A study led by Japan's National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology has found that brain lesions caused by tau protein accumulation are common in individuals with mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, even when their cognitive functions appear normal. The research team analyzed 52 patients over 40 with mood disorders and 47 healthy individuals of the same age group, discovering lesions in 50% of patients and 14.9% of healthy individuals. In patients experiencing symptoms like delusions and hallucinations, tau protein accumulation was particularly high in specific brain regions. The study also examined 208 autopsies, finding that 57.1% of those who developed mood disorders over 40 later developed dementia, with an average delay of seven years between diagnosis and symptom onset.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/13/japan/science-health/depression-likely-tied-to-dementia/The Trump administration's budget plan calls for over $1 billion in cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In New York, a decline in overdose deaths is attributed to increased availability of naloxone, expanded access to medication for opioid use disorder, and investments in harm reduction services. The state has distributed nearly $400 million in opioid settlement funds, which have funded efforts to expand access to medication, supportive services, and recovery programs. However, overdose mortality rates persist among Black New Yorkers, and experts warn that reduced federal funding could slow or stop the recent decline in overdose deaths, potentially exacerbating existing disparities.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/how-one-state-reduced-its-overdose-death-rate-by-32-in-a-year/article_bd522885-915f-52fd-aae3-b789a90f67fc.htmlThe World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have launched a global initiative to improve mental health care in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa. The "Mental Health First Aid" program aims to train healthcare workers and community leaders to identify and respond to mental health issues, reducing stigma and increasing access to treatment. Led by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, the initiative seeks to create a network of trained professionals who can provide support and connect individuals with local resources, ultimately promoting a culture of respect for mental well-being worldwide.
https://nerdbot.com/2025/06/12/how-a-mental-health-speaker-can-inspire-change-and-awareness/DoorDash's "DoorDad" campaign has sparked a cultural shift by acknowledging the mental load of mothers in households, where they often bear the responsibility of scheduling appointments and managing daily tasks. A Syracuse University study found that even in 50-50 parenting households, moms are still contacted first by schools. DoorDash responded by offering a break to mothers with flowers and a decision-free day, highlighting the need for brands to move beyond clichés and support the relentless labor of motherhood. The success of "DoorDad" points to a deeper issue - the commercialization of Mother's Day while ignoring the unpaid work of caregiving that falls mostly on mothers' shoulders, estimated to be worth $10 trillion globally if accounted for.
https://www.adweek.com/creativity/fathers-day-brand-reckoning/Researchers conducted a study on kids' brains using statistical methods to ensure accuracy, but acknowledge potential explanations from genetic variability or socioeconomic status. A larger study with 80 participants is underway, and the team chose to release early findings to raise public awareness before waiting for the full results.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2025/06/13/climate-change/disasters-baby-brains/The article criticizes the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media and celebrity culture, particularly in relation to aging women. It argues that images of older women, such as Elizabeth Hurley, are often Photoshopped and filtered to create an unattainable ideal. The author believes this can lead to a loss of sight of what is "real" and the value of women beyond their physical appearance. They advocate for a shift in societal expectations, encouraging women to accept and love themselves at any age, rather than feeling pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/real-life/article-14806465/BRYONY-GORDON-Truth-Liz-Hurleys-body-60-just-not-normal.htmlResearchers led by Dr. Christopher Anderson at Harvard Medical School found that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of age-related brain disease, even for those already showing signs of biological aging.
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/06/12/accelerated-biological-aging-dementia-stroke/7821749734978/Kim Gordon has released a new version of her song "Bye Bye," which critiques the Trump administration's efforts to minimize certain terms from public life. The lyrics now include phrases like "mental health," "electric vehicle," and "gay bird flu," reflecting the changing cultural landscape since the original release in 2024.
https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/06/kim-gordon-bye-bye-25-interview/683157/Liz Hurley's teenage years were marked by a "punk" era where she sought to deter unwanted male attention. In throwback photos from the 1980s, she is seen with bleached hair, heavy smudged eyeliner, and multiple piercings. According to Liz, this was a deliberate attempt to make herself appear unattractive, as many men were taking an interest in her at the time.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14806299/supermodel-punk-liz-hurley.html