Research on why people act as they do. Covers self-processing across primates, substance use, weight-loss behavior, and nicotine seeking.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that Pavlovian approach can bias human information sampling, leading to irrational decisions. The researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 participants and identified three biases related to reward-driven behaviors, which were more pronounced with higher education levels and age.
A team of Italian scientists has created a hybrid device that links biological and electronic systems, leveraging pectin to replicate memristive behavior. The device features a double-layered polyelectrolyte structure that enables it to learn and perform logic/classification functions.
A new study reveals that male chimpanzees prioritize their offspring over building relationships with females, contradicting the long-held assumption that they are solely focused on mating. The researchers found that males spend time with non-mating female chimpanzees caring for their offspring and exhibit paternal behavior towards them.
Researchers at West Virginia University have directly measured the 3D patterns of flowing plasma striking fusion and space propulsion device walls. The measurements show that plasmas accelerate parallel to the wall before impact, causing rapid erosion of the devices' lifetimes.
A team of neuroscientists studied fruit flies' behavior when deprived of specific nutrients, discovering that their brain mechanisms influence food choices and exploration patterns. The findings suggest individual variability in metabolism and feeding behavior may be linked to physiological and neural characteristics.
The USPSTF recommends providing interventions to support breastfeeding, which can increase duration and rates of breastfeeding. However, nearly half of mothers in the US stop breastfeeding by 6 months, with disparities among younger mothers and disadvantaged communities.
Researchers at the University of Oregon found that mice rely on their vision to catch prey, providing a new model for understanding complex brain-vision interactions. This discovery may also shed light on human conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where focusing on a single task is challenging.
Researchers create a closed-loop system to test their proposed method, which is a better fit for how humans actually behave compared to traditional models. The new model uses fractional order calculus to describe human operator behavior, providing a unified and formalized description.
A new study found that Mexican-American youth with empathetic and caring behaviors towards others tend to perform better academically later on. Parents can play a significant role by encouraging these traits and maintaining boundaries while remaining engaged in their children's lives.
Researchers find that birds with more complex songs perform better in rhythm and interact more skillfully with others. The study suggests that musical ability in birds may be a precursor to human music evolution.
New ape study demonstrates nonhuman primates can recognize others' beliefs, desires, and intentions, a phenomenon called Theory of Mind (ToM), previously thought to be exclusive to humans. Apes correctly anticipated that humans would search for an object in the wrong location based on their knowledge.
Researchers have trained a robot to imitate natural human actions, allowing for effective coordination during high-stakes events like surgeries. This development holds promise for improving safety and efficiency in medical procedures.
Researchers have discovered a fluid behaving like water when trapped in a nanocage of a porous solid, offering new insights into nanoscale behavior. This breakthrough may lead to the design of machines with specific functions, including medical applications and molecular electronics.
A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that a misinterpretation of brain function has hindered the development of effective treatments for fear and anxiety disorders. The researchers propose a new framework that recognizes the distinction between conscious feelings and behavioral/physiological responses.
A new study by Dr. Hilla Dotan and Prof. Uta Herbst found that women achieve better negotiation outcomes when representing their friends, rather than competing against them. This counterintuitive finding suggests that women's focus on building relationships and cooperation can lead to more successful negotiations.
Researchers have discovered a way for machines to learn about natural or artificial systems by observing them, eliminating the need for prior knowledge. This breakthrough could lead to advances in technology, including predictive human behavior and algorithm development for detecting abnormalities.
A new study led by Lisa Feldman Barrett found that people's beliefs about how farm animals are raised can shape their meat-eating experience. Participants rated factory-farmed meat as less pleasant and consumed less of it than humane-farmed meat, suggesting that beliefs can influence eating behavior.
Researchers found that THC increases laziness in rats, making them less willing to perform challenging tasks, but CBD had no effect. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding cannabis' impact on cognitive effort and decision-making.
Researchers created novel scaffolds with aligned ceramic nanofibers to control stem cell development and cancer cell behavior. The unique hybrid nano-network selectively guides stem cells towards specific lineages while suppressing inflammatory factors in cancer cells.
Research from Public Health Ontario reveals that parents who actively engage in their children's physical activity, healthy eating and screen time behaviours are more likely to meet Canadian guidelines. The study found that simple encouragement is not enough, with active parental support being essential for promoting healthy living.
