Articles tagged with Human Behavior
Recent study reveals astrocytes modulate balance of inhibition/excitation in neural networks controlling decision-making. Astrocyte activation improves cognitive performance and regulates gamma oscillations involved in perception, working memory, and other cognitive functions.
A University of California, Davis study found that children who experienced compassionate love from their mothers were more willing to give up tokens for others. The study also showed that being generous had a calming effect on the children, reinforcing the behavior and promoting prosocial orientation.
Algorithms can adopt collusive pricing rules without human intervention, posing a threat to consumers. A multidisciplinary policy design is proposed to investigate AI pricing algorithms for collusion in controlled environments.
A recent study published in Psychophysiology found that the essence of human being remains stable throughout life, with a component of self-awareness remaining intact. The study suggests that changes to physical aspects, attitudes, and values are more likely to occur over time.
New research suggests that T. gondii infection alters human behavior by lowering norepinephrine levels, which control stress response and neuroinflammation. This finding may contribute to the development of antipsychotic treatments for schizophrenia and other neurological disorders.
Researchers found that dogs' looking times were influenced by the owner's expressed preference, but not their fetching behavior. The study suggests that dogs can perceive and respond to human displays of preference, but may not fully understand the subjective nature of desire.
Researchers developed a new method for designing spontaneous behaviors in robots, inspired by complex temporal patterns in animal brains. The approach uses high-dimensional chaos and reservoir computing to implement humanlike cognitive functions.
Researchers studied the use of plastic in nest construction by leaf-cutter bees and found it could change the environment of their nests. They suggest using natural fibers instead to avoid harmful effects on the insects.
A new study by UT Austin found that temperature and humidity have no significant role in coronavirus transmission, while human behavior plays a major role. Travel habits and urban density are among the top contributing factors to COVID-19 growth.
A new study by MIT neuroscientists shows that the activity of norepinephrine-producing neurons in a single brain region, the locus coeruleus, controls both focus to ignore distractions and discipline to curb impulses. Stimulating LC activity improved attentional control tasks, while inhibiting it had the opposite effect.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have discovered a link between people's attachment styles and their trust in artificial intelligence. Attachment anxiety is associated with reduced trust, while enhanced attachment security increases trust. The study suggests that reminding individuals of their secure relationships can boost tr...
Research on Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes reveals associations between UBE3A gene expression levels and social communication difficulties in PWS, as well as fine motor skills impairment in AS. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inflammatory pathways and disease severity in these conditions.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder show reduced flexible behavior due to less optimal learning. The research used a developmental approach and examined flexible behavior on a probabilistic reversal learning task in children, adolescents, and adults with ASD.
A study of over 5,000 couples found that nearly all shared unhealthy habits, such as low-quality diet and inadequate exercise. The vast majority fell into the non-ideal category for cardiovascular health, with most sharing these behaviors. Improving one partner's health may positively impact their loved one.
A University of Washington study reveals certain human actions increase survival chances in devastating events. Researchers suggest simple behavioral changes, such as being aware of local hazards and moving to a higher floor, can save more lives than expensive engineering solutions.
Research from Michigan State University and Ohio State University found that empowerment initiatives can be effective when implemented by leaders who value being respected, but can lead to micromanaging and decreased motivation when led by those who prioritize control. The study suggests that candid conversations between employees and ...
A study by Megan Carey and Catarina Albergaria found that altered cannabinoid signalling impairs learning in mice. However, this was not due to direct effects on neural plasticity, but rather the reduced activity levels of the mutant mice. Restoring behavioral state through exercise fully restored learning abilities.
Research from the University of Notre Dame found that artificial light abnormally increases mosquito biting behavior at night in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The study suggests that increasing levels of light pollution could impact the transmission of diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika.
A joint research team has solved the puzzle of non-Fermi liquid behaviour in interacting electrons systems through quantum many-body computation and analytical calculations. The findings provide a protocol for establishing new paradigms in quantum metals, with potential applications in solving the energy crisis.
Researchers developed new AI models inspired by nature, reducing complexity and enhancing interpretability. These models can control vehicles with just a few artificial neurons, outperforming previous deep learning models in tasks such as autonomous lane keeping.
