Summary: Depression may increase the risk of menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea, through mechanisms such as sleep disturbances. Using genetic analysis, researchers found that depression likely causes period pain, rather than…
Category: Life
Finger Lengths May Reveal Insights Into Drinking Habits
Summary: The relative lengths of your fingers might be linked to your alcohol consumption patterns. Researchers found that individuals with longer 4th (ring) fingers relative to 2nd (index) fingers, indicating…
This ‘hidden figure’ of entomology fought for civil rights
On the drive to school, at the first sign of trouble, “she made me get on the floorboard,” says the older son of pioneering Black entomologist Margaret S. Collins. He’s…
Implications for long-distance seed dispersal. – Functional Ecologists
In our latest post, Claudio Açaí Bracho-Estévanez shares with us how intricate the relationship between producer and consumer is! Claudio explains the beauty behind their paper: ‘Plant traits determine seed…
We all bear the consequences of Neanderthal and Denisovan promiscuity
For much of our history, we coexisted with other members of our genus, and our prehistoric ancestors didn’t waste the opportunity to hook up with their Neanderthal and Denisovan relatives.…
How Memories Shape Decisions and Future Well-Being
Summary: A new framework integrates psychology and economics to show how memorable experiences influence long-term decision-making. Their model separates the immediate utility of consumption from the lasting “remembered utility” derived…
Fitness Trackers Detect Mood Episodes in Bipolar Disorder with High Accuracy
Summary: Data from fitness trackers can detect mood episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder with up to 89.1% accuracy for mania and 80.1% for depression. Researchers used passively collected, noninvasive…
Feeling Beautiful Spurs Kindness and Generosity
Summary: A new study shows that enhancing one’s appearance, even virtually, increases prosocial behavior such as kindness and charitable giving. Participants who saw enhanced images of themselves were twice as…
Brain Biomarker Could Predict Psychosis Before Symptoms Emerge
Summary: Researchers have identified a brain biomarker that may predict psychosis onset before symptoms appear, enabling earlier interventions and personalized care. MRI scans revealed abnormal connectivity patterns in sensory brain…
Moms’ Baby Talk Boosts Infant Oxytocin
Summary: A new study reveals that when mothers regularly discuss their infants’ thoughts and feelings, it is associated with higher oxytocin levels in their babies. Oxytocin, a hormone crucial for…
