Children exposed to brain-harming chemicals while sleeping: Scientists urge mattress manufacturers to act

Babies and young children may breathe and absorb plasticizers called phthalates, flame retardants, and other harmful chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep, according to a pair of studies published by the University of Toronto in Environmental Science & Technology and Environmental Science & Technology Letters. These chemicals are linked to neurological and reproductive problems, asthma, hormone disruption, and cancer.

How the brain controls movement under different types of visual uncertainty

Imagine waking up thirsty at night and having to reach for a glass of water in the dark. Without a clear view, your brain has to estimate where the glass is and where your hand is—a challenge that often leads to imprecise movements. The brain processes two key pieces of information: It needs to know where the hand is and where to move it. But what happens if this information is inaccurate?

Study shows a type of brain stimulation may influence decision-making speed

A simple method of brain stimulation has been shown to change how people make decisions. These were the findings of a new study by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), which is published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. The investigation used transcranial direct current stimulation, which is an established method in research and therapy.

Optical genome mapping technology shows promise for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic options of multiple myeloma

Researchers have demonstrated the potential of the innovative optical genome mapping (OGM) technique for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic management of multiple myeloma. This new study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, details how this novel method can establish the cytogenomic profile of the tumor on a scale suitable for routine practice in cytogenetics laboratories.