Toggling Embodied Cognition via the Rubber Hand Illusion

Summary: A psychological replication study established an empirical link between a person’s abstract psychological identity and their physical, bodily awareness. The research utilizes the classic “rubber hand illusion” to demonstrate…

Nature Exposure Triggers Brain Reset

Summary: Spending time in nature isn’t just a pleasant pastime; it triggers a measurable physiological and neurological “reset” in the brain. A comprehensive review of over 100 brain-imaging studies demonstrates…

Hippocampus Predicts Rewards by Reorganizing Memories

Summary: A new preclinical study reveals that the hippocampus does more than just store memories; it actively reorganizes them to predict future rewards. By tracking brain activity over several weeks,…

Dopamine Clock May Drive Bipolar Mood Swings

Summary: New research suggests that mood swings in bipolar disorder are regulated by two clocks: the body’s 24-hour circadian rhythm and a dopamine-based clock that influences alertness. When these clocks…

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…