How Your Mental Health Affects Your Physical Health: The Mind-Body Connection Explained
By: Habiba
Marwan
Abstract
The connection between mental and physical health has gained increasing attention from researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals in recent decades. This paper explores the intricate relationship between psychological well-being and physical health, emphasizing how conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to or worsen physical health issues. Conversely, chronic physical illnesses often negatively impact mental health, creating a complex and cyclical relationship between mind and body. Scientific evidence from fields such as psychoneuroimmunology, neurobiology, and behavioral medicine supports the idea that emotional states can influence bodily functions like immune response, cardiovascular health, sleep quality, and metabolic regulation.
This study delves into key biological mechanisms, including the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, cortisol secretion, and inflammation, in mediating the mind-body connection. It also examines behavioral pathways and how mental health influences lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, substance use, and sleep habits which in turn affect physical health outcomes. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations, such as adolescents, individuals with chronic illness, and those in high-stress environments, to illustrate the broader societal and health system impacts.
Furthermore, this paper reviews integrative approaches to healthcare that bridge the gap between mental and physical health services. The effectiveness of interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and holistic wellness practices in improving both mental and physical outcomes is evaluated. By understanding the bidirectional nature of mental and physical health, this paper advocates for a more unified and preventative model of care, one that recognizes the importance of treating the whole person, not just their symptoms.
Ultimately, the findings underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, early intervention, and collaborative care models that prioritize both mental and physical wellness in clinical practice, education, and policy.
An Insight Into the Mental Health of Low Income Gifted Students: A Mixed Methods Study
By: Jasalyn Chavez
Abstract
The investigation of gifted students from generational poverty has gone significantly unresearched. Though there are studies on the subjects individually, there are no studies that connect the two and investigate how these two factors might affect a person’s well-being, that was until this present study. This study investigates how the mental health of gifted students from generational poverty who are in or graduated from college is affected by the pressures to break the cycle of poverty. By using a mixed-method design, the researcher created a survey that asked participants questions about pressure, stress, anxiety, and depression, relating to how it has been impacted by their gifted and economic status. This study included three open-ended questions that provided insight into what the participants themselves believe impacts their mental health. The study concluded that both college students who are gifted and from generational poverty, as well as just gifted students, experience higher levels of pressure, stress, anxiety, and depression in comparison to their non-gifted peers. Based on inferential statistical analysis, the researcher concludes with a medium degree of confidence that being a gifted student from generational poverty creates more mental strain in comparison to those who aren’t gifted from a low-income background. This study does not have a high degree of confidence due to its sample size and participants, who are no longer current college students. Since they are recalling their past experiences, it is hard for the results from former college students to represent the well-being of current college students. Future researchers can build on this limitation by conducting a similar study on current college students.
What Makes an Effective PROTAC? Unlocking Drug-Resistant Pathways Through Warhead, Linker, and Anchor Modifications
By: Ell Siti Macpherson
Abstract
PROTACs (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras) are a novel class of therapeutic molecules that induce the degradation of target proteins by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This study focuses on the theoretical design of PROTAC candidates targeting CDK9, a key kinase involved in transcriptional regulation and a validated cancer target. Five PROTAC prototypes were developed by combining distinct warheads (e.g., Wogonin, AT7519), linker motifs (PEG,
triazole, alkyl, amide), and E3 ligase-recruiting anchors (VH032, VH298, thalidomide derivatives). Each design was justified based on predicted degradation efficiency, solubility, flexibility, and selectivity. Although not yet experimentally validated, the candidates are expected to exhibit favorable pharmacological properties and effective CDK9 degradation. Proposed next steps include in vitro cell viability assays, Western blot analysis, and eventual in vivo evaluation to assess therapeutic potential. These designs lay the groundwork for future studies in targeted protein degradation for cancer therapy.
Introduction
PROTACs or Proteolysis targeting chimeras are molecules that contain three parts. The E3 ligase recognition moiety, the linker, and the ligand for target protein. Protacs were first reported by Sakamoto et al back in 2001.1 Protacs represents a transformative approach in modern drug discovery. Unlike traditional small-molecule inhibitors, which block the active site of proteins, PROTACs hijack the cell’s natural ubiquitin proteasome system to degrade disease-causing proteins entirely. This makes PROTACs particularly valuable for addressing “undruggable” targets, proteins without suitable binding pockets for conventional drugs. To sum that up: A PROTAC (short for PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera) is a special type of medicine that helps the body get rid of harmful proteins. Unlike traditional small molecule drugs that often fail to bind or affect certain disease related proteins, PROTACs act like highly specialized ‘smart drugs’ engineered to hijack the cell’s own degradation system to eliminate previously ‘undruggable’ targets.
