Articles tagged with Fear
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Researchers discovered that eliminating a serotonin receptor enhances fear extinction, leading to improved therapy outcomes for PTSD patients. This finding may help develop targeted treatment strategies by understanding the role of SSRIs in modulating brain activity.
Researchers discovered that synchronized neural oscillations in the right hemisphere of the brain induce empathic behavior in mice, allowing them to perceive and share each other's fear. The study identified the causal relationship between 5-7 Hz oscillations in the cingulo-amygdala circuit and empathic responses.
Small cell clusters in hippocampus are vital for fear-based memories, while sleep helps stabilize these clusters to improve memory. The study uses immediate early gene imaging to visualize active cells throughout the entire rat hippocampus.
A Swansea University study found that people's fear of COVID-19 has a long-lasting impact on psychological wellbeing, affecting anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties. The study also found that older participants and those from minority ethnic groups were most likely to experience COVID-19 fear.
New research presents neurotechnology as a powerful tool for studying the brain and enabling targeted therapies for neurological disorders. Devices like nerve stimulators and brain implants can monitor or modulate neural activity, offering potential treatments for conditions such as paralysis and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
New research by Lancaster University and Bocconi University finds that Kenyan parents with access to mass media believe the risk of dying in a terrorist attack is 12 times larger than actual rates. This leads to children being kept out of schools, affecting their education and future earnings.
A study by Ural Federal University found that daytime naps and wakefulness both reinforce the formation of fear memories in response to emotional trauma. This research has significant implications for developing strategies for rehabilitating individuals with anxiety disorders.
Researchers found that the brain's defense system is activated during selfless helping behavior, contrary to the long-held idea that empathy drives such actions. The study used fMRI scans to measure brain activity in 49 healthy volunteers who were asked to decide whether to help another person avoid discomfort.
Clinical psychologists need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, which is an understudied construct. Adam Radomsky's research suggests that a deeper understanding of what leads to a client's choices can help therapists make better ones in the future.
Working with robots may lead to increased reports of burnout and incivility among employees. Self-affirmation exercises can help mitigate fears about being replaced by machines.
A new study shows the first-of-its-kind program led to significant declines in anxiety for those with food allergies and improvements in quality of life. The Food Allergy Bravery (FAB) program provides individualized, cognitive behavioral treatment that encourages children to take small steps towards facing allergen-related fears.
Researchers at Linköping University discovered a biological mechanism that increases the strength of fear memories stored in the brain. This finding provides new knowledge on the mechanisms behind anxiety-related disorders and identifies shared mechanisms with alcohol dependence.
A new study suggests that climate anxiety is a significant driver of climate action, particularly among younger people and those with higher generalized anxiety. Media exposure, rather than direct experiences, predicts climate anxiety, which can motivate individuals to make environmentally friendly lifestyle changes.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a molecule called CGRP that enables neurons to bundle threatening sensory cues into a unified signal, conveying it to the amygdala. The study may lead to new therapies for fear-related disorders such as PTSD and autism.
Recent research has found significant decreases in bias across explicit attitudes in the US over 14 years. Fear responses to imagined stimuli are also acquired and generalized, with no long-term change in implicit attitudes towards age, disability, or body weight. Gender differences in verbal fluency and memory have been identified, wi...
Researchers found that smells can enhance or hinder our ability to recognize emotions in others' faces. The study used a spectrum of emotions, from extreme joy to neutral, and measured participants' response times.
A new study from the University of South Australia identifies five key approaches for parents and caregivers to discuss everyday pain with young children. Teaching children that they can control their pain and empowering them to actively engage in pain management can promote lifelong helpful pain behaviors and encourage recovery. By he...
Researchers say stereotypes and stigma surrounding mental illness can lead to poor workplace behavior. Employees with mental illnesses may face fear of discrimination, which drives inauthenticity and counterproductive work behaviors.
A new study by Linda Tropp found that teachers' implicit racial biases and concerns about being perceived as racist independently contribute to their lower intentions to discuss race with students. Recent teacher training programs have focused on addressing implicit biases, but not conscious concerns about being seen as racist.
A novel study found that vaccine-related fears significantly impact flu shot outcomes, reducing vaccination rates and increasing symptoms of dizziness. Researchers recommend interventions to address fear and potential dizziness, such as applied muscle tension techniques.
