Research on why people act as they do. Covers self-processing across primates, substance use, weight-loss behavior, and nicotine seeking.
A study found that male viewers were influenced by visual aspects of a female character when making moral decisions, while women's responses were less affected. Researchers suggest this could impact future systems, such as medical decision-making and crime reenactments.
A recent University of Southampton study found that small doses of alcohol can relieve withdrawal symptoms in C. elegans worms, which exhibit similar behaviors to humans. This treatment approach may also worsen dependency, highlighting the need for new ideas in treating alcoholism.
African wild dog populations decline due to domestic dogs' presence, illustrating the impact of human behavior on disease transmission. Human behavior, such as range differences and animal husbandry practices, shapes disease risk and is a key driver of emerging infectious diseases.
A new HIV modeling system developed by Chinese researchers suggests that CD8+ T cells could be useful in developing an AIDS vaccine. The model incorporates random patterns in the virus' mutation and immune response, mirroring real-life clinical behavior.
Weill Cornell researchers discovered a single gene, Slitrk5, responsible for OCD-like behaviors in mice. The genetically altered mice exhibited repetitive self-grooming and extreme anxiety, with altered brain functioning mirroring those seen in human OCD patients.
A recent study found that family caregivers with dementia experience a wide range of stressors, including behavior issues and financial strain. While existing interventions focus on specific stressors, research suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient, highlighting the need for personalized interventions.
Scientists have discovered a hidden neuronal circuit in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans that modulates sensory perception under stress. This work suggests that mechanisms coupling hypoxia, serotonin, and neuropeptide signaling also modify behavior in mammals.
The article highlights that even grand achievements like suspension bridges and Olympic high jumping originated through trial-and-error learning. By shifting focus from perceived foresight to actual origins of behavior, researchers can better understand the forces uniting evolutionary and developmental processes.
A new simulation software called SportEvac is being developed to help stadiums evacuate large crowds quickly and safely. The software uses 3D virtual models of stadiums and simulates the behavior of thousands of people and cars in various scenarios.
Research from UCLA shows that children of combat-deployed parents are more likely to develop anxiety and exhibit behavioral changes, such as acting out or disruptions in school. The study suggests that the number and length of deployments have a cumulative impact on family members.
Researchers found a positive correlation between individuals with a positive attitude towards physical activity and those who performed more unintentional physical activity. Unintentional activity, such as climbing stairs or walking further to reach a parking spot, can help burn extra calories.
A University of Washington project aims to make all software open source, allowing users to add custom features to widely used programs. The Prefab system hijacks the display to customize user interaction, enabling people with disabilities to access previously inaccessible interfaces.
A comprehensive study of mouse lemurs in Madagascar has identified a high diversity of population-level lineages, challenging traditional methods of species delimitation. The research uses multiple lines of evidence to recognize lineage diversity and presents the most thoroughly sampled species delimitation of mouse lemur ever performed.
Researchers found that infants are more likely to help an actress who has previously shown good intentions, even if they were unable to provide a toy. This suggests that by 21 months, infants display selective helping behavior based on their previous interactions with others.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne used eye-tracking technology to predict the next chosen number based on participants' vertical and horizontal eye position. The study found that a leftward and downward change in eye position indicated smaller numbers, while a rightward and upward movement forecast larger numbers.
Researchers taught goldfish to associate a light flash with a shock, inducing fear. However, fish injected with lidocaine in the cerebellum showed no fear and returned to normal behavior after the anesthesia wore off. This study suggests that understanding brain processes related to fear may lead to human phobia cures.
A new study found that college students who reported being more true to themselves also reported more positive dating relationships. Being authentic in one's beliefs and interactions with others can lead to healthier and happier relationships for both men and women.
In a series of experiments, capuchin monkeys were given tokens to choose between their favorite food or a buffet of options. They consistently opted for the variety tokens, even when the favorite food was included in the assortment. This suggests that these animals have an innate desire to seek variety in their diet. The findings have ...
The NIH Common Fund has announced seven new scientific initiatives to tackle the toughest health problems facing the nation and the world. The programs focus on emerging science and technology advances in areas such as stem cells, protein capture, and global health.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a gene mutation in mice leads to learning problems and obsessive behaviors. The study suggests a potential way to treat repetitive behaviors in humans using a specific drug targeting nerve function abnormalities.
A study found that consumers hold stereotypes about non-profit and for-profit organizations, predicting purchase behaviors such as website visits and product buying. Non-profits are viewed as warmer but less competent than for-profits, leading to lower purchasing intent.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.