Occasional stress may actually have a positive impact on the brain according to a new study by lead author Daniela Kaufer, Ph.D., a Brain & Behavior Research Foundation 2009 NARSAD Young Investigator Grantee, and colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley. While chronic stress has been linked to the development of anxiety and depression, this new study finds beneficial effect from some stress. The researchers looked at how episodes of temporary (or “acute”) stress stimulate the production of neurons in the hippocampus, which is the brain region that plays a key role in forming and retaining memories. In contrast to chronic stress, which can be detrimental and increase risks for many conditions, this study used mice models to show that within two weeks of experiencing a short-term stress—perhaps the right window of time needed to birth new neurons—mice showed improved memory.