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Researchers explore neuromarkers for poor social outcomes after traumatic brain injury

A study found associations between default mode network connectivity and emotion recognition and social integration in individuals with moderate to severe brain injury. Increased prefrontal-temporal connectivity predicted participants' level of social integration, underscoring the importance of brain connectivity metrics in TBI recovery.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateNov 6, 2019

Locally based Haitian social entrepreneurs empower disaster-stricken villagers to rebuild and improve their communities

Research in Haiti highlights the need for longer-term approaches to rebuilding, focusing on local community empowerment and trust development. Locally-based social entrepreneurs like Steve and Gabi have successfully mobilized villagers to build new schools, toilet centers, and farmers' cooperatives.

SourceAalto University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJun 18, 2019

Do we judge chocolate by its wrapper?

A new study found that participants associated stronger emotions with the packaging than the actual taste, affecting their willingness to purchase. The researchers discovered a moderate positive correlation between liking packaging and taste when it was described with positive terms.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateJun 6, 2019

Beta blockers can block the effects of stress and anger in patients prone to emotion-triggered atrial fibrillation

A new study found that beta blockers can reduce the triggering effect of anger and stress on atrial fibrillation in patients prone to emotion-triggered AF. Patients taking beta blockers experienced fewer AF episodes, with a reduced pro-arrhythmic effect of anger or stress compared to those not taking these medications.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeartRhythm Case Reports·DateJun 4, 2019

Brain marker for angry dreams

A new study has identified a brain activity pattern, called frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), that predicts anger experienced during dreaming. Individuals with greater alpha-band brain activity in the right frontal cortex during REM sleep and pre-sleep wakefulness tend to have more angry dreams.

In test of wisdom, new research favors Yoda over Spock

Researchers from the University of Waterloo discovered that a balanced mix of emotions improves wisdom. Wise reasoning no longer requires uniform emotional control but rather recognizing multiple perspectives and integrating them for compromise. This study provides new insights into the relationship between wisdom, emotion, and balance.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateJan 28, 2019

Interpreting emotions: A matter of confidence

A recent study by UNIGE and HUG researchers found that people's confidence in interpreting others' emotions is often skewed by their personal experiences. The study used functional MRI to examine brain activity during emotional recognition, revealing that areas of the brain linked to autobiographical memory play a key role in determini...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2018

When you are unhappy in a relationship, why do you stay? The answer may surprise you

A new study suggests that people tend to stay in unsatisfying romantic relationships because they consider their partner's needs and wants. The more dependent the partner is on the relationship, the less likely the person is to initiate a breakup. This altruistic component highlights the complexity of relationship decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 22, 2018

A chemical criterion for rating movies

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemistry found that isoprene levels in cinema air correlate with film age ratings. The study measured over 13,000 audience members during 135 screenings of eleven different movies, providing a reliable indicator for deciding how movies should be classified.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 22, 2018

The universality of shame

Research found that the intensity of shame people feel when imagining various actions accurately predicts the degree to which those actions would lead others to devalue them. This universal human quality helps individuals balance personal costs and benefits with social costs and benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2018

Graphic images on cigarette warnings stick with smokers

A new study suggests that graphic images on cigarette warnings are more effective in reducing smoking rates than text-only warnings. The study found that smokers who viewed graphic images remembered the warnings slightly longer than those who received text-only warnings, and were more likely to quit smoking six weeks later.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateSep 5, 2018

Bodily sensations give rise to conscious feelings

Finnish research reveals that bodily sensations play a crucial role in shaping conscious feelings, with emotions influencing both physical and mental states. The study identifies five major categories of subjective feelings, including positive emotions, negative emotions, cognitive functions, somatic states, and illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2018

The value of pride

Research finds that pride serves an evolved function in human nature, helping individuals weigh self-interest against social approval. The study reveals a close link between pride and the values of those around us, suggesting it's a win-win rather than a sin.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2018