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Adolescents Engage in More Risky Decision Making
Research indicates adolescents engage in more risky behaviors than adults. This is due to ongoing brain development affecting judgment and impulse control, which continues into young adulthood.
Light Cannabis Use and the Adolescent Brain: An 8‑years Longitudinal Assessment of Mental Health, Cognition, and Reward Processing
Research on cannabis's effects on brain reward systems shows inconsistent results. More longitudinal studies are needed to determine if observed differences are due to cannabis use or pre-existing factors.
The Case for Second Chances: A Pathway to Decarceration in Maine
Maine incarcerates more people per capita than most countries, often for too long and at too great an expense. This review argues for significant changes, including reinstating parole, to reduce the prison population and recidivism.
Juvenile Life Without Parole in Pennsylvania: Age, Cognitive Immaturity, and Culpability
Judges in Pennsylvania have sentenced some juveniles to life without parole by focusing on age and perceived adult-level culpability.
The Miller Trilogy, Jones, and the Future of Juvenile Sentencing and Constitutional Interpretation in the Post-Jones America
Many young people facing mental health challenges make reckless decisions. The lack of support structures, coupled with current sentencing practices, can severely harm juveniles in the criminal justice system.
Hippocampal Trauma Memory Processing Conveying Susceptibility to Traumatic Stress
This study found that PTSD-like symptoms in mice are linked to changes in the hippocampal memory engram, the physical storage of memories. Researchers explored the roles of specific brain cells and epigenetic factors in these alterations.
Acute War Stress in Ukrainian Refugees: Neurobiological and Psychological Impact
A study of Ukrainian refugee women found war-related stress impacts brain structure and connectivity, along with mental health. Researchers observed these changes in individuals who experienced acute war exposure.
Investigating the neurobiology of maternal Opioid Use Disorder and prenatal opioid exposure using brain organoid technology
Opioids remain a major global health concern, particularly for pregnant women. Rising opioid use disorder and related treatments in mothers highlight the urgent need to understand opioids' impact on the developing brain.
Influence of Post-Migration Living Difficulties on Mental Health Among Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Scoping-Review on Clinical Tools
Refugees and asylum seekers experience higher rates of mental health disorders due to pre- and post-migration trauma. Identifying post-migration difficulties and providing psychosocial support are crucial for their well-being.
Cross-Contextual Examination of Older Adults’ Privacy Concerns, Behaviors, and Vulnerabilities
Older adults are most concerned about cybercrime and often use active strategies to protect their privacy. Their vulnerability to privacy threats varies greatly and is not solely tied to age.
Past, Prologue, and Constitutional Limits on Criminal Penalties
State constitutions can offer stronger protections than federal law. Illinois adopted a "proportionate-penalties clause" in its constitution, emphasizing rehabilitation in sentencing and requiring courts and lawmakers to consider it.
From Social Isolation to Social Justice: The Neuroscience of Solitary Confinement
Sensory and social deprivation, like that experienced in solitary confinement, significantly harms mental health. Research shows this can induce psychotic symptoms and alter brain function, underscoring the severe impact of isolation.
Smaller total and subregional cerebellar volumes in posttraumatic stress disorder: a mega-analysis by the ENIGMA-PGC PTSD workgroup
Trauma survivors with PTSD often have smaller volumes in certain brain regions, including the cerebellum. This smaller cerebellar volume may contribute to PTSD symptoms by disrupting stress responses and emotional processing.
Neurobiology and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Most people who experience trauma do not develop PTSD. While symptoms often lessen over time, about one-third of those initially diagnosed with PTSD will experience chronic symptoms.
The Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Practice in Youth Justice: An Umbrella Review
Youth justice services are exploring trauma-informed practices to improve outcomes for young people and enhance community safety. This approach aims to reduce harm and re-traumatization by addressing past maltreatment and adversity.