Culture and Geography Significantly Influence Sleep Patterns

Summary: A new study reveals that culture and geography significantly influence sleep patterns. Using data from Nokia smartwatches, the researchers analyzed 52 million logs over four years from 30,082 individuals…

Neuronal Plasticity Genes Linked to Alcohol Use Disorders

Summary: A new study discovered a link between alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and alteration of a group of genes known to influence neuronal plasticity and pain perceptions. The team used…

Intentions Matter: How Source Intent Influences Perceptions of Truth

Summary: Psychologists revealed people’s judgments of truthfulness are influenced by what they perceive as the information source’s intentions. They found that even when individuals knew the factual accuracy of a…

Pupil Size Regulated by Orexin, Not Stress Hormones

Summary: Researchers have discovered that the neurotransmitter orexin, not the stress hormone noradrenaline, regulates pupil size, challenging prior understanding. Orexin neurons affect pupil size in response to emotional states and…

AI tool ‘reads’ brain tumors during surgery to help guide decisions

Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool capable of deciphering a brain tumor’s genetic code in real time, during surgery—an advance they say could speed diagnosis and personalize patients’…

New Dads with Prior Antidepressant Use 30x More Likely to Restart Treatment

Summary: New fathers with a history of antidepressant use are over 30 times more likely to require such treatment again in the first year after their child’s birth. The study,…

Live Music Outperforms Recorded Shows for Infant Engagement

Summary: The magic of live performances is not lost on infants, as new research suggests that live music captivates them more than recorded versions of the same show. Researchers noticed…

Food insecurity tied to slightly faster memory decline

Food insecurity is associated with slightly faster memory decline in middle- to older-aged U.S. adults, according to a study published online July 3 in JAMA Network Open. Peiyi Lu, Ph.D.,…

Breast Milk Component Boosts Infant Brain Connectivity

Summary: Researchers have discovered that myo-inositol, a small cyclic sugar molecule found in breast milk, plays a crucial role in promoting neuronal connections in infants’ brains. Prior studies indicated the…

Better ‘Mind Reading’ Skills Linked to Enhanced Cooperation

Summary: A new study reveals that individuals with stronger ‘mindreading’ abilities, or the capacity to understand others’ feelings and intentions, are more successful in cooperative tasks. This trait, also known…