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Neuroscience research questions current alcohol limit

A new study published in Addiction Biology found that drinking one pint of beer or a large glass of wine can significantly compromise a person's sense of agency. This sense of agency is crucial for human social behavior, implying knowledge of the consequences of actions. The researchers used an indirect measure called intentional bindi...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalAddiction Biology·DateJun 21, 2019

How stress leads to Facebook addiction

A study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that daily stress levels are positively correlated with Facebook engagement and addiction risk. Users who receive little offline social support are most at risk of developing a pathological dependence on the platform.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateMay 28, 2019

Childhood maltreatment linked to e-cigarette use during young adulthood

A recent study published in The American Journal on Addictions found a significant link between childhood maltreatment and e-cigarette use during young adulthood. Childhood maltreatment was also associated with negative urgency, leading to impulsive behavior when distressed, which contributes to increased e-cigarette use.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal on Addictions·DateMay 9, 2019

Game behavior can give a hint about player gender

Game behavior can be analyzed to predict a person's personality features, including gender. Researchers used machine learning on large amounts of game data from the Steam gaming platform to make accurate predictions. The study shows that even limited information about gameplay and achievements can provide good predictive values.

Pain and substance abuse interact in a vicious cycle

Research finds that experiencing pain can motivate individuals to use substances and make it harder to quit, resulting in a positive feedback loop that maintains both conditions. Clinicians should assess patients for chronic pain and address it during treatment to help them manage withdrawal and develop healthier coping strategies.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAnnual Review of Clinical Psychology·DateJan 14, 2019

The youngest smoke more

A recent EU research project ALEC found that all age groups have declined in starting to smoke except for 11-15 year olds, who increased significantly over the last decade. Young women in Western Europe are particularly at risk, with 40 per 1000 starting to smoke annually.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2018

What learning looks like in the brain

Using advanced imaging technology, researchers found structural changes in the connections between neurons that strengthen to enable learning. The molecules involved in sending and receiving signals appeared to be organized in clumps or 'nanomodules' that both dance and multiply when stimulated by learning-like signals.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 23, 2018