Researchers analyze how our minds plan resource use to reduce excessive energy consumption and carbon emissions. They propose concrete strategies to fine-tune policy instruments and promote sustainable behavior, taking into account cognitive mechanisms such as spillover effects, rebound effects, and mental accounting labels.
A new deep learning model inspired by tiny animals has shown decisive advantages over previous models in tasks such as autonomous driving. The model achieves better performance with fewer neurons and is more interpretable than complex 'black box' systems.
Research published in BMJ Global Health found that viewers who trust right-wing US TV media are less likely to engage in preventive behaviors and more likely to report risky behaviors. This association was observed despite health behaviors becoming more cautious over time.
Researchers developed a new model that describes driving behavior based on a 'human' principle: managing risk below a threshold level. The model can accurately predict human behavior in various driving tasks and may be used in intelligent cars to reduce their 'robotic' feel.
Researchers from VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Public Health used machine learning to explore streamlining the diagnostic tool for PTSD. They found that six questions could be cut from the SCID-5 while maintaining accuracy, with different questions being more or less important for male and female veterans.
Researchers found that honeybees use a simple counting-based model to learn from visual scenes, unlike humans who employ complex probabilistic learning to recognize patterns. This difference may contribute to human superiority in cognitive capacities.
The US Army Research Laboratory teamed up with Italian Institute of Technology, Harvard Medical School, and University of California, Irvine to study the complexities of the human brain. Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation and fMRI to track neural changes after inhibiting a specific part of the brain.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered that the orbitofrontal cortex can reprogram neurons in sensory areas to enable flexible decision-making. This process involves a direct connection between the two regions, allowing for rapid adaptation to new situations.
A recent study found that installing cameras in HGV cabs significantly reduces risky driving behaviors, with coaching further improving results. The analysis of 669 vehicles over two years revealed a 31% reduction in harsh cornering and a 34% decrease in speeding incidents.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a small molecule named Streptosactin, which exhibits fratricidal activity in the human microbiome. This is the first time a small molecule has been found to kill its own kind.
Research from the University of Kent found that TRESK plays a crucial role in regulating the brain's central circadian clock. Lowering TRESK levels disrupted the biological rhythm, causing the clock to lose its day-night association.
A study found that weight stigma in young adults predicted higher levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and binge eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research also showed that weight stigma was associated with worse health outcomes for both males and females, regardless of their body weight.
A new study from North Carolina State University has shed light on the earliest stages of Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting brain development and function. The research used human cerebral organoids to monitor the behavior of a key gene, UBE3A, revealing its role in early brain tissue development.
A German-Israeli research team found that nature conservation initiatives rarely lead to behavioral changes, citing the need for a broader range of interventions. The study analyzed eight national strategy papers on pollinator conservation and identified a lack of focus on behavioral change interventions, with most measures relying on ...
A new phone app has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms of eating disorders in college women, including binge eating and depression. The app-based cognitive behavioral therapy provided a convenient and accessible means of intervention, with 83% of participants completing at least some of the program.
A groundbreaking international research network will study how animals use odor information to guide behavior, aiming to understand the brain's evolution and potential applications in robotics and disease research. The project, led by CU Boulder, will reverse-engineer how the brain interprets odors and activate motor circuits.
Despite severe health problems, 93% of flat-faced dog owners want to own their breed again in the future. Positive behavioral attributes and suitability for a sedentary lifestyle are common reasons for reacquisition or recommendation. However, owners acknowledge significant health risks, including respiratory disease and heat stroke.
Scientists at Yale University found that flies perceive motion in static images similarly to humans, using a shared strategy for motion detection. By analyzing specific neuron types and behavior, the researchers developed a theory explaining how optical illusions work, which may also apply to human visual systems.
Researchers studied 25 immature chimpanzees learning to use tools, discovering they acquire complex termite-extracting skills over time. The study provides insights into how technology evolved in human culture and highlights the sophistication of Central African chimpanzee tool-using skills.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing online resources to support early-career teachers in implementing effective classroom management practices, which have been shown to lead to improved student behavior and academic outcomes.
