Summary: Research reveals that dogs’ and humans’ brain activity can synchronize when they gaze into each other’s eyes. Known as neural coupling, this phenomenon has been seen in interactions within…
Category: Psychology
Teen Friendships Shape Long-Term Wellbeing
Summary: New research reveals that teenage friendships lay crucial foundations for adult wellbeing, with the timing and nature of these friendships playing a pivotal role. Early adolescence social acceptance is…
Reflecting on Parents in Therapy Can Shift Childhood Memories
Summary: New research suggests that reflecting on a parent in therapy can subtly alter how a person recalls feelings from childhood, even if the question is neutral. This process, known…
New Genetic Mutations Linked to Schizophrenia Risk
Source: A study has identified mutations arising during brain development that may contribute to schizophrenia. Unlike inherited genes, these somatic mutations occur after conception and were found more frequently in…
Why We’re Confident with Only Half the Story
Summary: A new study reveals that people often overestimate the amount of information they have when making decisions, a phenomenon researchers call the “illusion of information adequacy.” Participants who were…
Optimism Boosted by Psilocybin, Hinting at Depression Relief
Summary: Researchers have discovered that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, increases optimism and motivation in rats, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for treating depression. Using computational modeling, scientists observed…
Gene Activity in Depression Linked to Immune System and Inflammation
Summary: A new study reveals that inflammation and immune system activation are closely linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in those resistant to standard antidepressants. Researchers analyzed gene expression…
Targeting Liver X Receptor Beta for Depression Treatment
Summary: A recent review highlights the potential of liver X receptor beta (LXRβ) as a target for treating depression and anxiety. Known for regulating cholesterol, LXRβ is emerging as a…
AI Admissions Essays Align with Privileged Male Writing Patterns
Summary: Researchers analyzed AI-generated and human-written college admissions essays, finding that AI-generated essays resemble those written by male students from privileged backgrounds. AI essays tended to use longer words and…