Why Regret Loses Its Sting as We Age

Summary: While regret is a universal human experience, how we process it changes significantly over time. New research reveals that older adults report fewer recent regrets than their younger counterparts.…

Emotional Touch Leaves a Permanent Mark on the Mind

Summary: Why does the memory of a comforting hug last a lifetime while the sensation of a handshake vanishes instantly? A new paper introduces the first comprehensive neurobiological model of…

Stoic Arguments Change More Minds Than Emotional Pleas

Summary: That heartfelt, tear-filled post about climate change might help you find your “tribe,” but it’s likely turning everyone else off. New research reveals a deep-seated skepticism toward emotional political…

Warmth and Hugging Strengthen the Feeling of Being You

Summary: Changes in skin temperature play a key role in how strongly we experience our bodies as our own. Thermoception influences emotion, identity, and mental health by acting as a…

Genes Behind Dog Behaviors Also Shape Human Emotions

Summary: Researchers analyzed the genomes and behavioral profiles of 1,300 golden retrievers and found that several behavioral traits—such as trainability, fear of strangers, and aggression toward other dogs—are shaped by…

Toddler Gut Bacteria Linked to Childhood Anxiety and Depression

Summary: A new study suggests that a child’s gut microbiome at age 2 may influence their emotional health years later. Researchers found that higher levels of bacteria from the Clostridiales…

When a Hug Turns Dark: How Manipulative Partners Use Touch

Summary: Touch can strengthen bonds and calm stress, but not all affection is sincere. A new study reveals that people with “dark triad” traits—narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—often use physical touch…

Feeling the Music: Touch Amplifies Emotional Power of Sound

Summary: A new study shows that combining touch with hearing profoundly intensifies emotional responses to music. Using a custom-built device that transforms sound into tactile vibrations, researchers found that people…

What You Choose to Remember Shapes Memory More Than Emotion

Summary: A new study reveals that intentional memory control—deciding what to remember or forget—is more powerful than emotional influence when forming long-term memories. Participants were more likely to recall words…