Inside the Minds That Never Forget: Exploring Hyperthymesia

Summary: Autobiographical memory allows us to relive experiences, form identity, and project into the future. A rare few, known as hyperthymesics, can recall events from their lives with remarkable precision,…

Brain Cells Behind Depression Identified

Summary: Researchers analyzing post-mortem brain tissue found two cell types altered in people with depression: excitatory neurons that regulate mood and stress, and microglia that manage inflammation. The findings highlight…

The Midlife “Unhappiness Hump” Has Vanished, But at a Cost

Summary: A new large-scale study finds that the long-observed “unhappiness hump,” where mental distress peaked in midlife, has disappeared. Instead, younger people now report the highest levels of anxiety, depression,…

Big Five No More? New Study Uncovers Hidden Personality Traits

Summary: For 40 years, the Big Five personality model has dominated psychology, but new research suggests it may be incomplete. Using taxonomic graph analysis, researchers mapped personality from the ground…

Belief in Success and Meaning in Life Boost Well-Being

Summary: New research shows that meaning in life and self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to succeed—are critical for well-being, regardless of sex. Men reported higher levels of passion and self-efficacy,…

High-THC Cannabis Linked to Psychosis and Addiction

Summary: A systematic review of nearly 100 studies found that high-THC cannabis products are linked to negative mental health outcomes, particularly psychosis, schizophrenia, and cannabis use disorder. While some therapeutic…

Personality Tests Like Myers-Briggs Can Mislead More Than Reveal

Summary: Personality tests like Myers-Briggs promise insight and self-discovery but often fall short of scientific reliability. Their appeal lies in fulfilling our psychological drive for identity and belonging, but many…

Music After Learning Boosts Memory, But Only at the Right Emotion Level

Summary: A new study reveals that listening to music immediately after an experience can enhance memory—if the emotional response is just right. Researchers found that volunteers who experienced moderate arousal…

New Drug Aims to Block Pain Without Addiction Risks

Summary: Chronic pain affects millions, but opioid medications bring high risks of dependence and side effects. Researchers have now pinpointed specific neurons in the amygdala that make pain feel unpleasant,…

Brain Study Reveals Circuit Controlling Depression and Anxiety

Summary: A new study identifies brain area 46 in the marmoset dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a key regulator of mood-related behavior. When this region was inactivated, the animals showed less…