Contrary to myths, plucking a grey hair won’t make more grow back, and hair can’t turn grey overnight.