Researchers at the University of Parma and Sant'Anna School in Pisa developed a new approach to understand how the brain controls spontaneous movements in natural situations. The study used telemetric devices to record hundreds of neurons from the brains of monkeys, revealing complex synergies between individual neurons that allow for ...
A multidisciplinary team of researchers will investigate how animals detect magnetic fields, building on existing knowledge that a blue-light sensing protein called Cryptochrome plays a key role. The study's findings may lead to the development of non-invasive measurement tools and magnetic cell therapies.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered the brain actively prevents learning both types of memory, leading to confusion. The brain prioritizes one type of learning over the other using a strategy to resolve conflicts.
Dr. Gail Cornwall is investigating the structure of the brain extracellular matrix, a network of proteins and polysaccharides found in the space between neurons and glia. Her research aims to identify novel structural elements and mechanisms that enable brain plasticity and sex-specific responses.
Recent data from the Monitoring the Future Survey show stable and declining trends in substance use among young people, with reported use of most drugs holding steady since 2021. The survey found that adolescents most commonly reported use of alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis, with levels generally declining over the past few years.
A new study suggests that excessive screen time can lead to reduced sleep quality in preschool-age children, worsening behavioral problems such as poor attention and emotional symptoms. The research also found a correlation between screen time and decreased sleep quality.
Researchers use real-time neuroimaging and neurofeedback to modify brain activity patterns, enabling faster learning and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The study demonstrates the ability to inscribe new patterns into the brain without physical manipulation.
A recent study by the Society for Risk Analysis found that employees who visit adult or gambling sites are more likely to encounter seven types of malware, including coinminers and ransomware. Visiting these types of websites increases the risk of infection by two-fold.
Two studies found that readers perceive a lower level of credibility in news produced with AI assistance, regardless of whether they understand the extent of AI's involvement. Readers attribute human contributions more value than AI-driven content.
A study published in Open Mind journal found that most people struggle to distinguish between strong and weak knots by visual inspection. Despite their experience with everyday knots, participants failed to identify the strongest knot in various experiments, even when shown videos or diagrams of the knots' construction.
A new brain mapping technique has revealed fresh insights into how higher-order functions like language, thought, and attention are organised. Researchers used data from fMRI scans to create accurate models of brain activity and interactions between regions.
A recent study found that excessive sitting significantly harms young adults, increasing the risk of heart disease and obesity. Reducing sitting time improves health outcomes, while doubling recommended exercise hours is more effective at lowering health risks.
A new study in Nature identifies strategies for tying brain function and structure to behavior and health, improving the reliability of brain-wide association studies. By strategically selecting participants and collecting multiple scans, researchers can obtain more dependable results with fewer participants.
Research at Linköping University shows that people distance themselves from neutral products if they are liked by those with opposing political views. This phenomenon affects choices even when irrelevant to politics. The studies also found that people unconsciously behave this way to maintain a consistent self-image.
A new framework describes the balance between automatic responses and goal-directed control in habit formation. This imbalance can lead to everyday action slips and compulsive behaviors. The research provides a 'playbook' for behavior change, including strategies like implementation intentions and clinical interventions.
Behavioral therapies are proven to be the most effective treatment for Tourette syndrome, teaching patients how to manage tics using behavioral strategies. The therapies train patients to recognize early signs of an upcoming tic and implement strategies to reduce tic severity.
A randomized clinical trial shows cognitive behavioral therapy for prolonged grief outperforms present-centered therapy in treating comorbid symptoms, while both treatments demonstrate effectiveness and acceptability. The findings suggest potential for dissemination and increased patient choice.
A cross-national study found that partisan selective exposure is more prevalent in the US, fueled by its polarized environment and partisan news outlets. In contrast, Japan's less polarized climate and Hong Kong's unique media environment resulted in weaker selective exposure tendencies.
Researchers at Tufts University and Vanderbilt University developed a biomarker to detect inflexible thinking in schizophrenia. The study found that people with schizophrenia generate unique neural patterns when making decisions based on conflicting information.
A new study suggests that quieter zoo experiences can enhance visitors' understanding of animals and their habitats. By promoting silence, zoos can offer a more enriching experience for humans and non-human residents alike, while also restoring their original purpose as quiet spaces for contemplation.
