Spectrum SA: Developmental Educator

10/01/2026

MS may not be genetic bad luck after all.
A landmark study of 10 million military personnel confirmed Epstein-Barr virus is the leading cause of Multiple Sclerosis. This shifts everything. A vaccine for this common virus could potentially eradicate MS entirely. One virus. One target. A disease erased.

Shared for informational purposes only.
Source: Science

04/01/2026

03/01/2026

Please be very discerning when it comes to reading Dr Gabor Maté’s book on ADHD “Scattered Minds”.
there are very valid points made, but his fundamental proposition is erroneous, according to empirical data.

26/12/2025

Powerful words

18/12/2025

New research reveals something striking: household clutter can send women’s stress hormones soaring, while men’s levels hardly change.

It turns out clutter isn’t just about having a messy room—our brains interpret it as unfinished work. Studies following dual-income couples show that women who view their homes as cluttered have rising cortisol levels throughout the day, a pattern linked to chronic stress. Meanwhile, women who feel their homes are orderly show healthier cortisol drops as the day goes on.

Why such a difference between men and women? Researchers point to the “mental load”—the constant planning, tracking, remembering, and decision-making that women tend to shoulder at home. When clutter appears, it doesn’t simply look disorganized; it instantly becomes a list of tasks their brain starts to solve. That mental spiral fuels overwhelm, emotional fatigue, and stress.

Experts suggest tackling the problem with a realistic approach:
• Shedding: reduce unnecessary possessions to ease both visual and mental weight.
• Preventing: give everyday items designated places, so tidying becomes automatic rather than a draining decision.
• Adapting: accept that homes will never be perfect, especially in busy seasons—lowering the pressure can lower stress.

This research reminds us that clutter isn’t just physical. It has emotional and biological weight, especially for the people carrying the heaviest mental load at home.

Source: Psychology Today

18/12/2025

17/12/2025

Scientists have developed a new peptide nasal spray that may reverse brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease and help restore lost memories. This innovative therapy delivers peptides directly through the nasal passage, allowing them to bypass the blood‑brain barrier and reach affected areas efficiently. By targeting key pathways involved in neurodegeneration, the spray stimulates repair mechanisms in neurons and reduces the accumulation of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s.

In preclinical studies, the nasal spray improved synaptic function, enhanced neural connectivity, and promoted the clearance of harmful plaques. These changes were associated with noticeable improvements in memory and cognitive performance. Unlike traditional Alzheimer’s treatments, which primarily aim to slow disease progression, this approach offers the potential to restore function in damaged neural circuits, giving hope for recovery rather than only symptom management.

While clinical trials in humans are still in the early stages, the therapy represents a major breakthrough in neurodegenerative research. The nasal delivery method is noninvasive, safe, and allows for rapid administration, making it a promising alternative to conventional treatments. Researchers are optimistic that further testing will confirm efficacy and pave the way for widespread use. If successful, this peptide spray could transform Alzheimer’s care, offering patients the possibility of regained memory, improved cognition, and a higher quality of life.