Research on why people act as they do. Covers self-processing across primates, substance use, weight-loss behavior, and nicotine seeking.
Researchers developed a web-based platform using artificial neural networks to answer crossword clues more accurately than existing products. The system can understand words, phrases, and sentences by leveraging definitions in dictionaries and Wikipedia.
A new NASA study reconstructs the Mediterranean's drought history using tree rings, finding that the eastern region has experienced its worst drought in 900 years. The research provides a 'fingerprint' for identifying human-induced climate change contributions and will improve computer models simulating climate change.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that doctors struggle to review patients' self-tracked data due to lack of capacity and tools. However, when patients provide organized and summarized data through paper diaries or specific tracking tools, providers can use it effectively in diagnosis and treatment.
A study by UCSB psychologists found that challenging a person's belief in free will corrupts intuitive cooperation and leads to impulsive selfishness, but allows for recovery with time. Participants who were asked about their agreement with the statement 'I have free will' showed significant differences in their level of cooperation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered how bats determine what's worth paying attention to, finding that their brains selectively respond to certain sounds. This discovery has implications for understanding how humans focus attention and process sensory information.
Hunter-gatherer Aleuts on Sanak Island, Alaska, used a super-generalist diet to stabilize marine food webs. Their prey-switching behavior helped maintain ecosystem balance.
Infants as young as a few months can understand the physical properties of liquids, including loose cohesiveness and changes in shape with movement. This 'naïve physics' knowledge is evident even when faced with unexpected behaviors, such as liquids getting trapped on grids or solids passing through them.
A new study found that behavioral interventions, such as peer comparison and accountable justification, significantly reduced unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory infections. The study built upon prior research and resulted in a 16 percentage point reduction in prescription rates.
A Yale-led research team develops a pricing framework for natural capital assets, including groundwater, forests, and fish populations. The study finds that the Kansas High Plains' groundwater aquifer lost $1.1 billion in value between 1996 and 2005 due to over-extraction and poor management.
A recent study by the Spanish National Research Council found that half of large carnivore attacks are due to human imprudence. The researchers recommend educating people about risks and following basic rules to coexist with animals, reducing the likelihood of attacks.
Researchers found that defective epigenetic reprogramming in embryos can lead to abnormal repetitive behaviors and changes in brain wiring in adulthood. Studies using genetically engineered mice showed that the enzyme KDM1A plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression during development.
Researchers use virtual reality to investigate how people adapt their speech in conversation, finding that language behavior is identical to dialogue with a human partner.
Inserm researchers identified early cellular changes in the brain that trigger depressive symptoms. They discovered a novel promising drug target, inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A, which rapidly ameliorates depression-like phenotypes in mice.
New research by Duke University scientists suggests that habits like sugar addiction manifest in the brain's basal ganglia circuitry, leading to a 'go' signal that primes cravings. The study found that mice with formed habits had altered brain activity patterns, including a change in timing between go and stop signals.
Research links imbalance in brain connections to childhood obesity, suggesting mindfulness could be an effective way to control eating habits. The study found that children with obesity have different brain function compared to healthy-weight children, making them more prone to over-eating.
A NYU study investigates how brain mechanisms affect decision-making after errors. The research found that a combination of adaptive and maladaptive neural processes influence slowing, but ultimately lead to no change in accuracy. Insights from the study may offer new perspectives on afflictions like Alzheimer's Disease and ADHD.
A new study reveals that inhibitory neurons play a crucial role in song learning in birds, rather than the bird's age. The research found that firing patterns of inhibitory neurons correspond with song accuracy, and similar patterns are seen in both juvenile and adult birds.
Research by Laura Kray at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that sympathy can motivate stronger parties to help weaker ones, leading to more compassionate solutions. Being transparent about misfortune is more effective when initiated by a low-power negotiator or someone in the weaker position.
Researchers found that genetic variants in the beta-3 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors can alter nicotine behavior. People carrying the more common version are more likely to have problems with nicotine use.