A new study examines the impact of purdah (spatial modesty) on women's experiences in Pakistani banks, revealing tensions between career ambitions and cultural expectations. The research highlights the need to understand additional ways spatial modesty is practiced in the workplace.
A recent study published in the journal Microbiome found that lifestyle factors, such as diet and smoking habits, significantly impact the composition of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. The research team analyzed saliva samples from individuals representing different subsistence strategies in Nepal and discovered a correlation betwee...
A new study led by Dr. Jim Swaffield challenges the assumption that conspicuous consumption is irrational, instead showing it's driven by an interaction between environmental conditions and one's evolved biology. The researchers found that financial and physical safety conditions can affect the desire for signalling products.
Researchers analyzed data from 26 countries, revealing that Mondays have the highest suicide risk, while New Year's Day increases risk across all nations. Men are also more vulnerable to day-of-the-week and holiday-related variations in suicide risk.
A digital health behavior intervention improved child weight-for-length trajectory and reduced childhood obesity at 24 months. The intervention was effective in a racially and ethnically diverse population, including groups at elevated risk for childhood obesity.
Researchers used a virtual cow game to study human movement and navigation, developing a model that can simulate human behavior and predict choices. The study found that humans make decisions based on angular distance and previous choices, and the developed model could accurately mimic these patterns.
The University of Missouri's College of Education and Human Development is giving free online training and coaching to 110 middle school teachers in rural Missouri. The goal is to create a safe learning environment, with the potential to reduce stressors for teachers and improve student engagement.
A recent study found that over 90% of Mexican consumers would be willing to pay a premium of up to 73% for non-genetically modified products, including chicken, eggs, and tortillas. The ban on genetically modified corn could have significant impacts on US farmers who rely heavily on Mexico as their second-largest importer.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that methadone is more effective than buprenorphine/naloxone in reducing treatment discontinuation rates among individuals with opioid use disorder. The risk of mortality was low and did not differ significantly between the two medications.
The article discusses how AI tools are transforming the architectural design process, enabling faster production of options for clients. Startups like Arqgen and SleepUp are leveraging generative design techniques to create innovative solutions for interior design and real estate development, respectively.
Researchers identified ways in which partisans mistrust and inaccurately perceive their opponents, as well as ineffective interventions to combat misinformation. A Perspective proposes redesigning digital media platforms to combat polarization, with tools like generative AI to promote consensus across ideological divides.
A team of scientists has successfully mapped the entire brain of Drosophila melanogaster, a fruit fly, using electron microscopy dataset and connectome analysis. The complete map will help researchers understand how different circuits work together to control behaviors like motor control, courtship, and decision-making.
A new study reveals that Brazil's democracy has been weakened by authoritarian populism, which has undermined welfare systems and human rights protections. This has created an exclusionary view of citizenship and intensified social conflicts, posing a threat to the country's democratic future.
Researchers successfully activated a specific memory circuit in mice using brain-imaging technology. The study found that stimulating neurons in two areas of the mouse brains reactivated spatial memory and caused the mice to seek shelter.
A UT Arlington study suggests that speaking up is key to ethical decision-making in research groups. The researchers found that fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to voice concerns can help prevent unethical behavior. An 'ethical champion' who steps up to speak out against potential issues was a common finding.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that Black women who witness online microaggressions are more likely to experience poor sleep quality. The study suggests that health practitioners should consider a patient's stress experiences related to sex and race when treating sleep disorders.
A landmark study found specific types of brain cells fired in a way that mirrored the order and structure of a person's experience. The brain retains these unique firing patterns after the experience is concluded and can rapidly replay them while at rest.
A study of mostly climate science believers found that even the strongest believers felt skeptical claims were more true when encountered a second time. This effect, known as 'truthiness,' can lead people to perceive false claims as valid if repeated enough times.
A third of living former professional football players reported perceived chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) associated with an increased prevalence of suicidality. Men with CTE had cognitive impairment and more health problems compared to those without CTE, highlighting a novel risk factor for suicidality.
A new study found that genetic differences account for 60% of variation in food fussiness at 16 months and 74% by age 13. Environmental factors become more influential in later years.
