Articles tagged with Human Behavior
Researchers found that mice with the Val89 gene variant exhibit attention deficit disorder-like problems, including diminished cognitive performance and increased vulnerability to distraction. The study provides direct evidence of the genetic variant's effects on acetylcholine availability and its resulting cognitive impacts.
The BrainChart platform benchmarks brain development based on MRI data from over 100,000 individuals, creating a standardized chart like those for height and weight. The tool identifies previously unreported neurodevelopmental milestones and provides a common language to understand brain images from different sources.
A new Penn State study found that people are more likely to choose empathy for an animal over a human, but only when the choices are not in competition. When context matters, people's willingness to engage in human empathy decreases, while their interest in animal empathy increases.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that engaging in meaningful and challenging activities during free time can significantly reduce people's loneliness and increase their positive feelings. The researchers identified that flow, a state of being fully engaged and focused on an activity, is crucial to reducing loneliness.
The Sedentary Behaviour Research Network has released international guidelines to minimize health impacts of sedentary behaviour in schools. The recommendations aim to counteract excessive screen time and promote healthy movement behaviours among students.
A new study found that empowering workers can lead to better job performance and creativity, but only if institutional obstacles are removed. However, when empowered employees face hindrance stressors, they may become morally disengaged and engage in unethical pro-organizational behavior.
Research reveals that people who grew up in rural areas have a better sense of direction than those in cities, especially in countries with complex topographies. The study used video game data from Sea Hero Quest to analyze over 400,000 participants from 38 countries.
A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.
A new study shows that a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, sargramostim, improves cognitive function in people with Down syndrome and normal aging mice. The drug reverses learning and memory deficits, nerve cell loss, and brain abnormalities in mouse models of Down syndrome and aging.
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
A rehabilitation psychologist's role is to guide patients through the process of rehab and recovery, addressing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional barriers that hinder progress. These experts can help individuals adjust to a new diagnosis, stay motivated during recovery, and deal with the emotional aftermath of hospitalization.
A study found that people in Germany and the US prioritize equal access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. In contrast, vaccine distribution according to a country's production capacity or free market regulation received little support. The research highlights the public's willingness to share vaccines despite logistical challenges.
Experts have published guidelines for psychophysiological research involving pupil measurements, summarizing the physiology of the pupil and providing recommendations on data examination. The guidelines also discuss psychological phenomena that modulate pupil reactivity.
A new study finds that maternal feedback, not biological predisposition, influences reward-related brain activity in children of mothers with clinical depression. The research suggests that interventions coaching parents to encourage positive emotions may have a powerful impact on child development.
Research finds that people from different countries and backgrounds prefer original color compositions in paintings, even those they've never seen before. The study suggests a common biological basis for beauty perception, contradicting cultural background and education.
Scientists have achieved efficient quantum coupling between two distant magnetic devices, which can host magnons and exchange energy and information. This achievement may be useful for creating new quantum information technology devices.
Researchers from UNH and UNO found a significant gender pay gap in executive severance compensation, with male executives receiving up to $500k more than female counterparts. The study highlights the impact of bias on severance agreements and suggests that this can discourage women from seeking executive roles.
A new study found that making hepatitis C screenings a default order for patients who meet guidelines doubled the rate of screenings among those recommended. The no-click system resulted in an 80% screening rate, compared to 42% under a previous alert system.
Researchers reexamined hundreds of experiments on neural activity and consciousness, finding that experiment parameters determine results. The study used artificial intelligence to predict which theory would be supported by each experiment with 80% success.
A new study finds that the brain estimates controllability through competition between two parallel learning processes: the actor and the spectator. High levels of stress and anxiety impair people's sense of control, making them believe their actions don't matter.
A team of researchers found that people who purchased environmentally friendly products in the past are likely to continue doing so, but gamification practices did not significantly impact future eco-friendly tendencies. The study explored game-based solutions to increase intrinsic motivations for sustainable practices.
