Research on why people act as they do. Covers self-processing across primates, substance use, weight-loss behavior, and nicotine seeking.
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.
Researchers found that wild spider monkeys regulate their daily protein intake similarly to humans, with a focus on maintaining a consistent level regardless of seasonal food availability. This pattern is linked to the development of obesity in humans and may have evolutionary origins dating back far older than previously thought.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) recognizes Danielle N. Lee as a Diversity Scholar for her research on individual differences and behavioral syndromes in prairie voles. Lee plans to pursue an academic career emphasizing science outreach and participation of under-served audiences.
Researchers found that providing rats with nest-building materials significantly improved wound healing and altered gene expression in the brain, leading to faster healing rates and reduced stress effects. The study suggests a novel approach to improving physical health through environmental stimulation.
Researchers found that giving rats living in isolation the opportunity to build nests led to faster and more complete healing of burn injuries than isolation-reared rats without nest-building materials. This effect was associated with altered gene expression in stress-associated brain structures.
Researchers at UC Riverside will explore the development of novel olfactory repellents to prevent mosquito-human contact and reduce malaria transmission. The project aims to identify odors that inhibit mosquitoes' ability to detect human hosts, potentially leading to effective and environmentally safe insect repellents.
Researchers found goldfish exhibit reflexive and cognitive pain responses, displaying fear and anxiety after painful stimuli. The study suggests that fish consciously perceive pain and change behavior afterward.
A University of Haifa study found that exposure to stories about successful risk-taking decisions influenced investment advisors' perceptions of a Nasdaq-traded stock. The study suggests that psychological factors, such as priming, can shape financial decision-making. This phenomenon highlights the importance of considering psychology ...
Researchers found that nicotine alters brain areas involved in inhibiting negative emotions like anger, leading to reduced retaliation and increased cravings. The study supports the idea that individuals with an angry disposition are more susceptible to nicotine's effects.
Researchers found that chewing sugar-free gum reduced sweet snack consumption by 60 calories and overall snack intake by 40 calories in participants. The study suggests chewing gum can play a role in appetite control, weight management, and reducing calorie intake.
AVEO scientists have developed a novel human-in-mouse (HIM) cancer model system, which allows for the creation of invasive human tumors that mimic human tumor behaviors and response. The models provide a more realistic genetic context for evaluating new anti-tumor therapies.
Researchers found that jackdaws, a type of bird, are sensitive to human eye orientation and use it to communicate, particularly when seeking food or interacting with potential threats. The birds' ability to interpret human gestures, such as gaze alternation and pointing, suggests a high level of cognitive awareness.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified IDO as a molecular switch that induces depressive symptoms in some cases of chronic inflammation. The study found that mice exposed to BCG, a vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis, exhibited depressive-like behaviors that could be reversed with antidepressants.
Recent studies in epigenetics provide new understanding of how environmental factors influence brain function and behavior, potentially explaining the complex nature of mental illness. Epigenetic changes can be long-lived and influenced by life experiences, psychotropic drugs, and psychotherapy.
The study, published in Science, suggests that neurons in the substantia nigra play a central role in reward-based learning. Participants who responded to unexpected financial rewards showed improved performance in probabilistic learning tasks.
A new Université de Montréal study found that thrill-seeking young men are more likely to drive under the influence of cannabis and engage in reckless driving. The study, which analyzed data from 83 male participants, discovered that 30% of cannabis users reported at least one incidence of reckless driving in the previous 12 months.
A study of over 3,000 children found that spending more than two hours a day watching TV doubles the risk of developing asthma by age 11.5. The research, published in Thorax, suggests a complex relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and asthma.
Researchers have identified a newly discovered species of fish, H. psychedelica, characterized by its unusual hopping behavior and distinctive zebra-like stripes. The species is part of the genus Histiophryne and has evolved unique adaptations to its environment.
