Summary: A new study examines the nuanced impact of solitude on mental health among adults aged 35 and older in the UK and US. Tracking 178 participants over 21 days,…
Category: neurobiology
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…
Heartbeat’s Influence on Brain Activity
Summary: New research uncovered that the phases of a heartbeat significantly influence brain and motor system excitability. The study utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on 37 healthy volunteers to observe…
Placebo Power: Patient Belief in Treatment Impacts Depression Therapy Effectiveness
Summary: A new study sheds light on the significant role of patients’ beliefs in the effectiveness of neurostimulation treatments for conditions like depression and ADHD. Analyzing five studies, the research…
Internet Usage and Mental Health
Summary: A comprehensive study analyzing data from two million individuals across 168 countries, challenges the widely held belief about the negative psychological impact of internet technologies. Researchers found only small…
Beyond Processed Foods: New Insights into What Drives Our Food Choices
Summary: A new study challenges prevailing assumptions about food preferences, particularly regarding ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Engaging 224 adults, the study analyzed responses to images of 52 familiar foods, assessing factors…
Partisan Media Bias Shapes AI Sentiment
Summary: Researchers uncovered how partisan media sentiment influences public perception of artificial intelligence (AI). They analyzed over 7,500 articles from both liberal and conservative media, finding that liberal-leaning media exhibit…
TV Quiz Shows Shed Light on Human Physiology Under Stress
Summary: Cognitive scientists used the British TV show “Mastermind” to study human physiology under high-stress conditions, impossible to replicate in a lab. Analyzing contestants’ blinking patterns, the researchers gained insights…