Scientists selectively bred zebrafish to exhibit distinct personality traits, finding that brain activities soon changed and new brain regions were activated. The study suggests a rapid pace of personality trait changes and potential implications for human behavior.
Research has found that the brains of humans, flies, and mice share similar mechanisms for brain development and function. This similarity can be interpreted in two ways: as evidence of a single ancestral brain or independent evolution of brain circuits. The study identified shared genetic regulatory mechanisms controlling brain area f...
New research using ultra-high-field MRI reveals the cerebellum has a surface area equal to 80% of the cerebral cortex's surface area, challenging the long-held idea that it is smaller. This expansion is linked to human behavior and cognition evolution, enabling the processing of complex concepts like language and abstract reasoning.
A Baylor University study led by Cathryn Townsend challenges the long-held notion that the Ik ethnic group in Uganda is selfish and loveless. The research found that sharing and cooperation are integral to Ik culture, with a strong emphasis on supernatural punishment for those who do not share.
Research highlights parallels between sci-fi author Frederik Pohl's works and modern world's consumer patterns, including hyper-consumption and ecological disaster. Dr Mike Ryder's study explores how Pohl's predictions are relevant today, with social media and augmented reality games mirroring his futuristic worlds.
The University of Texas at El Paso has been awarded $1.3 million to investigate how neural circuits regulate specific cognitive functions in humans. The research, led by Dr. Manuel Miranda-Arango, aims to identify and characterize glycinergic neurons in the basal ganglia and their connections to other brain areas.
A University of New Mexico research team has identified brain-wide neural correlates of the transition from fear to anxiety, shedding new light on the brain's response to fearful events and why some people don't easily recover. The study found that vulnerability to anxiety correlates with elevated activity in specific regions of the br...
A recent study has identified the precise spot in the brain where distracting stimuli are blocked, allowing concentration on a task. The researchers found that responses to distractor stimuli were abruptly suppressed beyond the sensory cortex, preventing further signal transmission within the cortex and triggering a motor response.
Brown bears increasingly live among human settlements due to habitat loss, leading to conflict and high mortality rates. The study found that connected wilderness areas and nocturnal behaviors are crucial for coexistence between humans and bears.
A recent study published by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that people tend to perceive non-round numbers as unique and jarring, leading to a negative evaluation. This effect has implications for public health messaging, economic marketing, and organizational behavior.
In virtual teams, team members value concrete steps to ensure achievement over charismatic personalities. Effective leadership online is driven by small actions like monitoring timelines, providing feedback, and coordinating teamwork.
A Rutgers-led study challenges the notion that the Ik are selfish and mean, instead revealing their culture promotes generosity. The researchers found that the Ik live by a saying 'tomora marang,' which means it's good to share.
Dolphins use complex techniques like 'shelling' to obtain food, a behavior comparable to tool use in humans. A study revealed that dolphins learn new foraging methods mainly through social transmission among peers, similar to great apes and gorillas. This discovery expands our understanding of how dolphins adapt to changing environment...
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol developed an ant-inspired method for mathematical sampling, which outperforms traditional methods. The study found that ants' collective behavior can be used to create a more efficient way of exploring complex probability distributions.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to describe human behavior in various scenarios, helping to understand decision-making. The study found that people tend to use a linear threshold model, increasing the price they're willing to pay over time.
Elsevier has launched a free access special issue of curated content focused on biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and protecting the planet. The collection features over 60 carefully selected journal articles and book chapters supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that temperament plays a significant role in shaping children's eating habits. Children with temperamental traits are more likely to develop unhappy relationships with food and exhibit picky eating, leading to greater weight issues.
A comprehensive study examined how various motivations to be generous interact with one another. Researchers found that people overwhelmingly chose to be generous to others, regardless of motivation, and that all four established motivators work together in the real world.
Research suggests that COVID-19 lockdowns have a detrimental impact on the diet, sleep, and physical activity habits of children with obesity. Compared to pre-pandemic behaviors, these children consumed more junk food, watched more TV, and slept an extra half hour per day.
Researchers found that rats used an unexpected strategy of adapting their behavior based on previous trial outcomes, rather than relying on a fixed optimal rule. This strategy allowed them to quickly adjust to changing environments and learn from mistakes.