Children’s Curiosity or Memory Gaps? Why Kids Over-Explore Tasks

Summary: Children often gather more information than needed to complete a task, even when they know the solution. A new study suggests this “over-exploration” might stem from either natural curiosity…

Imaging study shows what your favorite film genres reveal about your brain

Differences in amygdala activity between preference and no preference groups for crime/thriller and action. Credit: Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1396811 Crime films, action films, comedies, or documentaries? A…

Non-Cognitive Skills Are as Vital as Intelligence

Summary: A new study reveals that non-cognitive skills like motivation and self-regulation are as crucial as intelligence in determining academic success. These skills, influenced by both genetics and environment, grow…

How Logical Thinking and Empathy Define Wisdom

Summary: A new study reveals that people across 12 countries and five continents perceive wisdom through two key dimensions: reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness. Reflective orientation includes logical thinking and…

Does Multiple Sclerosis Lower Dementia Risk?

Summary: Research has revealed that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are significantly less likely to exhibit the molecular signs of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a protective element in MS that could…

Knowingly Taking Placebos Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Summary: Researchers have discovered that nondeceptive placebos—placebos given with the full knowledge that they are placebos—can effectively manage stress, even when administered remotely. In a two-week randomized controlled trial, participants…

GnRH neurons in the mouse olfactory bulb shown to translate socially relevant odors into male reproductive behavior

GnRHMOB and GnRHAOB neuronal projections and neuroendocrine/behavioral responses to odors in male mice. Credit: Nature Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01724-1 Animal reproduction is supported by the integration of various external and…

Mapping Fear: Brain Circuit That Detects and Remembers Threats Revealed

Summary: A new study has mapped a brain circuit responsible for detecting threats and forming fear memories. The hippocampus, known for spatial navigation, also plays a role in recognizing dangers,…

Psychosis Cognitive Impairment Linked to Brain Network

Summary: New research reveals that cognitive impairments in psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are connected to brain network organization. This connection is evident even before the first psychotic…

High-Dose Psilocybin Shows Potential as an Antidepressant Treatment

Summary: A meta-analysis suggests that high doses of psilocybin may alleviate depressive symptoms similarly to the SSRI drug escitalopram. While the effect size was small, psilocybin outperformed placebo in clinical…