Within the white, clinical walls of a nondescript UNLV lab, a small team of neuroscientists are working on a project with potentially big implications for children suffering from seizures.

Dr. Dustin Hines, professor of neuroscience at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), US, and study co-author Rochelle Hines, professor of psychology, discuss a breakthrough in seizure therapy using compounds derived from caraway seeds. By altering the shape of the seed’s main chemical component, researchers created a new class of THC-free “CBD-like” therapies that showed seizure-reducing effects and promoted healthier brain cell development in preclinical trials, potentially offering safer alternatives to current drug-resistant therapies.

Dr. Dustin Hines, professor of neuroscience at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), US, and study co-author Rochelle Hines, professor of psychology, discuss a breakthrough in seizure therapy using compounds derived from caraway seeds. By altering the shape of the seed’s main chemical component, researchers created a new class of THC-free “CBD-like” therapies that showed seizure-reducing effects and promoted healthier brain cell development in preclinical trials, potentially offering safer alternatives to current drug-resistant therapies.

While many people may consider psychedelics to be solely a recreational drug, research indicates that this drug class can be helpful in treating mental health issues such as depression and addiction.

While many people may consider psychedelics to be solely a recreational drug, research indicates that this drug class can be helpful in treating mental health issues such as depression and addiction.

November is Veterans and Military Family appreciation month, so we're having an in-depth conversation with Dr. Shane Kraus, associate professor at UNLV, about his research on gambling disorder among military veterans and active-duty service members. Dr. Kraus discusses the high rates of co-occurring mental health issues, including PTSD and suicide, the presence of slot machines on overseas military bases, and the urgent need for early screening and intervention. Learn about the policy changes and resources that could help service members struggling with gambling-related harm.

Scientists have developed a new class of CBD using caraway seeds, a kitchen spice. Some enterprising psychology students at UNLV genetically manipulated a compound that is derived from the seeds, called carvone, and created a compound that resembles the molecular structure of CBD.

What drives someone to take a chance—and when does that risk turn into harm? In this episode of Double Down Michigan, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams talks with Dr. Shane Kraus, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Kraus shares insights from his research on gambling disorder, addictive behaviors, and mental health among high-risk populations such as U.S. military veterans and young adults. Together, they explore the science behind gambling addiction, the challenges of treatment and prevention, and what regulators, clinicians, and communities can do to protect people from gambling-related harm.

Here’s what clinicians—and everyone else—need to know about treating gambling disorder and protecting those most vulnerable.

Seizures are far more common than most people realize. Epilepsy affects about one percent of the population, making it one of the most prevalent neurological disorders worldwide. Seizures can appear at any moment in life, arising from genetic conditions, traumatic brain injuries, infections, metabolic disorders, or sometimes even no identifiable cause at all.

Seizures are far more common than most people realize. Epilepsy affects about one percent of the population, making it one of the most prevalent neurological disorders worldwide. Seizures can appear at any moment in life, arising from genetic conditions, traumatic brain injuries, infections, metabolic disorders, or sometimes even no identifiable cause at all.

In this interview, Dr. Shane Kraus, associate professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Karen Valle Frias, clinical psychology student, discuss their research which revealed strong links between gambling disorder and suicide risk among veterans, emphasizing the urgent need for routine screening, gender-sensitive prevention, and accessible, evidence-based treatment within the VA system.