Researchers found that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) helps individuals with depression develop self-compassion, leading to a state of safety and relaxation. Participants who received MBCT showed increased self-kindness and reduced threat responses compared to those in an untreated control group.
A study by Concordia researchers found that women are disproportionately affected by job losses and automation due to COVID-19. The authors argue that companies must prioritize inclusivity measures to avoid reversing progress made towards gender equality in the workplace.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that positive teacher-student relationships lead to better teaching, as teachers who demonstrate 'soft' skills like kindness and compassion tend to use high-impact teaching practices. Students who feel cared for by their teacher are more motivated to learn and engaged in the classroom.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that working during non-traditional hours can decrease intrinsic motivation for schoolwork and work. Intrinsic motivation refers to the enjoyment and interest one feels in their work or activities. The study involved three experiments, including one with college students who were remi...
A team from UNIGE demonstrates that a reduction in gamma wave activation is correlated with the emergence of psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents at genetic risk. This study makes it possible to envisage an early diagnosis and identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating schizophrenia.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a model that uses brain scans to predict an individual's ability to pay attention. The study found that the brain's activity patterns can be used to create a unique fingerprint of attention abilities, which can help diagnose ADHD and improve focus.
A pandemic survey conducted by University of Auckland psychologist Dr Lixin Jiang found that only about 27 percent of workers trusted both federal and state governments. People with high levels of trust in government felt more secure in their jobs, had higher employer loyalty, and were more likely to help co-workers.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University applied cognitive science theories to human-robot interaction, finding that humans need to see variation in robot behavior to build accurate mental models. Theories suggest that strategic variation can reveal concepts that might be difficult for a person to discern otherwise.
The collaboration aims to prepare professionals to support school-aged students with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. Full scholarships will be awarded to 24 graduate students starting in Fall 2022.
A new study found that clear and consistent messaging is key to reducing risk-taking behavior, while personality-based approaches are less effective. The research used a simulated pandemic game to test different interventions and demonstrates the potential for behavioral sciences to inform public health policy.
The study found that exposure to dogs makes consumers more promotion-focused, while exposure to cats makes them more cautious. This effect persists even in pet-unrelated domains, influencing decision-making and judgment.
Scientists at Tel Aviv University have created two-dimensional polymer microfiber networks that exhibit shape memory properties. These networks can be controlled by temperature-induced changes, allowing for morphing materials with microscale resolutions.
A new study reveals that tobacco companies have secret contracts with retailers that allow them to give their products prime placement in stores, discount pricing, and target specific demographics. This undermines ongoing public health efforts to decrease tobacco use.
A new study found that siblings of children with disabilities score higher in self-reported cognitive empathy than typically developing peers. This may be due to the specific 'advantage' of cognitive empathy in understanding and supporting their sibling relationship.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that living through the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to brain inflammation and symptoms like fatigue, concentration difficulties, and depression in uninfected people. The research suggests that societal and lifestyle disruptions during the pandemic may trigger this inflammatory response.
Researchers at University of Missouri found a long-term association between adolescent psychological well-being and adult cardiovascular disease risk. People who are more optimistic in their youth can lower their chances for heart disease as adults.
USF researchers analyzed 5,017 suicide victims' cases from 2019, finding that 69% of violent deaths in Florida were caused by suicide. The study highlights the critical need to study suicides among underrepresented youth, especially younger Black males.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the uptake of childhood immunizations in Scotland. Researchers analyzed data from over 439,000 vaccine invitations and found higher immunization rates during lockdown periods compared to pre-pandemic years.
Professor Wil Roebroeks receives the 2021 Gutenberg Research Award for his groundbreaking work on Neanderthals and early Eurasian hominins. The award acknowledges his interdisciplinary approach, international collaboration, and devotion to paleoanthropology.
A study by Brandi Rollins and Lori Francis found that early positive interactions with caregivers can reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that children's early exposures to family psychosocial assets protect against obesity.
