Institut für Psychologische Beratung, Business Coaching u. Training

09/04/2026

The study also noted that GLP-1 medications as a group were associated with a reduced risk of self-harm

31/03/2026

18/03/2026

Just one year of music lessons can trigger measurable brain growth and structural changes that enhance language, reading, and memory.

Forget traditional drills; the most effective way to boost a child's cognitive development might be found in the rehearsal room. Research suggests that music training acts as a comprehensive full-brain workout, activating both hemispheres simultaneously to strengthen neural connections. Unlike singular academic tasks, playing an instrument accelerates auditory maturation and pattern recognition, providing a unique foundation for language development and reading skills that homework alone cannot replicate.

The benefits of music education extend far beyond the stage, fostering essential life skills like emotional regulation, discipline, and focus. Even short-term exposure can lead to measurable improvements in processing speed and IQ, helping children navigate complex environments with greater confidence. By physically shaping the brain's structure, music training provides a lifelong cognitive advantage that transforms how young minds learn, think, and interact with the world.

source: University of Southern California & National Institutes of Health. (2024). Music Training and Brain Development: Structural Changes and Cognitive Enhancements. USC Today.

17/03/2026

🧠 Dame Uta Frith says she had been “quite swept up by the autism-spectrum idea”

Read more ⬇️

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/03/05/no-autism-spectrum-expert-pioneered-concept-says/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_fb_photo_spectrum-expert-pioneered-concept-says/

09/03/2026

No, the problem isn’t that people don’t have self-control.

New research suggests compulsive behaviors like OCD are driven by excessive brain control rather than a loss of it.

For years, the scientific consensus was that compulsive behaviors like repeated handwashing or gambling were simply "autopilot" habits that overrode a person's self-control. However, groundbreaking research from the University of Technology Sydney reveals a surprising twist: these actions may actually stem from too much deliberate control. By studying brain inflammation in the striatum—a region crucial for decision-making—scientists found that inflammation heightens goal-directed behavior rather than diminishing it. This suggests that individuals struggling with compulsions aren't necessarily acting on impulse, but are instead trapped in a loop of hyper-focused, misguided effort to prevent feared outcomes.

The discovery centers on astrocytes, the star-shaped support cells within our neural architecture. When the brain experiences inflammation, these cells multiply and disrupt the delicate networks that manage how we evaluate risks and rewards. This shift in understanding moves the focus of mental health treatment from simply "breaking habits" to addressing biological inflammation. Future therapies targeting these specific brain cells could offer a revolutionary path forward for those living with OCD, substance use disorders, and gambling addiction, providing relief by calming the very circuits that keep the brain in a state of over-active alarm.

source: University of Technology Sydney. (2025). Compulsive behaviors may stem from too much (misguided) self-control. UTS News.

28/02/2026

Fun Fact: The World Health Organization classifies processed meats in the same category as ci******es and asbestos.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has placed processed meats—including favorites like ham, hot dogs, and bacon—into Group 1, its highest classification for carcinogenic evidence.

This designation means that the scientific community has reached a definitive consensus: these foods are directly linked to the development of cancer, specifically colorectal cancer.
While this does not mean eating a slice of ham is as dangerous as smoking a cigarette, it signifies that the evidence for the link is just as robust. The risk stems largely from the processing itself; methods such as curing, salting, and smoking create chemical compounds like nitrosamines that can damage DNA over time.

Beyond preservatives like nitrates and nitrites, high-heat cooking methods such as grilling or frying further increase the presence of carcinogens like heterocyclic amines.

Health experts recommend significantly limiting or entirely avoiding ultra-processed meats in favor of safer protein sources like fish, beans, or plant-based alternatives. For those who still choose to consume red meat, reducing portion sizes and frequency is a critical step in lowering long-term health risks.

Making these dietary adjustments can have a profound impact on preventing cellular damage and promoting overall longevity.
Source:

International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs evaluate consumption of red meat and processed meat. World Health Organization.

26/02/2026

A 30-year Harvard study reveals that a low carb diet harms long-term heart health.

For decades, low-carb and low-fat diets have been marketed as the ultimate solution for weight loss and cardiovascular wellness. However, a groundbreaking 30-year study from Harvard University involving 200,000 health professionals suggests that simply cutting macronutrients is not enough to protect your heart. Researchers found that individuals who consumed "unhealthy" low-carb diets—relying on refined grains and sugars—saw their heart disease risk jump by 14 percent. Conversely, those who prioritized high-quality carbs like whole grains experienced a 15 percent reduction in risk, proving that the source of your calories is far more significant than the calorie count itself.

To ensure the findings were more than just self-reported trends, scientists utilized metabolomics to analyze blood samples from over 11,000 participants. This biological data confirmed that healthy fats from sources like avocados and nuts actually protect the cardiovascular system by clearing arterial debris and supporting hormone function. In contrast, saturated fats and processed foods remain strictly linked to higher rates of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The takeaway for health-conscious consumers is clear: rather than obsessing over strict carb counts, focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods is the most effective way to ensure long-term longevity.

source: Hom, A. (2026). Why low-carb diets can actually raise your risk of heart disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

23/02/2026

Your willingness to obey authority, levels of extrovertism or openness can all differ according to the culture you grew up in. https://bbc.in/46US7nG

23/02/2026

MIT is democratizing world-class education by offering materials from over 2,500 courses to the global public for free.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is revolutionizing global learning by providing free access to its world-renowned curriculum through two primary digital platforms. MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) serves as an extensive digital repository, offering lecture notes, exams, and videos for more than 2,500 courses ranging from computer science to multivariable calculus. For those seeking a more interactive experience, MITx on edX delivers structured Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that mirror the rigorous classroom environment of the physical campus, allowing learners to master cutting-edge fields like machine learning and entrepreneurship at their own pace.

While these resources are available to anyone with an internet connection regardless of age or location, the distinction between the platforms lies in their certification options. OCW focuses on self-paced, archival materials without formal recognition, whereas MITx offers the opportunity to earn verified certificates for a fee. Popular entry points include "Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python" and specialized tracks in financial accounting and aircraft systems engineering. This initiative underscores a commitment to open learning, ensuring that the tools for professional and intellectual growth are accessible to millions of aspiring students worldwide.

source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (2024). MIT OpenCourseWare and MITx: Empowering Global Learners. MIT Open Learning.