A new study identifies genetic influences on anxiety in chickens that may also apply to mice and humans. The research found that genes linked to anxiety in chickens were associated with similar behaviors in mice, while some were connected to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in large human studies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that marmosets use auditory cues similar to humans to distinguish between low and high notes, shedding light on our evolutionary history.
A new study published in EPJ Data Science found that exercising and spending time outside the home reduces participants' stress levels, while reduced working hours have a minimal effect. The research used data from the StudentLife project at Dartmouth College to validate this approach, which has great promise for future studies.
Investors exhibit an ostrich pattern in attending to their portfolios, logging in less when expecting bad news. This behavior is prevalent among men, older investors, and those with greater portfolio balances.
Using 20 years of fMRI data, researchers found that cognitive function and abstract thought exist as an agglomeration of many cortical sources. They developed a geometry-based method to analyze brain activity, revealing a hierarchy of abstraction related to the connectome structure of the whole human brain.
Harvard Medical School scientists developed a computational technique to analyze mouse movements, organizing them into distinct pose sequences with their own syllables and grammar. This breakthrough solves the problem of objectively studying complex animal behavior without human observers.
The UCLA-developed FOCUS program significantly improved the ability of military families to cope with deployment-related stresses and combat injuries. The eight-week program reduced anxiety and depression by half and improved family dynamics, particularly in areas such as communication and problem-solving skills.
Researchers have developed a hybrid material that can change shape in response to different stimuli, such as light and heat. The material combines photo-responsive fibers with thermo-responsive gels to create a composite that is both highly reconfigurable and mechanically strong.
Research reveals LSD reduces connectivity within brain networks, disrupting synchronization of neural firing patterns. This change affects the underlying thought and behavior processes in humans.
New research from Aarhus University found that conservative voters prefer strong leaders with deep voices, while liberal voters prefer more gentle features. This study challenges the idea that voters carefully weigh pros and cons when making decisions.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that neighboring serotonin-producing brainstem regions exert different and sometimes opposing effects on behavior. Alterations in serotonergic neuronal activity in the DRN and MRN produce markedly different behavioral consequences, leading to an imbalance between DRN and MRN activ...
A NYU study found that a classroom program improves teacher emotional support, student engagement, and classroom organization in kindergarten and first-grade classes. INSIGHTS, a social-emotional learning intervention, supports responsive teaching strategies and enhances children's ability to regulate classroom behaviors.
A new study explores how anxiety can aggravate asthma, revealing that individuals with anxiety sensitivity experience greater asthma symptoms and decreased lung function. The researchers recommend interventions such as exposure therapy to reduce anxiety sensitivity and alleviate asthma symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Georgia are studying the effects of feeding wildlife at public parks on the health and ecology of white ibises in south Florida. The study found that being fed by humans is changing the behavior of the birds, making them more susceptible to disease.
A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine suggests that behavioral interventions can lead to significant improvements in cardiovascular health. The research indicates that small behavioral changes can have a substantial impact on physical health outcomes.
Virginia Tech researchers will investigate how people on the brink of developing Type 2 diabetes value the future, aiming to improve self-regulation and prevent medical complications. The study, funded by $2.4 million grant, applies approaches developed in addiction research to develop a behavioral treatment.
Robots develop self-taught behaviors through sensory input and adaptation, mirroring natural sensorimotor development. This concept has implications for understanding early stages of evolution and may lead to new strategies for robotic learning.
A new study from Arizona State University found that when men express anger, they are perceived as more credible and influential, whereas angry women are seen as more emotional and less confident. The research has implications for women's ability to exert influence in various settings, including politics and the workplace.
Researchers will use advanced monitoring technology to examine behavioral, psychosocial and environmental predictors of weight loss after bariatric surgery. The study aims to improve behavioral guidelines and increase weight loss after bariatric surgery.
A comprehensive meta-analysis found fear-based appeals to be effective in changing attitudes and intentions, with the greatest impact on women and one-time behaviors. The study also confirmed that fear appeals can lead to significant change across the board, although the effect is small.
Researchers analyze journals written by NASA astronauts to identify factors that affect their mental and emotional states during long-duration space missions. The study aims to develop recommendations for future missions, including training exercises and procedures to mitigate behavioral issues.