Researchers found that consumers scrutinize social distance in negative reviews to protect their identities and brands. Displaying reviewers' profiles can highlight social distance and consistency, protecting and benefiting identity-relevant brands after negative reviews. This strategy helps managers cultivate strong brand relationships.
Researchers find that communicating hope rather than fear is key to motivating fatigued citizens to take protective measures. The study's results suggest that health authorities should focus on providing long-term advice and solutions to build public support.
Researchers identified that 10% of students were recognized as relationally aggressive by peers but not teachers. Students with higher levels of academic competence and female students were more likely to be recognized by both groups. The study suggests that better identification of these students is crucial for effective interventions.
Researchers found that consumers respond better to AI agents when a product offer is worse than expected, but more favorably to human agents when an offer is better than expected. Designing AI agents to appear more humanlike can change consumer response.
Researchers in California discovered that most trash items come from local sources, with nearly 60% of collected materials being plastic. The study suggests that cities can address the issue through bans on frequent litterers and increased street sweeping to prevent reoccurring litter.
A large-scale experiment found that scientists' claims are perceived as more credible than those of spiritual gurus worldwide, with universal effect across cultures. The Einstein effect highlights the importance of scientific sources in determining information reliability.
Researchers at Wellesley College found that people frequently misinterpret bar graphs, with one in five graph readers categorically misunderstanding averages. The 'bar-tip limit error' occurs when viewers interpret the tip of the bar as the outer limit of the data, despite the average being the balanced center point.
Researchers analyzed trends in reported effects of ocean acidification on fish behavior and found that the magnitude of those impacts has decreased dramatically, with negligible effects for the past five years. Common scientific biases, such as publication bias, largely explained the decline in severe effects.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour finds that COVID-19 fact checks can immediately reduce misperceptions, but these effects do not persist over time. The research suggests that repeatedly debunking false claims about the coronavirus is necessary to effectively address misinformation during the pandemic.
A recent study found that individuals often identify with both their Planner and Doer selves, valuing spontaneity and flexibility in their attitudes towards resolutions. The research challenges the common assumption that people prioritize self-control over spontaneity.
A new UC Riverside-led study found that people tire from repetitive questions and tend to give similar answers, leading to unreliable data in surveys. To improve accuracy, researchers suggest using process-tracing and ensemble methods with multiple measurement techniques.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that border walls damage a country's international image, with real implications for soft power. The study found that participants had negative perceptions of countries with border walls, regardless of their political views or distance from the border.
Researchers from Penn State's Department of Biobehavioral Health developed wearable sensors that can detect alcohol concentration in sweat, providing a more nuanced understanding of intoxication. The study shows that wearable technology can predict the negative consequences of drinking and help prevent alcohol-related harm.
The MIT team developed a computer model that can perform sound localization tasks as well as humans, and adapts to real-world environments. The model uses convolutional neural networks and was trained on over 400 sounds, including human voices and animal sounds.
A recent study from Ohio State University found that labeling identical products as 'new and improved' resulted in higher overall liking ratings compared to those labeled as 'consumer complaint.' The researchers suggest that this negative bias has a bigger impact on consumer perception than positive labels.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 500,000 adolescents across 80 nations and found consistent sex differences in career aspirations, with boys dominating 'things-oriented' occupations and girls preferring 'people-oriented' roles. The study also revealed larger differences in gender-equal countries, such as Finland, Norway, or Sweden.
A recent study challenges the idea that meat consumption drove major evolutionary changes in humans, suggesting instead that increased research attention may have skewed evidence. The research team analyzed data from nine sites across eastern Africa and found no sustained increase in carnivory after Homo erectus appeared.
Researchers found that wild chimpanzees do not independently invent complex tool use behaviors like nut cracking. Instead, they learn from observing and imitating others, similar to humans. This challenges the long-held assumption that chimpanzee culture is non-cumulative.
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define