Summary: A new study reveals that serotonin neurons in the brain may play a crucial role in helping us estimate the value of future rewards. Rather than simply responding to…
Category: Neuroscience
How Psilocybin Lifts Mood Without the Hallucinogenic Trip
Summary: Researchers have uncovered two key brain mechanisms—specific neurons and a serotonin receptor—that help explain how psilocybin produces long-lasting antidepressant effects. Their study identified pyramidal tract neurons in the medial…
Autism-Linked Gene Alters Face Perception in Dogs
Summary: A new study shows that Beagle dogs with mutations in the autism-linked Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities similar to those seen in humans with ASD. Using behavioral tests,…
Study Reveals Brain Circuits That Drive Political Passion and Intensity
Summary: A new study has identified specific brain networks that regulate the intensity of political engagement, regardless of ideology. By analyzing Vietnam War veterans with localized brain injuries, researchers found…
Pregnant Women Face Lower Odds of Long COVID
Summary: A large study of over 72,000 pregnant women found that those infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy were less likely to develop Long COVID than non-pregnant peers. Using data from…
Childhood Adversity Dulls Joy and Deepens Daily Emotional Swings
Summary: A new study reveals that adverse childhood experiences make adults more emotionally reactive—not only to negative events, but also to positive ones. People with a history of abuse or…
Psychedelics May Enhance Intimacy, Attraction, and Sexual Expression
Summary: In the first study of its kind, researchers found that psychedelic use can positively affect sexuality, romantic relationships, and gender expression. Surveying nearly 600 users of substances like psilocybin,…
Fear of Emotions Fuels PTSD-Related Conflict in Romantic Relationships
Summary: New research reveals that fear of emotions may explain why individuals with PTSD symptoms often struggle to communicate with romantic partners. The study found that people with higher PTSD…
Why Simply Putting Away Your Phone Won’t Help You Focus
Summary: A new study reveals that placing your smartphone out of reach doesn’t significantly reduce distraction or boost productivity. While participants used their phones less when they were farther away,…
