Articles tagged with Human Behavior
Researchers found a strong association between the DRD4 gene and novelty seeking behavior in great tits, but results varied across different populations. The study's findings mirror those of human research, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role in shaping personality traits.
A study found that stressed mice seek chocolate despite painful consequences, mirroring human compulsive eating behavior. Researchers trained mice with a history of hunger to overcome their fear of certain foods.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara found that providing training to parents through DVDs improved their skills and led to positive changes in child behavior. The flexible program allowed parents to learn at their own pace and provided valuable video examples to support instruction.
A new paper by MSU psychologist Brooke Ingersoll suggests that a combined approach to treating autism could be more effective than traditional behavioral or developmental methods. By combining the strengths of both approaches, supporters can create individualized interventions that meet the unique needs of each child.
A Virginia Tech researcher is developing a new malicious software detection system that uses unique properties of human computer usage to differentiate between legitimate and malicious activities. The system will be able to identify characteristic human-user behaviors and prevent forgeries and attacks by malware.
A new zebrafish behavior monitoring system has been developed to capture on video and barcode the behavioral responses of fish to chemicals, allowing for rapid identification of new compounds. The system has already identified new chemicals affecting fish behavior and holds promise for treating nervous system disorders.
Researchers found that mice create 'knots' – preferred places with high path tortuosity – during exploration, which enhance their visual scene interpretation, memory of the place, and provide multiple views. This study contributes to understanding how animals map environments and accomplish goals.
Researchers have identified a human genetic alteration associated with anxiety-related behavior in both humans and mice, which can inform the development of new clinical strategies to treat anxiety disorders. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to reveal altered brain function in individuals with this abnormality.
Researchers found anti-inflammatory agents that increase wakefulness during the day and affect normal sleep/wake cycles. The study suggests a shared neurochemistry between zebrafish and mammals, paving the way for new compounds to regulate sleep and wakefulness in humans.
Researchers found that sleep consolidates learning in starlings, a bird known for its vocal production and listening skills, mirroring human findings. The study replicates the sleep-dependent enhancement pattern observed in human studies, while also exploring the role of interference on learning.
Researchers have identified a genetic locus on chromosome 7 associated with canine compulsive disorder (CCD), a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors. The CDH2 gene region is linked to increased risk of CCD in Doberman breeds and may be involved in human OCD and autism spectrum disorders.
A genetic locus on chromosome 7 has been linked to canine compulsive disorder, a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors. The neural cadherin-2 gene, CDH2, is involved in mediating synaptic activity and neuronal adhesion, suggesting a possible connection to human obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that 14.9% of children in hurricane-affected areas suffered from serious emotional disturbances, including depression, hyperactivity, and learning difficulties.
A recent study published in Political Research Quarterly found that genetics may contribute to an individual's political party identification, challenging the long-held assumption that it is solely shaped by socialization factors. The study used quantitative genetic models to examine the sources of party identification and intensity.
Savanna chimpanzees in Senegal exhibit predictive behavior towards seasonal fires, avoiding the fire as it approaches. Researchers interpret this behavior as a cognitive stage similar to human understanding of fire control. The study provides insight into how early human ancestors may have developed fire control abilities.
The study analyzed 54,679 violent events in various countries and found a common statistical distribution for insurgency attacks, which is significantly different from traditional wars. The model can be used to create scenarios, make predictions, and assess risks for present and future insurgent wars.
A study published in Cortex found that synaesthetes can exhibit automatic color experiences when presented with numbers or patterns, regardless of their conscious awareness. The research suggests that learning may contribute to the development of these associations.
A new method to identify priority areas for whale conservation has been proposed, suggesting that even small protected areas can benefit highly mobile marine predators like killer whales. The research highlights the importance of feeding behavior in conserving endangered southern resident killer whale populations.
Researchers discovered that mentally simulating physical approach towards an unpleasant product can lead to a more favorable evaluation. This finding challenges the conventional notion of approaching pleasure and avoiding pain as fundamental human behaviors.
Children from military families experience more emotional and behavioral difficulties than their peers, particularly when a parent is deployed overseas. Longer parental deployments are linked to greater emotional challenges for both children and non-deployed parents.
