Summary: Scientists have uncovered how serotonergic neurons in larval zebrafish process visual information tied to movement to determine when and how much serotonin to release. This neuromodulator fine-tunes the fish’s…
Tag: neurobiology
Genetic Sensitivity to Environment May Shape Mental Health Traits
Summary: A large international study of over 21,000 identical twins has identified genetic variants that influence how individuals respond to life experiences, affecting traits such as anxiety, depression, and autistic…
Robot Yawns Spark Contagious Yawning in Chimps
Summary: Chimpanzees have been observed yawning and lying down after seeing a humanoid android mimic a yawning facial expression, indicating contagious yawning triggered by an artificial agent. This study is…
Conquering Nightmares and Insomnia with Science
Summary: A new workbook offers science-backed strategies to help individuals overcome chronic nightmares and insomnia. Using proven therapeutic approaches, it teaches readers how to rewrite distressing dreams and develop healthier…
How the Brain Tells Imagination from Reality, And When It Fails
Summary: A new study identifies the brain mechanisms that help us distinguish real experiences from imagined ones. Researchers found that the fusiform gyrus—a region involved in visual processing—plays a key…
Can AI Be Funny? Yes, But Not Funnier Than a Human
Summary: A new study shows that AI can create internet memes rated as funny and shareable as those made by humans, but the best jokes still come from people. Researchers…
Multitasking Is Many Skills, Not One
Summary: A new study reveals that multitasking isn’t a single, universal skill, but a combination of broad cognitive abilities and task-specific skills. Researchers tested 224 participants across nine different multitasking…
Hallucinogens Linked to Milder PTSD
Summary: In a unique real-world study, researchers examined the psychological effects of trauma on survivors of the October 7 Nova Festival attack in Israel, focusing on their use of mind-altering…
Nostalgic Tunes Trigger Stronger Urge to Dance Than Familiar Hits
Summary: A new study reveals that nostalgia plays a powerful role in making us want to dance, even more so than familiarity with a song alone. Researchers asked young adults…
