NIH-funded study incorporates new measures to better predict outcomes in chronic heart condition.
Integrating dual-process decision making and social dynamics: A formal modeling framework for addiction.
Psychological Review, Vol 133(4), Jul 2026, 864-891; doi:10.1037/rev0000584
Currently, formal models of addiction focus either on the complex individual decision-making processes involved in addiction or on the social dynamics of addiction. They do not integrate these two levels, which has been identified as a key shortcoming of current formal models of addiction. To address this, we propose a nonlinear dynamical modeling framework of addiction integrating both the individual level and social level of addictive behavior. The individual level of our modeling framework is a formalization of a dual-process theory, where one type of process increases the consumption of addictive goods, and another type of process limits consumption. For our formalization, we build on a well-studied model from ecology, originally used to model periodic outbreaks of the spruce budworm population. To this model, we add the process of incentive sensitization at the individual level and at the social level, we incorporate the critical processes of selection homophily and peer influence. We show that our integrated modeling framework can be used to explain key phenomena identified in addiction literature: a gradual transition to heavy use, sudden relapse and sudden quitting, relatively stable use states over time (i.e., abstinence moderate use, and heavy use), social contagion and sudden outbreaks, clustering of users, and social aid in recovery. In addition, we demonstrate how our modeling framework can be extended to include mutualistic, competitive, and more complex interactions between different addictive behaviors. Finally, we show how our framework can lead to new insights and predictions and suggest avenues for future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
PCOS’s new name is PMOS, a small letter change that required a big scientific process
PCOS is dead. Long live PMOS.
Revealed Tuesday, the one-letter change in nomenclature for a common metabolic condition in women may seem unremarkable, but it follows more than a decade of vigorous debate over the need for a name that more precisely and completely describes what until now was known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Case Report: Recurrent pathogenic mutation c.110G>A in DHDDS gene
Recent studies have demonstrated the close association of mutations in the dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase (DHDDS) gene with neurodevelopmental disorders and the onset of epilepsy. This report describes a female patient harboring a de novo heterozygous variant c.110G>A (p.Arg37His) in the DHDDS gene, characterized by childhood-onset myoclonus-like movement disorder (at age 6) and late-onset epilepsy (at age 17). The movement disorder was remarkably improved through the levetiracetam+ clonazepam+ haloperidol triple therapy, and epileptic seizures were also effectively controlled. A retrospective analysis of 59 epilepsy patients with DHDDS gene variants revealed significant clinical heterogeneity in disease phenotypes caused by DHDDS mutations. Epilepsy was identified as the predominant symptom, commonly accompanied by movement disorders and varying degrees of intellectual disability. Furthermore, while pathogenic mutations in DHDDS tend to be relatively clustered, no definitive genotype-phenotype correlation has been established. This study highlights the clinical manifestations, imaging features, treatment experiences, and genetic testing results through case reports and literature review, thereby providing crucial references for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and further research of such diseases.
Application of neuromodulation techniques in irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gut-brain interaction disorder characterized by abdominal pain/abdominal discomfort accompanied by changes in bowel motility. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of multiple factors, including abnormalities of the brain-gut axis, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, and visceral hypersensitivity. Traditional treatment strategies mainly focus on symptomatic relief, which have limitations such as insufficient targeting and significant side effects. Neuromodulation techniques, as an emerging treatment modality, modulate the central or peripheral nervous system through electrical and electromagnetic means, targeting key pathways of the brain-gut axis. These techniques can regulate gut motility and suppress inflammatory responses, thereby alleviating IBS symptoms. Currently, several techniques are widely applied, including electroacupuncture (EA), Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS), transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Multiple clinical trials have confirmed their effectiveness in relieving abdominal pain, improving bowel dysfunction, and enhancing quality of life. However, there are still issues such as significant individual differences and insufficient long-term efficacy data. Future research should focus on the development of personalized treatment plans, exploration of combination therapy strategies, and technological innovation to further enhance their clinical value.
Long-term neurodevelopment in preterm neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis: systematic review and meta-analysis
IntroductionNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common complication in preterm infants and is associated with significant mortality and long-term morbidity, including gastrointestinal sequelae, brain injury, and developmental delays. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants born at less than 34 weeks’ gestation who survive NEC and identifies specific developmental domains most vulnerable to neurodevelopmental impairment.MethodsThe systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched Pubmed (including MEDLINE), Embase and Web of Science for relevant articles. Studies were graded for quality using the GRADE system and bias was assessed using the ROBINS-E Risk of Bias tool. We performed gestational-age stratified subgroup analyses (22–28 weeks versus 29–34 weeks) and evaluated the risk of impairment in different neurodevelopmental domains.ResultsSurvivors of NEC are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.32–1.53). Several neurodevelopmental domains are negatively impacted, such as motor skills (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.86–2.32), cognition (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.57–1.96), vision (RR 4.36, 95% CI 2.91–6.55), hearing (RR 4.09, 95% CI 2.91–5.77) and cerebral palsy (RR 2.48, 95% CI 2.15–2.86). The risk of epilepsy and behavioral problems does not differ between NEC survivors and age-matched controls. This increased risk of impairment after NEC persists after stratification for gestational age and extends into school-age.ConclusionNEC Survivors face an elevated risk of neurodevelopmental impairment, irrespective of gestational age, with deficits spanning multiple developmental domains. These findings highlight the need for targeted, long-term follow-up to enable timely detection and individualized interventions for developmental delays throughout childhood.Systematic review registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022322564.
Association between childhood ADHD problems and premature mortality: identifying modifiable cardiovascular mechanisms in a UK population cohort
BackgroundIndividuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of premature mortality, but the mechanisms that underlie this association after young adulthood are unknown. As ADHD is associated with cardiovascular disease, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors could contribute to links between ADHD and premature mortality.AimsThis study aims to investigate whether specific cardiovascular risk factors explain the association between childhood ADHD problems and a higher risk of premature mortality.MethodsWe used the UK 1958 birth cohort, the National Child Development study (NCDS), and linked death register data to examine whether children with ADHD problems at age 7 years were at higher risk of premature mortality by age 58 and if specific modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, measured at midlife (age 44 years), mediated this association using path analysis.ResultsA total of 8,016 individuals completed both the age 7 ADHD assessment and the age 44/45 biomedical assessment. Of these individuals, 231 (3.1%) were grouped as likely having ADHD. The odds ratio (OR) for deaths (n = 251) in the ADHD group versus the non-ADHD group was 1.86 (95% CI 1.08–3.17). The risk was largely explained by cigarette smoking status at midlife and by a higher waist–hip ratio (a measure of obesity).ConclusionsChildhood ADHD problems are associated with a higher risk of premature mortality by age 58. This risk seems to be mainly explained by two potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factors: obesity and smoking. These risks should be prioritized for preventative interventions to reduce the risk of premature mortality in those with a history of ADHD.
Erratum
Erratum to: “The Link Between Weight Gain and Hippocampal Atrophy in Bipolar Disorder: A Longitudinal Investigation in 934 Participants,” by Fraiha-Pegado et al. (Biol Psychiatry 2026); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.01.020.
Dysfunctional brain circuits overlap in lesional and idiopathic obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may develop following brain lesions, but lesion distribution and connectivity patterns are unknown.
Real-time brain-controlled selective hearing enhances speech perception in multi-talker environments
Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 11 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02281-5
This study shows that brain signals can identify and amplify the voice a person wants to hear in a crowded scene. Choudhari et al. provide evidence that brain-controlled hearing can improve speech perception and clarity in noisy environments.