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Sniffing women’s tears reduces aggressive behavior in men

New research reveals that exposing men to women's emotional tears can lower aggression and reduce revenge-seeking behavior. The study found that sniffing tears leads to reduced brain activity related to aggression, resulting in less aggressive behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

NIH study suggests maternal inflammation risk factors associated with children's behavioral and emotional regulation

A NIH-funded study found associations between maternal prenatal inflammation and children's attention, anxiety, depression, and aggression. The research used the Child Behavior Checklist to measure aggressive behavior, anxiety/depression, and attention problems in 4,595 participants aged 6-18 years.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

Glial tone of aggression

Researchers at Tohoku University found that Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellar vermis regulate the volume of aggression in mice. The study suggests that adjusting glial activity in the cerebellum could lead to therapeutic strategies for managing anger and aggression.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNeuroscience Research·DateDec 5, 2023

Quick as a snail

Researchers from Kyoto University found that two species of land snails exhibit opposite behaviors in response to predator-like stimuli. The species K gainesi accelerates its forward movement to escape predators, while its nocturnal relative K editha retreats into its shell.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBehaviour·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2023

Researchers use AI to predict challenging behaviors common in profound autism

A study found that gastrointestinal and sleep issues may be connected to self-injury and aggression in adolescents diagnosed with profound autism. The researchers discovered a possible connection between these health issues and future challenging behaviors, predicting next-day behavior with over 80% accuracy.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Personalized Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 6, 2023

Lurbinectedin for Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

Researchers discuss lurbinectedin as a method to treat neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with encouraging results from phase II basket studies demonstrating activity in platinum-sensitive relapsed SCLC and other malignancies. Lurbinectedin's mechanism of action involves inhibiting oncogenic transcription, promoting apoptosis and cell death.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2023

Negative actions cascade to third parties

A new study found that negative behavior can spill over to unrelated third parties, regardless of the initial intent. When individuals face resource loss due to negative action, they are inclined to seek compensation from both immediate offenders and unrelated third parties.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2023

Good dogs: owners of recently-adopted shelter dogs tend to report high satisfaction with their new pet despite also reporting increases in problem behavior over time

Despite increased problem behaviors like stranger aggression and training problems, shelter dog owners reported high satisfaction rates of 94% due to improved behavior over time. Owners also noted a decrease in separation-related behaviors as their dogs became more assured of return home.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2023

A boost in dopamine during adolescence permanently amplifies dopamine function, impulsivity, and aggression in mice

Researchers found that blocking dopamine transporters during mid-adolescence increases adult aggression, impulsivity, and the behavioral response to amphetamine in mice. Artificially stimulating dopaminergic neurons also exacerbated impulsive behavior in tasks. The study suggests potential harm from stimulant exposure in healthy teens ...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2023

Controlled cruelty: New study from VCU finds aggression can arise from successful self-control

A new study by VCU researcher David Chester found that aggression is not always the product of poor self-control, but rather can be the result of successful self-control to inflict greater retribution. The study argues for a more nuanced view of aggression and challenges common interventions aimed at reducing violence.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalSocial and Personality Psychology Compass·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 13, 2023

Friendly teasing or traumatic bullying? Homophobic name-calling leaves scars

A new study found that homophobic name-calling, even from friends, has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health, including depressive symptoms and decreased sense of belonging. The research highlights the importance of clear anti-bullying policies, teacher education, and supportive interventions to prevent such behavior.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of School Violence·TypeSurvey·DateJul 5, 2023

Flamingos form cliques with like-minded pals

A study by the University of Exeter found that flamingos form groups based on their individual personalities, with birds of similar traits spending more time together. This complex social behavior could help improve the welfare of captive flocks and provide insights into the evolution of bird societies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Β-blocker use associated with lower rates of violence

A study of 1.4 million individuals found β-blocker use associated with a 13% lower risk of violent crime and an 8% lower risk of hospitalization due to psychiatric disorders. The findings suggest that β-blockers may be considered as a way to manage aggression and hostility in individuals with psychiatric conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2023

Aggressiveness of pet dogs is influenced by life history and owner’s characteristics, study suggests

