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The nose knows: study suggests it may be wise to screen for smell loss to predict frailty and unhealthy aging

Researchers found that impaired olfactory identification and sensitivity functions are associated with frailty, suggesting a potential biomarker for predicting frailty and unhealthy aging. The study's findings suggest screening older adults' ability to smell various scents could be as important as testing hearing and vision.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJan 10, 2023

Dogs can smell when we’re stressed, study suggests

A new study found that dogs can differentiate between breath and sweat samples from people before and after a stress-inducing task with an accuracy of 93.75%. The researchers believe that dogs are able to detect changes in volatile organic compounds produced by humans in response to stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Storytelling reduces pain and stress, and increases oxytocin in hospitalized children

A new study by D'Or Institute for Research and Education found that storytelling can decrease cortisol levels and increase oxytocin production in ICU children. The results showed that the narrative activity was more effective than riddles, improving the quality of life for hospitalized kids.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021

How researchers look at the bird brain in action

Researchers have developed an experimental setup allowing them to conduct fMRI studies on awake pigeons, investigating cognitive processes for the first time. The results show that even simple tasks elicit widespread brain activity, paving the way for more complex investigations into avian intelligence.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2020

Spending time in nature reduces stress, research finds

Research from Cornell University found that spending as little as 10 minutes in a natural setting can improve mood and lessen physical and mental stress in college students. The study suggests that 10-50 minutes of time spent outside is most effective in improving focus, physiological markers, and overall well-being.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2020

Survey reveals how we use music as a possible sleep aid

A survey reveals that music is a widely used sleep aid, with 62% of respondents employing it to enhance their sleep experiences. The study found multiple pathways through which music helps, including auditory masking and mental distraction, offering new insights into the complex motivations driving people to use music as a sleep aid.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 14, 2018

Narrative journaling may help heart health post-divorce

A study of 109 separated or divorced individuals suggests that narrative expressive writing can lower heart rate and increase heart rate variability, both indicators of good cardiovascular health. By creating a structured story around their feelings, participants were able to process emotions in a more physiologically adaptive way.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Can trusting your doctor help reduce pain?

A new study by Dr. Elizabeth Losin suggests that clinician-patient similarity and trust can significantly reduce pain during medical procedures. Patients who trusted their doctor and felt similar to them reported less pain, with those experiencing higher anxiety levels showing greater reductions in pain.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Pain·DateMay 4, 2017

Depressed moms not 'in sync' with their children

A study found that mothers with depression are not physiologically synchronized with their kids, even during positive interactions. The researchers measured heart rate variability and found that depressed moms missed matching their children's physiology, leading to a mismatch in social engagement.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 5, 2016

Daylight is the best medicine, for nurses

A study by Cornell researchers found that nurses exposed to natural light had lower blood pressure, communicated more with colleagues, laughed more, and served patients in better moods. Access to natural daylight and optimized electric lighting can support circadian rhythms and work performance.

SourceCornell University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateAug 4, 2014

What makes triathletes so tough?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that triathletes experience lower pain intensity and have a higher pain tolerance due to a combination of physiological and psychological factors. They were able to withstand pain for longer periods and had better pain regulation, which may be attributed to their attitude towards pain.

Hostile sexism, abandoning a goal, society's role in creative genius

Studies reveal that hostile sexism can lead to biased perceptions of partners, negatively affecting relationship satisfaction. Abandoning a goal can also have strong psychological and physiological consequences, including increased stress hormone cortisol levels. A person's social identity plays a crucial role in creative processes, wi...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 23, 2013