Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New analysis of wellbeing interventions shows there are multiple routes to better mental health

A new analysis of wellbeing interventions shows that there is no single route to improving mental health, with mindfulness, compassion-based approaches, yoga, exercise and positive psychology interventions all showing moderate benefits. Combining physical activity with psychological interventions appeared particularly promising.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 15, 2026

Scientists trace facial gestures back to their source. before a smile appears, the brain has already decided

A new study published in Science uncovers how the brain prepares and produces facial gestures through a temporally organized hierarchy of neural codes. The research found that multiple brain regions work in parallel, each contributing different timing-based codes to generate coherent facial gestures.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2026

Holding back laughter

A research team at the University of Göttingen investigated how laughter can be regulated and found that social cues can strongly interfere with these efforts. The results showed that suppression and distraction were effective strategies to hold back laughter, while cognitive reappraisal could reduce how funny the jokes felt.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2025

Anxiety is reversed for lab mice rehomed in fields

Researchers found that lab mice rewilded for two years showed reduced and even reversed fear response to the elevated plus maze. The study suggests that a range of experiences can increase a sense of agency, reducing anxiety in animals and humans alike. After living in fields, mice returned to their original levels of anxiety behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 16, 2025

FAU study finds connection between poor mental health and dark web use

A new FAU study reveals significant mental health differences between dark web users and surface web users, with dark web users reporting substantially higher levels of depressive symptoms and paranoid thoughts. The study also found substantial differences in suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, and digital self-harm.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2025

USC study reveals hidden cellular layers in the brain’s memory center

Researchers at USC have identified four distinct layers of specialized cell types in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus, a structure vital for memory formation. This discovery changes our understanding of how information is processed in the brain and could explain why certain cells are more vulnerable in diseases like Alzheimer's ...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

Structural racism and cultural misunderstanding compound grief for Black British and Black Caribbean communities, study finds

A new study by the University of Bristol highlights how bereavement experiences and support needs among Black British and Black Caribbean communities are poorly understood. The research found that structural racism, cultural misunderstanding, and lack of tailored end-of-life support intensify grief, leading to mistrust in services.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalDeath Studies·TypeSurvey·DateDec 2, 2025

Astrocytes are superstars in the game of long-term memory

A new study reveals that astrocytes, a type of glial cell, are responsible for stabilizing memories through repeated engagement. The researchers found that Fos activity in astrocytes only occurs during recall, and that these cells can be activated to produce stable memories.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2025

Self-efficacy and test anxiety matter for mathematics performance; co-teaching less so

A recent Finnish study found that students' self-efficacy in mathematics is a key factor contributing to their motivation and performance. High self-efficacy predicted better performance, regardless of prior achievement level. In contrast, co-teaching showed no significant benefits on mathematics performance.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScandinavian Journal of Educational Research·DateOct 1, 2025

Empathy as a double-edged sword: Study reveals hidden mental health risks for youth during war

A decade-long study found that children with early-developed empathy were more likely to experience anxiety and depression during the Israel-Hamas war, highlighting the dual role of empathy in mental health. The research suggests that empathy can be both a strength and a vulnerability in the face of mass trauma.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2025

Raising money for a charity? Don't bark up the wrong tree.

A Dartmouth study found that people without pets donate more than cat owners, who in turn give more often and diversely. The researchers analyzed over $70 billion in donations from approximately 63 million donors, suggesting that personality traits may play a role in philanthropic behavior.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAnthrozoös·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2025

Are schools making young people lonelier?

A Flinders University study suggests schools can be emotionally unsafe spaces where social hierarchies and exclusion shape student feelings and belonging. The research highlights the role of bullying and undesirable social connections in fostering loneliness among young people.

SourceFlinders University·JournalCritical Studies in Education·TypeSurvey·DateSep 23, 2025

Partnerships boost life satisfaction

A new study by researchers in Germany and the UK found that living in a partnership leads to a sustained increase in life satisfaction, with the greatest gain occurring at the transition from singlehood into a relationship. The positive effect lasts for at least two years, regardless of age, sex, income, or education.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalJournal of Personality·DateSep 19, 2025

Does your child have social anxiety? Here’s how you can help

A new study from the University of Georgia found that both mothers and fathers influence their children's social confidence, but in different ways. More warmth and affection from both parents were linked to fewer social anxiety symptoms, while rejection and coldness increased anxiety levels. Parents should balance setting age-appropria...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAdolescent Research Review·DateSep 17, 2025

Your morning coffee really does make you happier

A new study by Bielefeld University and the University of Warwick found that morning coffee significantly improves mood and enthusiasm in young adults. The researchers also discovered that caffeine's effects on mood are consistent across individuals with varying levels of anxiety or depressive symptoms.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2025

Most women in STEM feel like frauds, new study shows

A new study by Binghamton University reveals that 97.5% of women in STEM graduate programs experience moderate to severe impostor feelings, which can lead to poorer mental health and increased burnout. Strategies such as shifting mindset and social support may help alleviate these feelings.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2025

Children’s social media activity highlights emotional stress of living with long-term health issues

A study using AI language models analyzed sentiments and emotions expressed by almost 400 pediatric patients on social media, finding that 94% of comments were negative, with sadness and fear prevalent. The study highlights the need for integrated care approaches to support vulnerable young patients managing complex medical conditions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 10, 2025

Digital games facilitate learning about mental illness

A new study by University of Cologne researchers found that digital games can effectively teach people about depression, reducing stigma and increasing empathy. The study showed that participants who watched gaming videos on the topic reported improved knowledge, emotional responses, and motivation to learn more about depression.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 2, 2025

Cross-cultural differences in the socio-cognitive abilities of non-autistic and autistic individuals

Researchers from Japan conducted a cross-cultural analysis to compare mentalizing difficulties in British and Japanese autistic and non-autistic adults. They found that Japanese autistic participants outperformed both groups of British participants, suggesting cultural differences in interpreting social cues.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2025