Stress and Snacks: How Fatty Foods Hinder Recovery

Summary: Consuming fatty foods during stressful times can hinder the body’s recovery from stress effects. Researchers found that high-fat meals, like butter croissants, consumed before a stressful event, reduced vascular…

Brain Cell Genetics Illuminate Alzheimer’s Disease Pathways

Summary: Researchers made a significant advance in understanding Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by pinpointing how specific brain cells contribute to different stages of the disease. Employing single nucleus RNA sequencing, they…

Invasion alters reproduction in a native perennial plant – Functional Ecologists

In this new post, Petr Dostál—from the Institute of Botany, Czech Republic—presents his work ‘Reproductive strategies of native plant populations altered by a plant invasion’. He highlights the connection between…

A llama-inspired way to protect crops

Optimism Linked to Poor Decision-Making and Lower Cognitive Skills

Summary: While optimism is often celebrated, a new study reveals that excessive optimism can lead to poor decision-making, particularly in financial matters. The research shows that individuals with high cognitive…

Rising Cannabis Use Among Older Americans During the Pandemic

Summary: A new study reveals an increase in cannabis use among older Americans, with 12% reporting THC-containing substance consumption in the past year, a rise from pre-pandemic levels. The study…

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…