Researchers found that people attribute meaning to dreams based on their waking beliefs and desires. Pleasant dreams about a person they liked were considered more meaningful than unpleasant ones, while an actual plane crash produced a similar level of anxiety as did a dream of it.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers has discovered a behavioral link between insomnia and tension-type headaches. Eighty-one percent of women with tension-type headaches reported going to sleep as a way to manage their headaches, which was also the most effective self-management strategy for pain.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Minority Travel Awards, which support minority students attending the 53rd Annual Meeting in Boston. The recipients include Lisette Fred and seven others, who will receive travel awards to attend the meeting.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its student travel award, selected based on scientific merit with priority given to those presenting a paper at the conference. The awardees receive a travel grant and will be recognized at a reception.
Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a program that analyzes animal behavior to understand and treat OCD. By comparing human behavior to animal rituals, the model identifies abnormal patterns and provides a tool for mental health practitioners. This innovative approach may motivate patients to correct their compulsive actions.
Researchers investigate relationship between diabetes treatment and disordered eating behaviors in children with diabetes. They hope to find a different treatment approach that helps patients gain control over their eating behaviors and treatment without adopting maladaptive weight management strategies.
Researchers identified FKBP12, a protein regulating mTOR activity, as key to understanding autism and OCD in mice. The study found enhanced synaptic plasticity and contextual memory but also perseverative and repetitive behaviors, common in individuals with these disorders.
The study of human fossils from Sima de la Palomas reveals the persistence of Neandertals until around 40,000 years ago. This challenges the idea that they were quickly displaced by modern humans, indicating a more complex picture of contact and coexistence between different human populations.
Purdue researchers found that lab mice can relieve stress by controlling their environment through behaviors such as selecting preferred temperatures and building nests. This suggests that allowing lab animals to express natural behaviors may improve research data reliability.
The Panamanian termite has recorded the fastest mandible strike ever, with footage showing a soldier termite's jaws striking an invader at speeds of up to 70 meters per second. This rapid strike is thought to be due to the termites' need to store energy in their mandibles to generate force.
The study examines the meaning of employee engagement, which involves positive feelings about the job and motivation. The authors conclude that employers must create conditions that respect employees' energy and facilitate engagement through fair treatment, creating a feeling of trust and safety.
Researchers found that rats and humans with disrupted attention share similar patterns of behavior in a feature binding task, suggesting acetylcholine is necessary for this process. The study has important clinical implications, potentially leading to improved therapies for disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
A groundbreaking study reveals that the color red makes men feel more amorous toward women, with no effect on female perceptions. The research confirms what many women have long suspected - that men's preferences are driven by primal instincts.
A study by CU-Boulder Assistant Professor Lawrence E. Williams found that holding a hot cup of coffee or cold compress pads primes subjects to perceive others as warmer or colder, respectively. This association affects pro-social behavior and marketing strategies.
Researchers found a substantial inconsistency between healthful snack choice intentions and actual behavior, with 27% switching to unhealthy snacks when presented. However, individuals who plan to make a healthy choice are more likely to do so than those who plan to make an unhealthy choice.
A new study found that mothers who delivered vaginally are more responsive to their baby's cry due to increased brain activity in regions regulating emotions and motivation. This could lead to better understanding and early detection of postpartum depression and attachment problems.
School-based programs have been shown to be effective in reducing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity through interventions such as physical activity education and nutritional education. The URMEL-ICE program demonstrates a significant reduction in body fat mass among children after one year of participation.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a control system that allows robots to pick up on cues and predict where leaders are going, enabling them to follow accurately around corners. The system uses behavioral cues such as head turns and incorporates them into decision-making processes.
A new study shows that people can create false memories of their past, which can lead to lasting changes in their behavior. Participants who were told they had become ill after eating egg salad as children avoided the food and gave it lower evaluations than those who did not develop false memories.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University found that two brain areas handle complex rules: the prefrontal cortex controls rule changes and parietal cortex controls number switches. This discovery may lead to enhanced understanding of mental illnesses with impaired rule-changing abilities.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that laboratory rats' brains signal uncertainty when making decisions, reflecting their level of confidence. The study found that rats preferentially abort uncertain trials, indicating that confidence plays a crucial role in guiding behavior.
The University of Houston's Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC) is recruiting 500 participants for a study promoting healthy dietary habits and physical activity in the virtual world of Second Life. Participants will earn rewards and compete to win the International Health Challenge.