Summary: Researchers examined how optimism and pessimism influenced well-being and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing data from a large-scale study of older adults, they found that optimism was linked…
Category: Psychology
Spiritual Practices Share a Common Mental Pathway to Deep Bliss
Summary: Researchers found that Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues, despite their differences, share a common cognitive feedback loop. This process, called the Attention, Arousal, and Release Spiral,…
15 Key Motives Drive Human Behavior
Summary: Researchers analyzed human motivation from an evolutionary perspective, identifying 15 key motives that drive behavior. These motives, grouped into five categories—environmental, physiological, reproductive, psychological, and social—reflect adaptations that helped…
Why Some People Remember Dreams and Others Don’t
Summary: A new study explores why some people vividly recall dreams while others forget them. Researchers found that dream recall is influenced by personality traits, sleep patterns, and even seasonal…
Depression Speeds Up Physical Illness
Summary: Adults with a history of depression develop long-term physical conditions about 30% faster than those without, according to a large study. Researchers analyzed data from over 172,000 participants and…
Prenatal Stress Hormones Alter Brain Development
Summary: Environmental factors like stress and medication exposure during pregnancy can shape brain development, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Researchers used brain organoids to study the effects of synthetic glucocorticoids,…
How Ketamine Binds to Brain Receptors to Alter Mood
Summary: New research sheds light on how ketamine affects the brain by targeting a specific NMDA receptor subtype, GluN1-2B-2D. Scientists used electron cryo-microscopy to capture how ketamine binds to this…
Prozac Shows Promise in Fighting Infections & Sepsis
Summary: New research suggests that fluoxetine, commonly used as an antidepressant, may also help protect against infections and sepsis. Scientists found that the drug has antimicrobial properties and helps regulate…
AI vs. Human Therapists: Study Finds ChatGPT Responses Rated Higher
Summary: A new study suggests that ChatGPT’s responses in psychotherapy scenarios are often rated higher than those written by human therapists. Researchers found that participants struggled to distinguish between AI-generated…