A study published in Evolution and Human Behavior found that regular churchgoers are perceived as more generous and hardworking compared to others. The researchers suggest that this is due to the potent signal sent by these individuals, demonstrating their generosity, devotion, and commitment to contributing to their communities.
New research highlights the impact of early experiences on lifelong health, emphasizing the need for protection from toxic stress and supportive interventions for vulnerable children. The study calls for leveraging science to design more effective approaches for mitigating the effects of early adversity.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that visual communication using technology to illustrate skin damage is most effective in changing behaviors. Young women who saw their own faces prematurely aged took twice as many free sunscreen samples and three times more skin cancer leaflets than those who received text-based messages.
A study of over 28,000 people reveals that individuals consistently follow a hedonic flexibility principle, engaging in mood-increasing activities when feeling bad and useful activities when feeling good. This finding clarifies how emotions shape behavior and explains the trade-offs humans make for long-term happiness.
New research from the University of Missouri shows that preschoolers who excel in Spanish letters and numbers experience significant gains in their English skills. Building on Spanish skills appears to maximize their ability to enter school ready to learn.
New research challenges conventional wisdom on backup plans, finding they can cause people to work less hard and achieve primary goals less successfully. Researchers suggest understanding potential costs, but also encourage strategic planning to mitigate these effects.
Researchers identified a neural circuit that inhibits binge-like eating behavior in mice, suggesting a potential treatment for humans. A specific serotonin receptor, 2C, expressed by dopamine neurons, is crucial in suppressing binge eating.
Researchers found students receiving negative attention from teachers experience emotional regulation, concentration problems and increased disruptive behavior. Teachers tend to give more negative attention to African-American students and those receiving free or reduced lunch.
A new study from Northeastern University found that people are more likely to delegate decisions when faced with choices affecting others, rather than themselves. Researchers discovered that individuals tend to avoid delegating unappealing choices on their own behalf, but will do so for someone else to minimize blame.
Transgenic Huntington's disease monkeys exhibit a range of symptoms, including motor problems, neurodegeneration, emotional dysregulation, and immune system changes. The study strengthens the use of HD monkeys as a model for evaluating emerging treatments before human clinical trials.
A Duke University study found a single chemical receptor in the brain responsible for OCD symptoms in mice. The receptor, mGluR5, was found to be overactive in mice with Sapap3 gene deletion, which mimics human OCD. When blocked, symptoms abated immediately.
A new study by Michigan State University neuroscientist Alexander Johnson finds that obese mice are more likely to overeat in response to environmental cues due to altered brain responses. The study suggests a psychological and neurobiological account for why obese individuals may be vulnerable to food triggers.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to identify genes associated with complex traits in mice, including 66 different physical and behavioral characteristics. The technique, which uses genotype-by-sequencing and RNA sequencing, has identified two novel genes linked to methamphetamine sensitivity and anxiety-like behavior.
Researchers found that veils and headscarves can actually improve observers' ability to detect truthfulness in witnesses, contrary to common court assumptions. The study's results suggest that the presence of a veil may compel observers to pay attention to more 'diagnostic' cues, leading to higher accuracy rates in lie detection.
Researchers identified two risk factors for childhood binge eating: parental non-involvement or emotional unresponsiveness, and weight-related teasing in the family. Childhood binge eating is not about feeling full, but losing control and experiencing emotional distress.
A Dartmouth team has developed a system that uses LED panels and only 20 light sensors to reconstruct a user's 3D skeleton in real-time. The new StarLight system has practical applications in virtual reality, non-invasive health monitoring, and passive behavioral monitoring.
Scientists have discovered a special neural network in the primate brain that anticipates all possible situations, allowing for novel behavior adaptation. This 'reservoir computing' property enables the brain to create a universal representation of combinations, preparing primates for unlimited situations.
A new USC study reveals that consumers are more likely to resist products that conflict with their habits, but adopting products into existing routines can increase usage. The researchers found that habit slips, or lapses in product use caused by falling back on old habits, can be a common barrier to new product adoption.
Researchers found that location and communication data from mobile phone carriers show predictable patterns in human behavior, enabling predictions of epidemic spread. The study's mathematical equation allows for forecasting of virus spread and identification of cultural trends.