A virtual reality app called oVRcome has been shown to reduce symptoms of five common phobias, including fear of flying and needles, by 75% in a six-week trial. The app uses exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients build up their tolerance to their phobias.
A large international study found that 31.4% of adolescents in 13 European and Asian countries reported feeling unsafe at school. The study highlighted the need for strategies to provide educational environments where all students can feel protected, regardless of their background.
Researchers discovered that stress neurotransmitter norepinephrine stimulates a specific population of inhibitory neurons in the amygdala to generate a repetitive bursting pattern of electrical discharges. This leads to the formation of fear memories, which can be difficult to forget due to their association with traumatic experiences.
Young people aged 18-30 fear influence and control, crime and security, changes in life pace, negative technological consequences, and social inequality. Digital fears reinforce traditional concerns and emerge from uncertainty and growing forces beyond human control.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.
Researchers found that NYX-783, a newly discovered drug, modulates NMDA receptor activity in neurons to suppress traumatic memories and spontaneous recovery of PTSD. The drug was effective in reducing fear responses and improving treatment outcomes, particularly in female mice.
A Rutgers study of New Jersey nurses reveals that the combined effect of COVID-19 fears and workplace racism has a devastating impact on nonwhite workers. The research found that nurses of color experience higher levels of emotional distress due to these factors.
A new study from the University of Toronto reveals that immigrants are twice as likely to fear being targeted of stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada compared to Canadian-born residents. Additionally, migrants expressed greater health concerns related to vaccines and accessing healthcare during the early days of the pandemic.
A study of over 1,000 people in Hungary found that those with strong connections to nature had lower fear scores for snakes and spiders. This association may be a protective factor against developing these phobias, which can significantly impact daily life.
A new study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is associated with statistically significant declines in multiple psychological distress factors. Vaccination was linked to reductions in perceived risks of infection, hospitalization, and death, as well as improvements in mental health and quality of life.
Researchers from RIKEN created Nikola, an android child that can convey six basic emotions through facial expressions. The study tested the quality of these expressions and found that humans can recognize them with varying accuracy.
A Bar-Ilan University study reveals a correlation between physiological data collected prior to the pandemic and heightened COVID-related fears. The research found that individuals with larger households and those who experienced financial difficulties during the pandemic were more likely to exhibit elevated worries.
Researchers found increased myelination in areas associated with emotions and memory in individuals with anxiety and PTSD, correlating with specific symptoms. This study provides a possible explanation for individual variation in stress response and may lead to targeted treatments.
An international study found that masks can evoke fears of Covid-19 in anxious individuals, leading to avoidance behavior. Younger people are more cautious than older counterparts, suggesting media consumption plays a role. Policymakers should focus on reducing mask-related dread to promote public acceptance.
The insular cortex processes both positive and negative emotions and receives information from the body, including heart rate and breathing. In mice, the brain uses bodily signals to regulate fear, keeping it within a healthy range.
A UC study found that Ohioans consider various factors beyond distance and cost when selecting an abortion clinic, including personal experiences, online reviews, and clinic type. The research highlights the importance of social myths and risk perception in shaping choices about abortion care.
Researchers at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre have discovered a new brain circuit that enables mice to override their instincts based on previous experience. The ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) inhibits threat reactions when animals feel safe, but activates them when danger is perceived.
Researchers discovered zebrafish neurons that monitor prediction errors to efficiently avoid danger, creating a 'hazard map' in the brain. This study sheds light on brain circuits shared across vertebrates, including humans.
A new VA study finds a strong connection between PTSD symptom severity and anxiety sensitivity among female Veterans who experienced military sexual trauma. Treating anxiety may ease core PTSD symptoms, suggesting anxiety sensitivity as a potential target for treatment.
A new augmented reality app, Phobys, has been developed to help people reduce their fear of spiders through exposure therapy. The app uses a realistic 3D spider model projected into the real world and offers nine levels of training, with game elements to maintain motivation.
A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that individuals experiencing fear, social pressure, and perceived scarcity are more likely to engage in panic buying. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing the psychological and social components of panic buying to mitigate its detrimental impact on societies.
