Summary: New research shows that people tend to prefer simple explanations even when complex ones are more accurate. The study found that individuals focus mainly on visible or known causes…
Category: brain research
Common Antidepressant Eases Core Symptoms Within Two Weeks
Summary: A new analysis of the PANDA clinical trial reveals that sertraline, one of the most prescribed antidepressants, improves key emotional symptoms of depression—such as sadness, self-loathing, and suicidal thoughts—within…
Toddler Gut Bacteria Linked to Childhood Anxiety and Depression
Summary: A new study suggests that a child’s gut microbiome at age 2 may influence their emotional health years later. Researchers found that higher levels of bacteria from the Clostridiales…
Daily Light and Sound Therapy May Slow Alzheimer’s Decline
Summary: A long-term study found that daily 40Hz light and sound stimulation may help slow cognitive decline in people with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. After two years of treatment, participants maintained…
Brain Circuits Split Food Choices Between Sugar and Fat Cravings
Summary: A new study reveals that the brain uses two distinct neural pathways to regulate sugar and fat intake. In mice, glucoprivation—a drop in blood sugar levels—activates separate circuits in…
Swap 30 Minutes of Sitting for Light Activity to Boost Next-Day Mood
Summary: New research reveals that replacing even 30 minutes of sitting with light physical activity—like walking or doing household chores—can boost mood and energy the following day. The study tracked…
Hearing Voices May Stem from the Brain Misreading Its Own Inner Speech
Summary: A new study reveals that auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia may arise when the brain fails to recognize its own inner voice as self-generated. Normally, the brain predicts the sound…
When a Hug Turns Dark: How Manipulative Partners Use Touch
Summary: Touch can strengthen bonds and calm stress, but not all affection is sincere. A new study reveals that people with “dark triad” traits—narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—often use physical touch…
Why Teenage Songs Define Us: The Science of Musical Memory
Summary: A global study reveals that our most emotionally resonant music tends to come from our teenage years—typically peaking around age 17. This “reminiscence bump” marks the period when our…
Can a Disconnected Brain Be Conscious?
Summary: A new study reveals that sleep-like slow-wave brain activity can persist for years in surgically disconnected brain hemispheres of awake epilepsy patients. Using EEG recordings, researchers found that the…
