The air around us is invisible. Its effects may not be. By Jess Wight | 02 October, 2026 "What we’re discovering is that chronic exposure to common, low-level air pollutants may act like a slow, subtle pressure on the developing brain" Calvin Jara, M.D., at OHSU School of Medicine, discussing how his new study uncovers the potential consequences of pollution on the brain When discussing air pollution, people often picture melting glaciers, smoky city skylines, or the health of the planet...

The surprising science of how gratitude, optimism, and mindfulness directly impact your cardiovascular health By Jess Wight | 23 September, 2026 “We needed to get out to the world some of these findings and the importance of us as cardiologists and healthcare providers, to really focus not only on things like blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes but actually on the patient's psychological health.” Glenn Levine, master clinician and professor of medicine, discussing his publication of...

How a substance that increases anxiety may also protect the brain from stress By Jess Wight | 11 September 2026 “Caffeine is the most widely used mood-altering drug in the world… people often see coffee, tea, and soft drinks simply as beverages rather than vehicles for a psychoactive drug” Roland Griffiths, PhD, professor in psychiatry and neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, describing how caffeine is culturally disguised “Caffeine makes you anxious”. It’s a...