A recent study reveals that some prostate cancer survivors experience a persistent fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) even many years after diagnosis and treatment. The study identified patient and clinical risk factors linked with FCR, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and psychosocial care.
A recent study has shown that COVID-19 stressors are negatively impacting resettled refugees' mental health, with links to PTSD, depression, and poorer daily functioning. Refugees' past experiences may heighten the impact of the pandemic due to traumatic events and challenges in the post-migration environment.
A global study found that people use music as a coping mechanism for emotional and social stress, with music listening helping to regulate depression and fear. Music making also provides a sense of community and self-reflection, while 'coronamusic' reveals the power of collective creative responses during times of crisis.
Researchers at Brown University introduce 'dignity neuroscience,' arguing that universal rights are rooted in human brain science. The concept posits five core elements - agency, autonomy, and self-determination; freedom from want and fear; uniqueness; and unconditionality - which reflect fundamental features of the human brain.
A new model incorporates human behavior and fears to predict multiple waves of COVID-19 infections. The 'Triple Contagion' model shows how fear can drive disease resurgence, as people may abandon protective measures prematurely or avoid vaccines due to misinformation.
Scientists have identified a unique subset of inhibitory cells in the amygdala known as apITC, which modulates plasticity in fear learning. The apITC connects to various regions, including thalamic processing centers and sensory areas, to regulate fear-related responses.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that humans respond more quickly and with higher sensitivity to positive screams, which indicate joy, than to negative screams. The study revealed six distinct types of scream calls, including pain, anger, fear, pleasure, sadness, and joy.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that regret does not contribute to changes in sexual behavior. Women tend to regret casual sex more than men, while men regret missing opportunities more. The researchers suggest that personality plays a significant role in shaping behavior, rather than emotions like regret.
A new study by psychologists at Emory University found that people can accurately discern most emotions tied to screams, but those of happiness are often misjudged as fear. Screams convey strong emotions, and researchers speculate that this may be an evolutionary carryover bias, where humans err on the side of caution.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individual psychological variables, such as germ aversion and attachment security, are better predictors of fear and perceived health during lockdowns than environmental factors. The researchers investigated 533 participants across Europe and found that younger age, physical activity, and higher...
A recent study analyzed over 17,000 public comments on orca conservation in Washington state, revealing the most common emotional sentiments were trust, anticipation, and fear. The findings provide valuable insights for conservation managers to understand why people support or reject management actions.
A new UNSW study found that individuals with aphantasia, who cannot visualize mental images, exhibit reduced fear responses when reading scary stories. This suggests that mental imagery plays a key role in linking thoughts and emotions, supporting the idea that imagery is an emotional thought amplifier.
A Rutgers study found that people intending to acquire a firearm in the next 12 months are less tolerant of uncertainty and experience more severe COVID-19 specific fears. Essential workers and those who have worked in law enforcement are more likely to consider purchasing firearms as a means of safety during uncertain times.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory are studying the brain circuits that underlie fear, using sophisticated neuroscience tools to map their connections. They found that the amygdala is not only involved in fear processing but also plays a crucial role in reward-based learning and regulating fearful memory.
A study published in Psychological Science reveals that enjoying a fearful experience, like a haunted house, requires finding the perfect balance of fear and enjoyment. The researchers found an inverted U-shape trend showing that too little or too much fear can decrease enjoyment, while just-right fear levels maximize it.
A UMD-led study finds that fear and anxiety reflect overlapping brain circuits, challenging long-held scientific accounts. The research suggests that both 'fear' and 'anxiety' are constructed in the brain using a massively overlapping set of neural building blocks.
Researchers at UiT The Arctic University of Norway found that people who were satisfied with their country's response to COVID-19 had better well-being and lower perceived risk of getting the virus. Dissatisfaction led to increased stress levels and fear, while trust in society and government was linked to improved mental health.
Researchers found that exposure-based therapy was more effective in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while stress-reduction therapy showed better results for those with lower brain activation in certain areas. The study aims to develop a personalized treatment approach for OCD, which may help improve therapy ou...
Researchers used virtual reality to study how brain circuits respond to threats at different distances. They found that near threats engage survival circuitry, making them harder to extinguish, while distant threats are processed by higher-order thinking areas. This could lead to new therapies for PTSD.