A study by Dr. John Garry and Dr. Maria Lohan found that young men who perceive declining happiness with age are more likely to engage in risky health behaviors like binge drinking. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 citizens of Northern Ireland aged 15+, finding that just over half were categorized as binge drinkers.
A new study found that young people generally favor one type of parental control over another but become indifferent when parents are overly controlling. The researchers argue that adolescents may respond poorly to highly restrictive behavioral control, similar to psychological control.
Researchers discovered a major metabolic switch in fruit flies that plays a key role in alcohol tolerance and found direct translation to humans. This discovery provides a crucial explanation of why some people tolerate alcohol better than others and offers a potential target for preventing or eliminating alcoholism.
Despite concerns about decreased physical activity contributing to rising obesity rates, research suggests that physical activity levels may actually be increasing among US adolescents. While minority students and girls are less active than their peers, sedentary behaviors like screen time remain a concern.
Research reveals that Caucasian college women are more likely to exhibit binge eating behaviors than African American women. The study found that African-American students were less likely to meet criteria for binge eating and had less severe symptoms, but shared similar predictors such as depressed mood and feelings of fat. This dispa...
A study led by Brigham Young University professor Katie Liljenquist found that clean-smelling environments, such as those with citrus-scented Windex, can improve ethical behavior. Participants in clean-scented rooms were more likely to return a higher share of money in a trust game and show greater interest in volunteering.
A study of 8-year-old children whose mothers ate large amounts of liquorice when pregnant found they performed worse in cognitive tests and had poor attention spans. The researchers linked this to the glycyrrhizin in liquorice, which may impair the placenta and allow stress hormones to cross to the baby.
A new research center exploring deep brain stimulation for OCD has been established at the University of Rochester Medical Center, thanks to a $10.5 million award from the National Institute of Mental Health. The center will link over 50 researchers studying how DBS affects people with OCD.
Boosting a specific brain wave has been shown to slow down movement in humans. The study used an oscillating electrical current to increase normal beta activity, resulting in faster times and slower movements. This finding could have implications for treating conditions with uncontrolled or slowed movements.
A Northwestern University study reveals that Albert Einstein and other famous writers followed a similar pattern of correspondence, writing in cycles and adhering to a circadian cycle. The research, published in Science, demonstrates the universality of human behavior patterns across different activities.
A new Iowa State University study found that a family and school-based intervention program increases kids' consumption of fruits and vegetables, while reducing TV time. Program participants also walked 300 more steps per day.
Researchers tracked emergence and application of conceptual knowledge using behavioral and neuroimaging techniques. The hippocampus played a critical role in creating and storing concepts that guided decision making.
A team of researchers developed an intelligent surveillance system to detect incorrect behavior by drivers and pedestrians crossing pedestrian crossings. The system, based on multi-agent artificial intelligence, can identify abnormal movements and potentially penalize such behaviors.
The American Society of Human Genetics presents the 2009 William Allan Award to Dr. Huntington F. Willard for his seminal findings in understanding chromosome structure and behavior. Willard's work has been instrumental in advancing human genetics, with a focus on X chromosome inactivation and centromeres.
Researchers at Penn State have found that machines are unable to recognize distorted images like humans can. This limitation may be overcome in the future as computer programs harness large volumes of online data for knowledge generation and automatic recognition.
Researchers at University of Missouri discovered that deactivating basolateral amygdala blocks consumption of fatty diet in rats, but not the desire to seek food repeatedly. The study suggests that this brain region is specifically involved in pleasure-driven overeating.
A recent study published in Journal of Management Studies found that employees who experience perceived injustices at work are more likely to suffer from psychological well-being damage and extreme emotional exhaustion. This can lead to decreased job commitment, increased turnover rates, and a general depletion in employee morale.
A Virginia Tech-led research team is designing a program to help pre-diabetic adults begin and maintain resistance training. The goal is to improve insulin and glucose metabolism, reducing the risk of diabetes. A five-year study will test theory-based approaches to encourage long-term adherence to resistance training.
According to renowned canine researcher Stanley Coren, dogs' mental abilities are close to a human child age 2 to 2.5 years. Dogs can learn up to 165 words, including signals, and some breeds excel in specific areas such as working and obedience intelligence.
