Link Between Childhood Adversity and Muscle Dysmorphia in Youth

Summary: A new study reveals a significant association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in adolescents and young adults. The research highlights how ACEs, such as…

How Imagination Fuels Empathy and Prosocial Behavior

Summary: A new study highlights the significant role of imagination in evoking empathy and driving prosocial behavior. While empathy is multifaceted, this research focuses on two aspects: personal distress and…

Dopamine’s Role in Learning from Rewards and Penalties

Summary: Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, plays a vital role in encoding both reward and punishment prediction errors in the human brain. This study suggests that dopamine is essential for learning from…

Taste-Driven AI Algorithms Enhance Wine Selections

Summary: Wine apps like Vivino and Hello Vino are utilizing AI algorithms to help wine enthusiasts select the perfect bottle. Researchers have taken it a step further by incorporating people’s…

Peptide PACAP’s Key Role in Alcohol Addiction

Summary: Alcohol, the world’s most common addictive substance, leads to $249 billion in annual costs and 88,000 deaths in the U.S. Alcohol use disorder affects millions but is under-treated. Researchers…

Mutualisms and Facilitation  – Functional Ecologists

This blog post on ‘Mutualisms and facilitation’ is part of the BES ‘Key Concepts in Ecology’ series, designed to help ecologists in learning the key topics in ecology. See the…

Pesticides and Food: It’s not a black or white issue — Has pesticide use decreased since the introduction of GMO crops?

Fish beware: Bottlenosed dolphins may be able to pick up your heartbeat

To snap up fish, bottlenosed dolphins may rely on more than just sharp sight and sonar detection. The creatures might also pick up on the weak electric pulses prey produce…

RNA’s Pivotal Role in Fear Memory and PTSD Treatment

Summary: Researchers have revealed a groundbreaking role of RNA in fear-related learning and memory. Their study shows how noncoding RNA Gas5 influences neuronal excitability, impacting learning and memory processes. Another…

Lactobacillus Bacteria May Guard Against Anxiety and Depression

Summary: Researchers have discovered the significant role of Lactobacillus, a bacterium in fermented foods and yogurt, in managing stress and potentially preventing depression and anxiety. This research is crucial for…