The Latest Breaking News from the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre

Why neglecting your brain health can make it harder to achieve physical goals

Our cognition and mental wellbeing are crucial factors for our quality of life and put us in a good position to contribute to society. Ultimately, it can be near impossible to achieve physical goals and demanding life challenges if our brain health is not optimal.

The Conversation · Jan 27, 2025

How antidepressants, ketamine and psychedelic drugs may make brains more flexible – new research

The first-line pharmacological treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) are antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). But a significant proportion of people don’t respond to these drugs.

The Conversation · Oct 23, 2023

How having five friends boosts the adolescent brain – and educational performance

As most parents of teenagers are acutely aware, there comes a time when children start prioritising their friends over their parents. While young children rely on their parents for social interactions and influences, there’s a notable switch during adolescence, where the influence from peers and friends becomes more important.

The Conversation · Jul 19, 2023