A study by North Carolina State University researchers reveals that zebrafish bred for boldness display sleeker bodies and faster swimming abilities compared to those bred for shyness. The findings suggest a link between personality traits, body shape, and locomotion, challenging the idea of independent animal traits.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that individuals with a strong drive to understand and build systems, known as systemizing, tend to excel at hacking. This skillset is positively correlated with code-breaking performance, suggesting new opportunities for autistic individuals in security professions.
A new study found that early exposure to nicotine can trigger genetic changes affecting brain cell connections, leading to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other behavioral problems. Maternal smoking has been linked to these conditions, and the study provides a possible explanation for its long-term effects.
Research at Georgia State University found that increasing difficulty in making decisions based on sensory evidence boosts activity in the insular cortex. The study sheds light on how this brain area processes sensory information and drives behaviors.
A recent study published in mHealth and uHealth found that text messaging interventions significantly increased the chances of smokers abstaining from smoking. The intervention provided health education, reminders, and support through short messages, yielding promising results.
Fuentes builds on the extended evolutionary synthesis, arguing that evolution is a complex mix of biology, ecology, behaviors, chemistry, and history. Anthropologists can combine these approaches for a more nuanced understanding of humanity.
A study at the University of Texas at Austin found that relationship satisfaction depends on how a partner compares with other potential mates. Participants reported being happier and devoted more effort to relationships when their partners fulfilled their ideal preferences.
A study in male mice exposed to early life stress shows that the hippocampus matures faster, but with reduced neural growth, supporting an evolution-based hypothesis. This accelerated maturation may be an adaptation to prepare for short-term survival priorities.
A new study suggests children with ADHD follow fewer healthy lifestyle behaviors than non-ADHD youth. Children with ADHD were more likely to consume artificially sweetened juice, have excessive screen time, and engage in less physical activity.
Researchers at NC State University developed a system that uses sensors in custom dog harnesses to monitor the dog's posture and body language. The algorithm triggered rewards when the dog exhibited the desired behavior, resulting in a 96% accurate rate.
A faith-based health promotion program, Abuelas en Acción, successfully motivated older Latinas to adopt healthier lifestyles by integrating spiritual and family values. Participants showed significant improvements in physical activity, nutrition, and stress management.
A new species of black fly, Simulium kalimantanense, has been discovered in Indonesia's Kalimantan state. The newly identified species belongs to the family Simuliidae and is part of a larger group known to carry filariasis-causing parasites.
A study in mice reveals how antiviral immune response alters brain activity, impairing neuronal firing in the hippocampus and causing depressive-like behavior. The CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling pathway acts as a bridge between rising interferon levels and changes in neuronal activity, explaining mood changes.
Researchers developed a model that accurately predicts individual differences in task activation based on resting-state fMRI data. This novel approach suggests that resting-state patterns provide considerable information for estimating individual differences in task activation.
The Royal Society of Public Health advocates for introducing activity equivalent calorie labelling on food packaging to prompt people to be more mindful of their energy consumption and encourage physical activity. Public polling shows that almost half of people find current front-of-pack information confusing, but 53% would positively ...
A CU-Boulder study found that daily monetary incentives increased fruit and vegetable consumption among participants. Internal motivation to eat such produce also increased over time, suggesting a potential direction for future incentive research in terms of psychological factors related to changing behavior.
A Northwestern University study shows that engaging environment can alleviate depression in genetically depressed rats, suggesting that nurture can override nature. The study found that psychotherapy and behavioral activation therapy can change blood biomarkers for depression, potentially leading to more precise treatment.
Researchers at University of Oregon developed a line of transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein to visualize neural activity. The technique allows for real-time imaging of brain-wide activity across cortex, enabling studies of sensory processing, cognition, and brain development.
A recent study found that US adults are struggling to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, with only 2.7% meeting the criteria for a 'healthy lifestyle' and a low risk of cardiovascular disease. The study measured four key behaviors: good diet, moderate exercise, recommended body fat percentage, and non-smoking habits.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that minority applicants may fare worse in resumes sent to diversity-friendly companies than those sent to non-diversity companies. Hiding one's race by 'whitening' their resumes improved minorities' chances of landing an interview.
Jeffrey M. Friedman was honored for his discovery of leptin and the neural pathway that regulates feeding behavior, providing a foundation for understanding obesity and related pathologies. The award recognizes his translational research that has impacted our understanding of human biology and disease treatment.