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Hormone oxytocin improves social cognition but only in less socially proficient individuals

Researchers found that oxytocin selectively improves social cognitive abilities in less socially proficient individuals but has little effect on those who are more socially proficient. The study suggests oxytocin may hold potential for treating social deficits in people with disorders marked by deficits in social functioning.

Practice doesn't make perfect, but it comes fairly close

A new article by Dr. Robert A. Baron and Rebecca A. Henry demonstrates that sustained intense practice can improve cognitive thinking levels and lead to true excellence. Entrepreneurs can acquire capacities that aid in starting or running a venture through principles like preparation, repetition, and self-reflection.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·DateMar 29, 2010

University of Guam professors publish article in International Journal of Intercultural Relations

University of Guam professors Seyda Turk Smith, Kyle D. Smith, and Abdulgaffar Peang-Meth published an article in the International Journal of Intercultural Relations on university-based services for asylum seekers on Guam. The study highlights the importance of community formation among refugees through need-based activities and cultu...

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalInternational Journal of Intercultural Relations·DateMar 28, 2010

Researchers find genetic link between physical pain and social rejection

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a genetic link between physical pain sensitivity and social rejection. Researchers found that individuals with a rare form of the OPRM1 gene are more sensitive to rejection and experience increased brain activity in response to rejection.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2009

Nobler instincts take time

A new study led by USC neuroscientists found that admiring others' virtues or feeling compassion for physical or social pain takes time to fully respond to, unlike faster reactions to fear and pain. The research suggests a need to allow for reflective moments in digital media culture.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2009

Does socializing make us smarter?

Research by Oscar Ybarra and colleagues found that social interaction enhances intellectual performance, suggesting that 'social interaction exercises' cognitive processes measured on tasks. People reap cognitive benefits from socializing, experiencing relatively immediate cognitive boosts.

SourceSAGE·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 15, 2008

First evidence to show elephants, like humans, apes and dolphins, recognize themselves in mirror

Researchers at Emory University's Yerkes National Primate Research Center found that elephants can recognize themselves in a mirror, exhibiting complex behaviors like self-awareness and social complexity. This discovery suggests convergent evolution with humans and highlights the species' high level of intelligence and empathy.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2006

Monkeys pay per view

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that monkeys will pay to view images of familiar, high-ranking individuals or those with potential sexual partners. This study demonstrates that monkeys assess visual information by its social value, providing insight into their social cognition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 27, 2005

Tufts study on skin tone, racial prejudice among first to include stereotyping among blacks

A recent Tufts University study explores the role of skin tone in perceptions of Black Americans, revealing that both blacks and whites associate positive traits with light-skinned individuals and negative traits with dark-skinned individuals. The research sheds new light on a lingering aspect of racial inequality.

SourceTufts University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 23, 2002

Mental math dependant on language

Bilinguals prefer their first taught language for mental arithmetic activities due to skills acquired, according to Texas A&M University research. This finding has significant educational implications, particularly in areas with high concentrations of bilingual populations.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalRevista Española de Lingüística Aplicada/Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics·DateOct 11, 2001