A new study by UCL researchers found that 54% of heavier drinkers would make changes to their drinking if calorie labels were introduced. Hazardous drinkers were more likely to choose lower-calorie drinks and consume fewer drinks.
A UC San Diego study finds machine learning algorithms outperform humans in detecting deception, particularly when presented early in decision-making processes. This technology could help online platforms flag suspicious content more effectively, reducing the spread of misinformation.
A team of researchers discovered a class of materials that mimic the behavior of axons by spontaneously amplifying electrical pulses. These materials can harness internal instabilities to create spiking behavior and amplify signals, potentially leading to more efficient computing and artificial intelligence.
A new poll shows that 21% of people aged 50 and older used cannabis in the past year, with 12% using it at least monthly. The study highlights potential risks of cannabis use, including risky driving and addiction, as well as the importance of discussing its use with healthcare providers.
New research reveals Scotland's care system is taking years to find permanent homes for over 1,800 vulnerable children, with 91% experiencing maltreatment before being taken into care. Many children have no contact with their siblings, and crucial information is often missing from administrative data.
Parents who practice proper firearm handling and teach their children to shoot are more likely to store firearms unlocked and loaded, highlighting a potential association between responsible behavior and decreased risk of injury. This study underscores the importance of secure storage practices in reducing firearm-related risks.
A study of 498 participants found that humans disapprove of hidden state deceptions but approve of external state deceptions that protect someone's feelings. The researchers suggest regulation to protect users from harmful deceptions and recommend further experimentation with real-life reactions.
A study of 500 participants from 11 countries reveals that suboptimal decisions are a universal human trait due to context influences. The researchers identified culture-specific risk preferences, with some nations exhibiting higher or lower risk-taking tendencies.
A new study using manifold learning and signal processing techniques identifies a significant correlation between adolescent brain activity and mental health symptoms. The approach, called exogenous PHATE, combines brain activation data with environmental variables to improve detection of existing symptoms and predict future ones.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2024
A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...
A new study by Binghamton University researchers found that virtual team members who receive inspiring responses from others are more likely to be viewed as emergent leaders. To become an effective leader in a virtual setting, it's essential to pay attention to how the audience responds to your message and support others' ideas.
New research finds that Dungeons & Dragons provides a friendly environment for autistic adults to engage in social interactions, build confidence, and feel included. The study shows that playing the game allows participants to relax without pressure and take on new personas outside of the game.
A new study finds that sharing scientific consensus on human-caused climate change strengthens believers' opinions, but has little effect on those who are already skeptical. The research, conducted across 27 countries, highlights the importance of clear communication in reducing climate change misinformation.
A new algorithm developed at Washington State University improves safety and efficiency in robots working with humans by accounting for human carelessness. The tool has shown a maximum improvement of 80% in safety and 38% in efficiency compared to existing methods, and the researchers plan to test it in real-world settings.
A study found that children who went to bed later and slept fewer hours during childhood and adolescence were more likely to try alcohol or marijuana by age 15. The researchers suggest that improving sleep in the school-age population could lead to improvements in other aspects of health, such as decision making.
The researchers argue that accurate assessment of driving skills in older adults is crucial to mitigate harm and improve safety on the road. Comprehensive driving evaluations are estimated to cost $500-$800, a significant expense that may deter those who need it most.
A new study at Aston University found that parents' eating styles can shape their children's eating behavior, with parents who exhibit 'avid' or 'avoidant' eating patterns more likely to pass on similar traits. The research suggests that parents can help create a healthy food environment by modeling balanced eating habits.
A new study using COVID-19 lockdown data in Australia found that physical isolation made little difference to reported feelings of loneliness. Instead, the quality of social interactions and supportive networks were key factors in alleviating loneliness. Young people and extroverts showed increased loneliness during lockdowns.
Researchers created Mindful Scroll, a mobile app that uses geometric shapes and soothing colours to encourage mindfulness. The app reduces anxiety and increases mindfulness in users, promoting healthier scrolling habits.
Researchers found that when participants were told their decisions would train an AI bot, they became more likely to seek a fair share of the payout. This behavior persisted even after the experiment ended, suggesting a lasting impact on decision-making.