How to Convince the Customer to Buy Your Product: A Study Behind Effective Marketing
By: Else Hjorten
Society views advertisements as effective because of their aesthetic features but overlooks the sizable amount of consideration put into the aforementioned advertisements’ development. Beyond just the color palette and dimensions of the ad, there are factors of how viewers will feel and how they will see the company after observing those pieces of media. This is where the more psychological elements of smart advertising come into play. Marketing may be powerful because of its ability to alert the public, but its more important principles are found in consumer inclusion, celebrity endorsement, and AI adaptation.
Consumer inclusion might be the largest factor in growing a loyal consumer following. Customers (especially the younger generation) are shifting their brand allegiance requirements from simply creating a good product to whether the brand has a good public image. “[W]hen they receive advertising that’s targeted and focused…” (NCS Marketing), they are more likely to respond positively to these kinds of commercials. Examples of targeted/focused advertising could be “...user-generated content to build authenticity [and] interactive content, such as quizzes and polls….” (Park University) These tactics make the consumer feel important and like they are a part of the product development and endorser selection process. These properties are also shown in a company’s UVP, or Unique Value Proposition. It highlights “...what makes your products or services unique and why customers should choose you.” (Park University) This is so customers can get an initial glimpse at what a company’s business statements entail, and then they can decide if they want to lend their support from the beginning. Without creating this illusion of consumer importance, there is a high probability that viewers would ignore advertising attempts, under the conception that they are not affiliated with the brand.
Is the Lack of Funding for the Arts Discouraging Young Audiences to Appreciate and Study it?
By: Amelia Torry
Introduction
Across the United States, performing arts such as music, art, and dance are typically not well–funded. In comparison to other industries, the performing arts are the least funded of the rest. Many questions may arise from this information: why does this happen, and is it fair? Are the performing arts becoming less respected than they were in previous years? More importantly, how will this affect young audiences who may have wanted to participate?
Funding for the Arts
Between the years 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020, economic support given to the arts declined by 8.6%, when previously, funding for the arts had increased by 9.3%. This decrease happened for multiple reasons, the most popular one being that people simply do not find the arts as important as they did before. While some have shared the notion that the arts are important for social impact, people argue that they see changes in social or racial justice and climate to have a greater impact. The other common reason relates to people not knowing exactly where their money is going. People argue that organizations for the arts are not transparent enough about where their donations are going, and they are concerned that they may be wasting their money.
Breaking Barriers: The Impact of Technology on Communication within the Deaf Community
By: Mahfuza Maisa
Abstract:
In recent years, technological advancements have significantly transformed communication for the deaf community, fostering greater inclusion and social interaction. This paper examines the various tools and innovations that have emerged, such as video relay services, instant messaging, and mobile applications designed for real-time communication. By analyzing the effectiveness of these technologies, the paper highlights how they facilitate easier access to information, enhance interpersonal connections, and empower deaf individuals in both personal and professional contexts. Furthermore, this study explores the role of social media and online platforms in building community and providing a voice to deaf individuals worldwide. Ultimately, the findings illustrate that technology not only bridges communication gaps but also promotes equality, enabling deaf individuals to engage more fully in society.
How can Parasocial Relationships Impact Teen Mental Health?
By: J’Niyah Lorenzana
Introduction
With the new season of Love Island USA releasing this summer, millions of people around the world tuned in for the show. Besides the high viewership this year, the sense of connection that viewers felt with the participants was even more unexpected. Across social media, people have been emotional, competitive, and involved in heated arguments. These one-sided connections are called parasocial relationships. Anyone can be affected by parasocial relationships; however, with the rise of social media, teens have been more susceptible to them due to being the main audience. Despite the sense of comfort a relationship could provide, parasocial relationships may lead to deeper problems, especially as they are still growing.
How does social media usage affect short-term memory retention?
By: Audrey Lin
Introduction:
As our world continues to advance the adaptation of technology into our lives, it often distracts us from everyday tasks. Especially with social media, the endless doomscrolling of reels or posts has made people less focused. Causing information overload, shortening attention span, and a reliance on external information. Social media can harm the brain’s working memory. Which makes remembering things hard, lowering memory’s capacity. Now, you’re probably wondering: How does this affect short-term memory retention, and why does social media make people so addicted?