The APA task force identified numerous psychological barriers to climate change action, including lack of urgency and behavioral feedback. To overcome these barriers, the task force recommends using financial incentives, environmental regulations, and energy-efficient technology to spur people into action.
Researchers identified 66 genes involved in relapse, including those related to neuroplasticity and learning. The study used a heroin behavioral incubation model to mimic real-life situations that trigger relapse.
Researchers from Texas are creating complex models to simulate the spread of diseases by studying human behavior. The group aims to design effective public health policies that not only utilize resources but also influence individual decision-making to prevent disease transmission.
Research found that gun dogs and sheep dogs excel in following a pointing finger, while hunting hounds and mongrels struggle. Breed characteristics with short noses and central eyes also improve comprehension. The study cautions against making generalizations about the effects of domestication on dog behavior.
A study found that people who share personal information with salespeople, such as birthdays or birthplaces, tend to have better attitudes towards the service and purchase intentions. Conversely, those who isolate themselves from others are less responsive to shared similarities.
A study found that adenotonsillectomy improves sleep and behavior in children with breathing problems during sleep, but these benefits are not maintained in the long term. The procedure showed positive effects for up to 2.5 years after surgery, but improvements started to fade over time.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a new pheromone in male fruit flies that repels females for at least a week. The compound, named CH503, was found to act as an anti-aphrodisiac, inhibiting courtship in males and explaining the long-lasting mating behaviors observed in fruit flies.
A new UCLA study examines parents' concerns about development, learning and behavior for young children of Mexican origin, identifying a significant association with family documentation status. The research highlights the need for timely access to primary care and reassurance from pediatric providers to address parental worries.
A new study found that a specific gene, DRD4, is linked to children's temperament and brain activity, with those having the long version of the gene exhibiting more soothable behavior. However, when this gene was combined with increased right frontal cortex activity, it led to attention problems in children.
The reports emphasize the need for a systems approach that considers both technical and sociological/psychological factors in crowd management. This includes training and familiarization with new systems, as well as involving front-line personnel in decision-making. The findings also highlight gaps in knowledge and areas where further ...
A recent review suggests that when caregivers believe their ADHD patients are receiving medication, they tend to view those children more favorably and treat them more positively. This placebo effect may influence how parents and teachers evaluate and behave toward children with ADHD.
A study published in Current Biology confirms that our brains temporarily represent used tools as part of our body schema. This phenomenon affects how we move and perform tasks, with participants exhibiting altered arm movements and perception after tool use.
Parents' attempts to soothe anxiety and assist with OCD behaviors can exacerbate the condition in children, according to a new study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Researchers found that accommodations like excessive bathing or checking rituals worsen symptoms, while therapy helps improve outcomes.
A new blood test has been developed to detect the p16INK4a biomarker, which is strongly correlated with chronological age and behaviors that accelerate aging. The test has been validated in a study of 170 healthy human volunteers, showing a strong correlation between biomarker expression and age.
Researchers uncover neural mechanism supporting adaptability and decision-making under uncertainty, with the frontal lobe playing a critical role in tracking evidence and switching behavior.
Researchers found that a five-minute self-regulation game can predict end-of-year achievement in math, literacy and vocabulary. The game was associated with the equivalent of several months of additional learning in kindergarten.
A six-site clinical trial found that citalopram, commonly prescribed to children with autism spectrum disorders, was no more effective than a placebo at reducing repetitive behaviors. The study included 149 participants and showed negative side effects in nearly all children.
A study funded by NIH found citalopram to be no more effective than a placebo in reducing repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders. The medication was associated with increased side effects, challenging its use as a treatment option.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that the antidepressant citalopram did not reduce repetitive behaviors in children and teens with autism spectrum disorders. The medication, an SSRI, was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving 149 children with moderate to severe repetitive behavior.
Researchers at University of East Anglia developed a new way to clone facial expressions during live conversations to study how they influence behavior. The technique maps facial movements to models of faces, allowing for manipulation of expressiveness, identity, and gender.
People take precautions when aware of risk and believe effective actions are available; accurate communication is key to prevent mass scares. The journal review highlights the importance of risk perception in health behavior theories.