imbalance

Despite the popularity of the ‘chemical imbalance’ theory of depression, scientists say there is no clear evidence that serotonin levels or serotonin activity cause depression.After decades of research, there remains no clear evidence that serotonin levels or serotonin activity are responsible for depression, according to a comprehensive review of prior research led by University College London (UCL) scientists.The major new umbrella review – an overview of existing meta-analyses and systematic reviews – was published on…

For three decades, people have been deluged with information suggesting that depression is caused by a “chemical imbalance” in the brain – namely an imbalance of a brain chemical called serotonin. However, our latest research review shows that the evidence does not support it. Although first proposed in the 1960s, the serotonin theory of depression started to be widely promoted by the pharmaceutical industry in the 1990s in association with its efforts to market a new range of antidepressants,…

For millions of people around the world, salvation from long periods of dark thoughts and oppressive feelings comes in pill form, with each dose doing its bit to ensure the balance of a humble neurotransmitter called serotonin remains relatively in check.  In spite of their popularity as a treatment for mood disorders, much of the mechanisms behind antidepressant pharmaceuticals are a complete black box. We can only guess at how they work in treating low moods.More shocking still, those guesses could be completely wrong,…

Our living planet is unique among all we've been able to explore in the Universe so far. From our axial tilt preventing too many temperature extremes, to our goldilocks zone position, life on Earth depends on many finely balanced, interwoven cycles that come together to produce the exact circumstances we need to thrive.  One of these cycles is Earth's delicate energy system – the inputs and outputs of the energy received from the Sun. This cycle dictates all planetary climate systems. On Mars, the seasonal change in…

Credit: CC0 Public Domain The Third Pole, which is centered on the Tibetan Plateau, stores most of the frozen water in the world after the Antarctic and Arctic. As a reliable water supply for almost 2 billion people, it has become known as the "Asian Water Tower." However, according to a new study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, the situation is changing.…