A study of 665 pet dogs found that life history, owner gender, and breed can influence canine behavior. The results highlight the importance of environmental interactions in shaping animal behavior, suggesting that traits like weight, height, and cranial morphology impact the dog-owner relationship.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2023

Internet treatment for anger works

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that internet-based therapy can help people with anger and aggression, with a combination of mindful emotion awareness and cognitive reappraisal being the most effective strategy. Four-week treatments resulted in decreased self-reported anger and aggressiveness.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2022

Reading the room: Humans struggle to identify aggression in dogs, other humans

Researchers found that while humans excel at categorizing interactions between humans, dogs, and monkeys, they struggle to predict aggressive behaviors in both species. Participants performed poorly on identifying aggression in dogs and humans, suggesting a potential bias towards assuming good intentions from others.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Tailored activity program shows promise for Black people with dementia and their family caregivers

A recent study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that a tailored activity program (TAP) significantly improved behavioral symptoms in Black families compared to white families. The program, which provides activities tailored to interests and abilities, also reduced caregiver distress.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 6, 2022

Fearful cats also express other problematic behaviour – Socialisation important already at early stages of life

A study found that fearful cats tend to display excessive grooming and aggression towards humans. Early socialization with humans is crucial in reducing fearfulness and related behavioral issues in cats. The research also discovered a correlation between litterbox issues and aggressive behavior in households with multiple cats.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournaliScience·TypeSurvey·DateNov 7, 2022

University of Colorado study investigates aggression toward caregivers in Parkinson’s disease patients

A University of Colorado study reveals aggressive behavior towards caregivers is a significant issue in Parkinson's disease, with factors including grief, loss of motor symptoms, and cognitive fluctuations identified as contributing to the problem. The research also highlights the impact on caregivers' mental health and relationships.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMovement Disorders·DateNov 7, 2022

Horrible bosses cause ‘race to the bottom’ - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that hostile behavior from leaders can lead to co-workers adopting similar behavior, creating a toxic workplace environment. The research also discovered an association between experiencing hostile behavior and emotional exhaustion, job insecurity, and abusive peer behavior.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 30, 2022

Making sense of socially enhanced aggression in the brain

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba discovered that the lateral habenula brain region plays a crucial role in amplifying aggressive behavior in response to social interactions. Blocking this pathway eliminated increased aggression caused by social instigation, highlighting its significance in promoting aggressive arousal.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2022

Over 70% of mass shootings in developed countries happen in the US, international analysis shows

A study published in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice found that mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all incidents in developed countries, resulting in 816 deaths. The research identified distinct characteristics of US mass shootings, including ideological motives and relationship problems.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2022

May the odds be in your favor: Relatedness and size interact in shaping cannibal aggression

In a study on cannibalism in poison frog tadpoles, researchers found that relatedness affects aggression levels. Large tadpoles were less aggressive towards their smaller siblings than non-siblings, suggesting they can discriminate between relatives and change behavior accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalBehavioral Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2022

A text-reading robot with heart

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba created a handheld social robot, OMOY, that can appear to convey emotions by shifting an internal weight while reading out text messages. The robot was tested with 94 people and found to reduce negative emotions such as anger, revenge, and avoidance motivation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 9, 2022

Wise old elephants keep the young calm

A study by the University of Exeter found that older male elephants help keep younger, more aggressive males calm by policing their behavior. Without these older bulls, adolescent elephants become more fearful and aggressive towards non-elephant targets, posing a threat to humans.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2021

Testosterone drives the dark side of meerkat success

In meerkat societies, testosterone-driven aggression enables cooperative breeding by creating a hierarchy where subordinates help raise the matriarch's pups. Researchers found that matriarchs' high testosterone levels drive their aggressive behavior, which maintains group structure.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2021

A group’s moral values may help determine the likelihood of hate-motivated harmful acts

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that a county's moral values, particularly binding values, can predict the prevalence of hate groups and extreme behavioral expressions of prejudice. The research used geospatial modeling and psychological experimentation to analyze data from over 3,100 US counties.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021