From the Scientist

Research into the biology of suicide takes place in a number of areas, from cells to systems, and from immunological to environmental conditions. We’ve asked researchers and physician-scientists (who treat patients and do research) to describe their recent scientific papers outlining important biological factors that provide insight into the development of suicidal behaviors.

December 04, 2023

Translational Epidemiologist receives JKBF Award at ISSR

Once again JKBF partnered with the International Academy of Suicide Research (IASR) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to award an early career scientist investigating biological factors that may contribute to suicidal behaviors. At the 2023 International Summit on Suicide Research the third James Kirk Bernard Foundation Award for Excellence in the Biological Exploration of Suicide was presented to […]

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December 03, 2021

Internal Rhythms, Sleep, and Suicide

In this recent summary From the Scientist, the researchers highlight how chronotype, or internal rhythms, raise the risk of sleep disturbance and associated suicidal thoughts in individuals more inclined to be night owls. Studies show that the restoration and reduced stress response that comes from sleep occurs during rapid eye moment (REM) conditions, which tend to […]

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November 04, 2021

JKBF bestows second Biological Research Award at Suicide Summit

In October JKBF was pleased to partner with the International Academy of Suicide Research (IASR) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in giving an award in support of an early career scientist who focuses on exploring biological contributors to suicide. At the virtual 2021 International Summit on Suicide Research we presented the second James Kirk Bernard Foundation Award for Excellence in […]

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April 12, 2021

Insomnia, Sleep Medicines, and Suicide – it’s complicated!

To further our understanding of the role of sleep disturbance in suicidal behaviors, below we present a sleep researcher’s explanation of a recent study addressing insomnia, sleep medications, and suicide. The researcher, Andrew Tubbs, and his collaborators from the University of Arizona have just published data that indicate the particular type of sleep medicine may […]

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January 20, 2021

More on Sleep Disturbance and Suicide

As we have previously presented, sleep disturbance is correlated with suicidal behaviors and risk factors. Important work on understanding these connections is coming out of Dr. Grandner’s lab, including wakefulness at night as a specific concern out lined in this From the Scientist summary of a recent paper. Evidence is building that increased awareness and […]

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March 12, 2020

Metabolic differences provide biological clues and treatment potential for suicide

We often speak of mental health concerns in the context of ‘chemical imbalances’ and many of us are aware that levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, have been found to be altered in those with mental health conditions. We don’t yet know why or how, and rarely does someone go looking for the answer in an individual patient. […]

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