Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Frontiers


Plant reveals anti-Alzheimer's compounds

Japanese scientists have developed a method to isolate and identify active compounds in plant medicines, which accurately accounts for drug behavior in the body. They identified several active compounds from Drynaria Rhizome that improve memory and reduce disease characteristics in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·DateJun 20, 2017

The story of music is the story of humans

A recent Frontiers article explores the origins of music and its significance in human society. The study reveals that music is closely tied to human emotions, bonding, and social cohesion, suggesting that it may have played a crucial role in shaping human culture.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sociology·DateJun 20, 2017

No evidence of gender bias in philosophy

A recent study by Sean Allen-Hermanson found no significant evidence of gender bias against women in philosophy departments. Despite a male-dominated field, women secured tenure-track positions at rates comparable to men. Increasing diversity is crucial for the discipline.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 20, 2017

Tennis cheats may be predicted by their moral standards

Researchers found a connection between certain moral values and the acceptance of cheating behavior in tennis matches. Players who prioritize ego and status over self-improvement tend to condone cheating. The study suggests that promoting personal success and achievement can help decrease the risk of antisocial behavior in sport.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 20, 2017

How a girl is raised can influence her adult sporting success

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that female footballers raised with non-traditional values and role models exhibit greater fighting spirit and pleasure in the game, leading to improved performance. This suggests that upbringing plays a significant role in shaping the desire to succeed in sports.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 20, 2017

Treating autism by targeting the gut

Researchers found that restoring a healthy balance in gut bacteria can treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms. The review highlights several studies showing positive impacts of probiotics, prebiotics, diet changes and faecal matter transplants on ASD symptoms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 2017

Take control to become a better parent

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that a parent's outlook on life can have a profound influence on their child's behavior, eating, and sleeping patterns. Internally controlled parents tend to exhibit traits such as persistence, responsibility, and delayed gratification, which positively impact their children's deve...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 31, 2017

Sharing voluntarily makes young kids happy

A new study shows that preschool kids who share their own accord are happier than those who are obliged to do so. When given stickers, children aged 3-5 years old exhibited greater happiness when sharing voluntarily rather than being forced to do so.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 31, 2017

Assessing and addressing the impact of childhood trauma

A growing body of research suggests that childhood trauma can increase the risk for psychosis in later life. Key factors include poor emotional control, limited coping skills, and stress sensitivity. Early identification and treatment through targeted training and protocols may help mitigate this vulnerability.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateMay 30, 2017

How self-regulation can help young people overcome setbacks

A recent study found that self-regulation skills are a significant predictor of resilience in young people at risk of social exclusion. Helping these students acquire self-regulation skills, such as setting goals and coping with adversity, can equip them to do better in school and life.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 29, 2017

How listening to music in a group influences depression

New research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that group music listening can either exacerbate or alleviate depression, depending on the individual's coping style. Younger individuals with tendencies towards rumination are more susceptible to negative outcomes from group interactions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 24, 2017

Female STEM leaders more likely to back policies aiding women

A national study of college and university administrators has found that female department chairs, deans, and provosts have different attitudes and beliefs than their male counterparts about how to retain women professors in STEM fields. Female administrators gave higher ratings to policies and strategies designed to improve the lives ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 22, 2017

There's more to attraction than what meets the eye

Research highlights the importance of non-visual factors like voice and scent in social perception, which can influence attractiveness. Studies have shown that people can accurately guess characteristics like gender, age, and body size from a voice or scent.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 18, 2017

The dangers of money

Researchers found that banknotes harbor a diverse range of bacteria, including pathogens like E. coli and Vibrio cholera. The banknotes also contain higher amounts of antibiotic-resistance genes than other environmental samples, highlighting the potential for currency to pose a health risk.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMay 17, 2017

Learning styles -- A once hot debate redshifts

A recent study of 114 academics in the UK found that while 58% believe Learning Styles is beneficial, only 33% use it. The study also revealed that most faculty consider the approach fundamentally flawed and prefer evidence-based techniques instead. Promoting these effective methods could be a more productive focus for education research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 11, 2017

How do toddlers learn best from touchscreens?

A study found that toddlers learn best from touchscreens through simple interactions like watching, with older children benefiting more. Researchers recommend app developers to tailor interactivity to individual needs, avoiding distractions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 8, 2017

One step closer to finding out how wine may protect your neurons

Researchers found that wine-derived human gut metabolites are protective against neuronal death in human cells under stress conditions. The exact composition of these metabolites depends on the individual's gut microbiota, highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 3, 2017

Bioinspired agent kills drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed an antimicrobial treatment inspired by naturally-occurring peroxidase enzymes that rapidly kill drug-resistant bacteria. The treatment consists of iodo-thiocyanate complexes producing highly reactive anti-microbial substances without a peroxidase enzyme.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMay 2, 2017

The courting cephalopods of the East China Sea

Researchers at National Tsing Hua University studied oval squid behavior in the East China Sea, discovering five common patterns of tone signals and movements used for communication. These patterns, compiled into an ethogram, will aid future behavioral studies in cephalopods and other species.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 2, 2017

Mental Qigong can be just as rewarding as its physical cousin

Researchers discover that mental practice of Wu Qin Xi has the same effect on EEG brain activity as physical training, increasing theta and alpha waves in beneficial ways. This finding provides hope for individuals who cannot perform physical Qigong due to mobility issues or other constraints.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 27, 2017

