Study Reveals Shared Values Among US Voters Despite Political Divide

Summary: New research reveals that most American voters, regardless of political affiliation, share similar values, but fail to recognize their common ground. This misperception exacerbates societal conflict and pessimism about…

Komodo dragon teeth get their strength from an iron coat

Komodo dragon teeth are ironclad. Literally. The serrated edges and tips of the reptiles’ razor-sharp chompers are lined with a layer of iron, researchers report July 24 in Nature Ecology…

Men can’t do Zumba. Is it in their genes?

Zumba saved me during the pandemic. Prior to COVID, I took 3 or 4 of the ATP-burning classes a week (for the uninitiated, ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, the molecule…

Key Neurons for Maternal Bonding Identified

Summary: A new study reveals that specific neurons in the brain’s zona incerta (ZI) are crucial for early social interactions between infants and their mothers. These neurons, which express somatostatin,…

Cancer Drug Shows Promise for Autism Cognitive Function

Summary: A new experimental cancer drug could ease cognitive difficulties for those with Rett syndrome, a rare autism-linked disorder, by enhancing brain cell functions. The drug, ADH-503, improves the activity…

The importance of individual behavior for bird-mediated seed dispersal – Functional Ecologists

In our latest post Valentin Graf, PhD student at the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Frankfurt, presents his work ‘Individual behavior shapes patterns of bird-mediated seed dispersal’. He…

Breathing Visualization Enhances Interoception and Mental Health

Summary: Visualizing breathing patterns can improve interoceptive awareness and mental well-being. Researchers used a spherical object on screens and spatial audio to mirror users’ breaths, significantly enhancing their bodily awareness…

Anxiety Raises Dementia Risk – Neuroscience News

Summary: A new study reveals that chronic and new anxiety are linked to a higher risk of dementia, while resolved anxiety shows no such association. Following 2,132 Australian individuals for…

Viewpoint: How to best regulate chemicals? ‘Precautions employed to regulate tiny, sometimes nonexistent risks can cause real harm’

For virtually everything in life, we face decisions about whether we should “sweat the small stuff.” No doubt, most may have encountered a boss who micromanages us with useless reports…

Alcohol Use Linked to Increased Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Summary: Research reveals that increased alcohol consumption in individuals with bipolar disorder can exacerbate their symptoms over time. Contrary to the belief that alcohol acts as self-medication, the study shows…