Author: Toni Alaka

The parental environment can have a strong influence on the development of their children and subsequent phenotype (their physical traits). There is now growing evidence that these parental effects can be transgenerational – meaning that they’re able to span multiple generations. For example, stressful situations (e.g. early life stress), and exposure to some drugs and […]

The neurones of our brains communicate via electrical impulses called action potentials. A portion of these neurones are wrapped in a fatty substance called myelin, which helps to insulate them and increase the rate at which action potentials are passed from neurone to neurone. Similar to the way an electrical wire is covered with insulating […]

It’s estimated that around 69 million individuals sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually, and over 1.4 million people attend A&E in the UK every year with a TBI. TBIs usually result in altered brain structure and function, and in cognitive problems like memory deficits, impaired social function, and decision-making difficulties. The severity of this […]

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to continuously adapt and change in response to influences in our environment, sustains normal learning and development. It also encourages recovery of function after an injury or damage. At the same time, it can also leave our brain vulnerable to the negative effects of harmful psychosocial experiences, such as maltreatment. […]

Compelling evidence reveals that high levels of stress are linked with low income, weight gain, and obesity. Notwithstanding that, research has also drawn links between socio-economic situations and associated stress levels. For instance, those living with chronic life stress, not an uncommon trope among those with low incomes, have a higher preference for energy-dense food, […]