Summary: The concept of “digital hugs” challenges the way we think about physical vs. online interactions. Recent research investigates how the feelings and experiences surrounding a hug can be translated…
Category: Neuroscience
Why Our Brains Prefer Symbols to Words
Summary: Research reveals symbols are more memorable than words. This novel study dives into our brain’s knack for recalling graphic symbols and logos over their word counterparts. Symbols, offering visual…
Is Childhood Adversity A Lens for Moral Judgments?
Summary: Researchers uncovered how a person’s childhood adversity shapes others’ judgments of their actions. The study reveals that people perceive negative actions by those with challenging childhoods as less a…
Children’s Views on Inequality: The Power of Explanation
Summary: Researchers revealed that children’s perceptions of inequality are shaped by how its origins are explained to them. While adults often attribute social inequalities to structural forces, children interpret these…
Unlocking Schizophrenia: Mitochondria Dysfunction at the Forefront
Summary: Researchers have identified a pivotal role of impaired mitochondrial function in the development of schizophrenia by examining the genetic risk factor 3q29 deletion syndrome. The genetic condition, known to…
AI Pinpoints Parkinson’s Subtypes Using Stem Cell Images
Summary: Researchers enabled machine learning to accurately predict Parkinson’s disease subtypes using stem cell images. This breakthrough showcases computer models classifying four Parkinson’s subtypes, with top accuracies reaching 95%. This…
Brain’s ‘Traffic Directors’: Neurons That Keep Us Focused on Tasks
Summary: Researchers have illuminated how our brain maintains focus amidst distractions. Their study identifies “visual-movement” neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) that use coordinated activity called “beta bursts” to…
Baby Gut Microbes: A Link to Early Cognitive Skills?
Summary: Researchers discovered associations between specific microbes in infants’ guts and early cognitive development performance. This exploratory study examined 56 infants, revealing that certain microbiome compositions corresponded with success in…
Long-term Acid Reflux Drugs Linked to Higher Dementia Risk?
Summary: Long-term use (over 4.4 years) of proton pump inhibitors, prescribed for acid reflux, may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, this research does not establish a…
Dopamine Tunes the Brain for Both Singing and Speech
Summary: Contrary to popular belief, speech and singing use overlapping brain circuits, primarily located in the left hemisphere. This discovery challenges the 50-year notion that the right hemisphere supports the…