The automation of art: A legal conundrum

The article discusses the challenges of copyright protection in the era of automated art, particularly with the rise of Deep Neural Networks. While DNN creations can generate original works, the issue of attribution and originality remains complex due to varying national laws and human inputs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Digital Humanities·DateApr 26, 2017

Study shows rapid growth in neuroscience research

A study of neuroscience papers from 2006-2015 reveals the most productive journals and contributing countries. Psychology and behavioral sciences have become popular research areas, while China's involvement has increased significantly, jumping from 11th to 2nd place in 2015.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateApr 20, 2017

Robot epigenetics: Adding complexity to embodied robot evolution

In this study, researchers created physically embodied robots to examine the interaction between genetic and epigenetic factors in robot evolution. The results show that robot populations with an epigenetic factor evolved differently than those without, highlighting the importance of including epigenetic factors in robot evolution.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateApr 3, 2017

Can quantum theory explain why jokes are funny?

A new study suggests that a quantum theory approach may be able to account for the complexity of humor, proposing that our ability to perceive multiple meanings simultaneously makes puns and jokes funny. The research provides an exciting first step towards developing a formal quantum theory model of humor.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateMar 17, 2017

Did humans create the Sahara desert?

A new study challenges the idea that changes in Earth's orbit triggered Sahara desertification. Human activities, such as pastoralism, are believed to have contributed to the region's ecological shift towards desert-like conditions. The findings highlight the importance of understanding human impact on environmental systems.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateMar 14, 2017

Violent video games found not to affect empathy

Researchers found that gamers had similar neural responses to emotionally provocative images as non-gamers, suggesting no long-term effects on empathy. The study used fMRI and a psychological questionnaire to compare gamers' and non-gamers' brain activity and emotional responses.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 8, 2017

Helping women progress in traditionally male dominated fields

Researchers found that women's math and science self-efficacy beliefs and interactions with others about transferring are crucial factors in their intention to transfer to four-year STEM courses. Additionally, diverse backgrounds and personal circumstances, such as marital status and childcare obligations, also play a significant role.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 6, 2017

Horse-riding can improve children's cognitive ability

Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that horseback riding enhances learning and problem-solving skills in children. The study, led by Professor Mitsuaki Ohta, suggests that the vibrations produced by horses during riding activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to improved cognitive performance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 2, 2017

Hammerhead shark migration gives new hope for conservation

A new study has provided critical information on the Great Hammerhead shark's migration patterns, enabling marine management and conservation officials to develop effective protection strategies. The research found that the sharks return to specific areas after migrations, making them vulnerable to fisheries, and revealed complex movem...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 24, 2017

Teach yourself everyday happiness with imagery training

Researchers found that self-guided emotional imagery training can improve emotional wellbeing in healthy individuals by reducing depressive symptoms and increasing satisfaction with life. The technique was also associated with changes in brain activity, including increased connectivity between image processing networks.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateFeb 24, 2017

Fighting malnutrition with education

Scientists propose three main areas to fight malnutrition: Basic Nutrition focusing on nutrient science, Applied Nutrition on population health and wellbeing, and Clinical Nutrition on diagnosis and treatment. The goal is a better integration of knowledge in healthcare professionals' daily practice.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateFeb 22, 2017

Is the human brain hardwired to appreciate poetry?

Researchers found that participants' brains responded positively to sentences conforming to traditional Welsh poetry rules, even when they couldn't explicitly identify the correct form. This suggests an innate appreciation for poetic structure in the human brain.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 17, 2017

Are drones disturbing marine mammals?

Researchers have found that drone noise does not travel far into the water, posing little threat to marine mammals. The study suggests that UAVs can be used safely in marine environments with proper permits and guidelines.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 13, 2017

Prebiotics may help to cope with stress

A recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience suggests that prebiotic fibers can promote beneficial gut bacteria and recovery of normal sleep patterns after a stressful event. Regular intake of prebiotics may provide a natural way to cope with stress and support overall health.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 10, 2017

Brain damage is not always damaging

A woman in Argentina endured multiple strokes, resulting in extensive brain damage, yet remained functional. Despite lesions in both hemispheres, her cognitive abilities and emotional recognition remained near-normal.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateFeb 9, 2017

We like taking selfies but not looking at them

A study found that while 77% of participants take selfies regularly, 82% would prefer fewer selfies on social media. Participants perceived their own selfies as more self-ironic and authentic, while those taken by others were seen as less authentic.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Females no longer neglected in obesity research

A recent review in Frontiers in Nutrition highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to obesity research, as traditional male rat models are found to be insufficient in predicting long-term obesity in females. The study also sheds light on the phenomenon of weight regain after weight loss and its impact on females.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateJan 31, 2017

High-altitude living decreases the risk of heart disease

A study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that people living at higher altitudes (457-2297 meters) had a lower risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, which contributes to heart disease and diabetes. The research suggests that high-altitude living may help improve heart and lung function, insulin sensitivity, and weight loss.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJan 30, 2017

A way out of the junk-food eating cycle

Researchers used lab rats to demonstrate how environments shape eating habits, finding that pairing junk food with specific sound cues can reverse habitual behavior. Simple interventions like reminders or interrupting automatic processing of junk-food cues may also be effective in stymieing unhealthy food consumption.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateJan 27, 2017

Where belief in free will is linked to happiness

Researchers find a positive correlation between belief in free will and happiness among Chinese teenagers, contrasting with previous Western studies. The study suggests that believing in free will may lead to increased perceived autonomy, self-control, and deliberate effort to achieve goals, ultimately contributing to happiness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 23, 2017