Summary: Scientists have identified the brain circuitry that drives spiny mice to prefer larger social groups. The study shows that neural signaling from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to the…
Tag: social neuroscience
Human-Dog Brain Activity Syncs During Bonding
Summary: During social interactions, human and dog brain activity becomes synchronized, with mutual gazing and petting enhancing this connection. Over five days, synchronization between human-dog pairs increased with familiarity, suggesting…
Near Death Experiences May Strengthen Human Interconnectedness
Summary: A new study shows that out-of-body experiences (OBEs), including near-death experiences, can dramatically increase empathy and transform how individuals connect with others. Researchers suggest this may result from “ego…
Greater Knowledge May Harm Group Welfare
Summary: Increasing knowledge can lead to negative outcomes when individuals use it for self-interest rather than collective good. Researchers argue that enhanced knowledge can reduce cooperation among rational individuals, potentially…
Social Drinking Activates Dopamine and Elevates Mood
Summary: New research reveals why alcohol makes people feel happier in social settings but not when drinking alone. Using fruit flies, scientists discovered that dopamine in the brain plays a…
Study Finds Americans Have More Friends Than Previously Thought
Summary: American adults typically have more friends than recent surveys suggest, with fewer reporting no friends at all. The survey found that an average American adult has four to five…
Study Finds Faces Evolve to Match Names Over Time
Summary: A new study reveals that a person’s face tends to evolve to suit their name, demonstrating the profound impact of social expectations. The research showed that adults’ faces could…
Study Shows Narcissism Declines with Age
Summary: A study reveals that narcissism decreases from childhood to older adulthood, though individual differences remain stable over time. People who are more narcissistic as children tend to stay that…
Loneliness Worse for Memory Than Social Isolation
Summary: A new study finds that loneliness impacts memory more negatively than social isolation among older adults. Those who are both socially isolated and lonely experience the greatest memory decline,…
Personality Politics: What Makes a Successful Politician?
Summary: A new study identifies humor, charm, and courage as crucial traits for successful politicians. Researchers found that aspiring politicians embark on challenging careers driven by a mix of ambition,…
