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A research team identifies a metabolic footprint associated with the perception of satiety

A research team has discovered a metabolic footprint associated with the perception of satiety, revealing that higher concentrations of glycine and linoleic acid are linked to increased satiety. The study involved 140 volunteers with overweight and obesity, showing that certain metabolites in the blood can predict postprandial satiety.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 22, 2021

Gut feelings can be good for us

A study led by Jennifer Todd at Anglia Ruskin University found that paying attention to internal bodily sensations can increase appreciation of one's body. The researchers measured gastric interoception and found a link between feelings of fullness and positive body image in adults from the UK and Malaysia.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateJul 30, 2020

Stereo-olfaction in humans

Researchers found that human participants consistently biased their movements toward a perceived stronger odor source, even when unable to report nostril detection. The study suggests that humans navigate with stereo olfaction, similar to the binocular and binaural senses that enable 3D perception.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020

Mind-controlled arm prostheses that 'feel' are now a part of everyday life

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed mind-controlled arm prostheses that deliver sensations of touch, revolutionizing prosthetic technology. The new neuromusculoskeletal prosthesis is connected to the user's nerves, muscles, and skeleton, enabling patients with arm amputations to experience a sense of touch i...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

Do open relationships really work?

A team from the University of Rochester found that non-monogamous relationships succeed when all parties are comfortable with each other. Monogamous and consensual non-monogamous groups reported high levels of functioning in their relationships, while partially open and one-sided non-monogamous groups showed lower levels of functioning.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateOct 29, 2019

Leg amputees feel and use the prosthesis as a real limb

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a neuroprosthetic system that allows leg amputees to feel sensations from the prosthesis, giving them a sense of control and confidence while walking. The system involves tiny electrodes implanted in the nerve, allowing the brain to perceive the prosthesis as an extension of the body.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 2, 2019

A $12 pill test could save the lives of first-timers

A new study found that pill testing services at music festivals may be most effective in reducing harm for people trying ecstasy for the first time, as they are most cautious after a pill test. However, prior users who are high in sensation seeking are at the greatest risk of harm, even with a pill test. Introducing counselling and dru...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateJun 10, 2019

Phantom limb sensation explained

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that brain areas responsible for movement and sensation alter their functional communication after a limb amputation. Researchers discovered that sensitive and motor areas of the brain exhibited abnormal patterns of communication among hemispheres, even in patients without phantom pain.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 21, 2019

Defining the shape of cool

A team of researchers at Duke University has determined the structure of the TRPM8 protein, which is responsible for sensing cold and menthol. The findings suggest that PIP2 and cooling agents like menthol cooperate to control structural changes in TRPM8, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic pain and migraine.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Researchers uncover the source of diabetic pain

A new study from King's College London reveals the molecular basis of chronic nerve pain in diabetes, identifying HCN2 as a key player. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could lead to effective treatments for painful diabetic neuropathy, a condition affecting up to one in four people with diabetes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 27, 2017

The cost of feeling like a fraud

A new study found that individuals who feel like impostors in their jobs are less likely to fulfill their full potential, undervaluing their talent and affecting their careers. However, this phenomenon can also encourage people to offer their best performance, highlighting the complex relationship between self-doubt and success.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 21, 2016

For sensation-seekers, the color red can elicit rebelliousness, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois expert Ravi Mehta found that the color red can elicit noncompliant behavior, also known as a rebellious streak, in individuals who are high on the sensation-seeking scale. This effect is due to the arousal caused by exposure to the color red, which leads to reactance and increases noncompliance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateAug 17, 2016

When red evokes mischief

A new study found that people with high sensation-seeking personalities are more likely to engage in prank behavior when encountering the color red. This contradicts previous research suggesting that red leads to compliant behavior. The findings have implications for health campaigns, such as anti-smoking and safe sex initiatives.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 8, 2016

New therapy for itch

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to reduce histamine-induced itching and shorten its duration in a new study. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of novel methods to inhibit itching.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalClinical Neurophysiology·DateNov 25, 2015

Cold-induced pain linked to the garlic and mustard receptor

Researchers at Lund University have identified a mechanism that creates cold-induced pain, linking it to the same receptor that reacts to pungent substances in mustard and garlic. This discovery could help those with cold allodynia, a common problem among patients with chronic pain or nervous system diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2014

Sleep twitches light up the brain

A University of Iowa study found that sleep twitches activate the brains of mammals differently than movements made while awake. Twitches during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep comprise a different class of movement and provide evidence that sleep twitches teach newborns about their limbs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 29, 2014

One molecule to block both pain and itch

Researchers at Duke University discovered an antibody that simultaneously blocks the sensations of pain and itching by targeting Nav1.7 sodium channels. The study showed promising results in mouse models, suggesting a new treatment option for pain and itch conditions.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·DateMay 22, 2014

Research method integrates meditation, science

A team of Brown University researchers have developed a methodology to integrate mindfulness experiences with brain imaging, allowing for the formation of testable hypotheses about the science and mental health benefits of meditation. By employing structured coding of self-reported personal experience, they can correlate mental states ...

Finnish research team reveals how emotions are mapped in the body

Researchers at Aalto University have discovered that emotional states trigger distinct bodily sensations, with consistent patterns across West European and East Asian cultures. The study found that awareness of these bodily changes can lead to conscious emotional sensations like happiness, highlighting the biological basis of emotions.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2013