Researchers found a link between depression and the paraventricular thalamus, a previously untied region of the brain. The study used a mouse strain with mitochondrial dysfunction, which exhibited periodic depressive episodes resembling human cases.
Postmenopausal women have more control over their body composition due to the effects of menopause, which can lead to weight gain and decreased physical activity. Regular exercise, even light physical activity such as walking or yard work, can improve body composition in postmenopausal women.
A study by researchers at North Carolina State University found that mobile device users are more susceptible to security errors while multitasking. The researchers created a simulated app store experience and asked participants to identify the safest app, with only half choosing correctly.
A new method teaches computers to recognize human activities from first-person images, predicting with 83% accuracy. The technique uses over 40,000 images gathered by a wearable camera and can be generalized to another person after just two days of annotation.
Researchers detected distinct daily patterns in digital activities such as calling, texting, and emailing among individuals. These personal rhythms are influenced by geographical and physiological factors, suggesting potential medical applications for monitoring patients' mental health and sleep patterns.
A new study suggests that a parent's behavior plays a significant role in shaping their child's self-esteem. The research found that English children whose mothers displayed negative parenting traits reported lower self-esteem, while Indian children were more affected by their fathers' behavior.
A study on migrating pike in the Baltic Sea found that accurate timing is crucial for survival and that fine-tuning behavior improves life expectancy. The research showed that individuals who adjust their migration timing based on experience have higher life expectancies than those who do not.,
A new Iowa State University study finds that mobile app engagement directly impacts consumer purchasing behavior, leading to increased spending among customers who use interactive features. Companies must create value-driven apps to capitalize on the growing market, with ongoing monitoring and maintenance crucial for success.
A Baylor University study found that cellphone use can create conflict and lower relationship satisfaction among romantic partners, leading to increased levels of depression. The study also identified a 'Partner Phubbing Scale' to measure the extent of smartphone distractions in relationships.
Two studies reveal that the human brain's unique support system and connectivity are associated with higher levels of education, income, and life satisfaction. The research adds to our understanding of the human brain's parts list and enhances scientists' ability to model uniquely human disorders.
A new study by Oxford University researchers found a strong correspondence between positive lifestyle and behavior traits and specific variations in brain connectivity. Those with classically positive lifestyles had different brain connections to those with classically negative ones.
Researchers will explore how brain processes a wide range of odors to understand cognitive functions and behavior in humans. The study aims to shed light on the evolution of mammalian brains and their connection to human behavior.
A new review from the University of Cambridge found that larger portions and tableware increase food and drink consumption, with eliminating large portions reducing energy intake by up to 29% among US adults. Reducing portion size is a promising strategy to combat overeating and related health risks.
Scientists have discovered a novel approach to study neural circuits that change behavior, using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. By flipping the sign of a synapse, researchers were able to completely reverse behavior, suggesting that neural wiring is remarkably stable and allows for changes in behavior.
Researchers at UC San Francisco show that early humans' tool use led to changes in their shoulders, which helped the emergence of human-specific traits like high-speed throwing. The study's findings suggest that the common ancestor of modern humans and African apes looked more like a chimp or gorilla.
A recent study published in Health Education and Behavior found that individuals who believe their weight is determined by DNA tend to make unhealthy food choices and engage in less exercise as they age. This association was observed across both men and women, with the relationship differing by age.
Scientists have successfully reversed an animal's behavior by altering a single synapse in its neural network. This groundbreaking study provides new insights into the stability of neural circuits and their role in controlling behavior.
Trichoplax, a multicellular marine animal without organs, exhibits complex feeding behavior involving external digestion of algae. The organism's cells coordinate a sequence of behaviors, including gliding and secretion of granules that break down the algae, indicating local control and cellular communication.
Two Stanford University researchers, Maria Barna and Carolyn McBride, received the award for their pioneering work on ribosome processing and mosquito behavior. The Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recognizes outstanding contributions to genetics research in human and non-mammalian systems.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that interrupting sedentary behavior with short walking breaks can improve children's blood sugar levels. This benefit was observed even after a sugary drink was consumed, suggesting potential long-term benefits for metabolic health.