Sugary Drinks Linked to Depression Through Gut Microbiome

Summary: A new study shows that sugary drinks don’t just affect physical health—they may also raise the risk of depression in women by disrupting the gut microbiome. Researchers found that…

Positive Memories Boost Musicians’ Performance by Reframing Stress

Summary: A new study reveals that recalling positive memories before stepping on stage can significantly boost musicians’ performance. Professional wind instrumentalists who reflected on positive experiences showed higher nervous system…

Early Clues to Autism and Schizophrenia Risk Found in DNA

Summary: Researchers have built a detailed map of DNA methylation changes in nearly 1,000 human brains from six weeks after conception to old age. The work reveals dramatic epigenetic shifts…

Most Daily Actions Run on Habit, Not Conscious Choice

Summary: New research shows that nearly two-thirds of daily behaviors are triggered by habit rather than conscious decision-making. Participants often acted automatically in familiar settings, reflecting learned associations. Almost half…

Mini Brains Expose Neural Signatures of Schizophrenia and Bipolar

Summary: For the first time, lab-grown mini brains have revealed how neurons misfire in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Using machine learning to analyze electrical activity, researchers identified distinct firing patterns…

Parenting Styles Shape Teen Anxiety

Summary: A new study shows that both mothers and fathers significantly shape their adolescent children’s social anxiety, but in different ways. Warmth, affection, and acceptance from either parent reduce anxiety,…

Fetal Movements Boost Maternal Attachment

Summary: A new study shows that fetal movement frequency in late pregnancy is directly tied to stronger maternal-fetal attachment. Using an actocardiograph, researchers objectively measured movements and found that higher…

When Machines Become Our Moral Loophole

Summary: A large study across 13 experiments with over 8,000 participants shows that people are far more likely to act dishonestly when they can delegate tasks to AI rather than…

AI Spots Subtle Facial Cues Linked to Early Depression Risk

Summary: Depression’s earliest signs can be hard to spot, but a new study shows AI can detect them in subtle facial movements. Japanese students with subthreshold depression were perceived as…

Brain Circuits Show Why Friends’ Lies Are Easier to Believe

Summary: Researchers explored how people process deception from friends versus strangers, using brain imaging to study decision-making in gain and loss contexts. Volunteers were more likely to believe lies in…