https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/social_psychology/ Love, altruism and affection. Read current news articles on how animals can be altruistic, how social networks can protect us and more. en-us Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:30:30 EDT Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:30:30 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/social_psychology/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417225020.htm Engineers at Northwestern University have taken a striking leap toward merging machines with the human brain by printing artificial neurons that can actually communicate with real ones. These flexible, low-cost devices generate lifelike electrical signals capable of activating living brain cells, a breakthrough demonstrated in mouse brain tissue. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:32:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417225020.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407193848.htm Researchers have developed a cutting-edge technique that uses RNA “barcodes” to map how neurons connect, capturing thousands of links with single-synapse precision. The method transforms brain mapping into a sequencing task, making it faster and more scalable than traditional approaches. In mice, it revealed surprising new connections between brain cells that were previously unknown. This could open the door to earlier detection and targeted treatment of neurological diseases. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:37:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260407193848.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324024247.htm Scientists have found that your brain separates memories into “what” and “where/when” using two different groups of neurons. One set responds to specific objects or people, while another tracks the context or situation. When you remember something correctly, these groups briefly connect and reconstruct the full memory. This system may be the secret behind how we recognize the same things across totally different experiences. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:13:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260324024247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224229.htm Scientists studying 1,300 golden retrievers have uncovered genetic clues explaining why some dogs are more anxious, energetic, or aggressive than others. Remarkably, several of the same genes linked to canine behavior are also tied to human traits like anxiety, depression, and intelligence. The discovery suggests dogs and humans share biological roots for emotions and behavior. Understanding these links could help owners better interpret their pets’ reactions and even improve training and veterinary care. Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:54:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306224229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303050632.htm For decades, scientists have mapped attention, memory, language, and reasoning to separate brain networks — yet one big mystery remained: why does the mind feel like a single, unified system? Researchers at the University of Notre Dame now suggest that intelligence doesn’t live in one “smart” region of the brain at all. Instead, it emerges from how efficiently and flexibly the brain’s many networks communicate and coordinate with each other. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:32:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303050632.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030642.htm As millions turn to ChatGPT and other AI chatbots for therapy-style advice, new research from Brown University raises a serious red flag: even when instructed to act like trained therapists, these systems routinely break core ethical standards of mental health care. In side-by-side evaluations with peer counselors and licensed psychologists, researchers uncovered 15 distinct ethical risks — from mishandling crisis situations and reinforcing harmful beliefs to showing biased responses and offering “deceptive empathy” that mimics care without real understanding. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:04:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030642.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030637.htm Why do we tip—even when we know we’ll never see the server again? New research suggests it’s not just about rewarding good service, but about social pressure. Some people tip out of genuine appreciation, while others simply follow the norm. But here’s the twist: those who truly value great service tend to tip more than average, and everyone else adjusts upward to match them. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:06:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030637.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040811.htm Human language may seem messy and inefficient compared to the ultra-compact strings of ones and zeros used by computers—but our brains actually prefer it that way. New research reveals that while digital-style encoding could theoretically compress information more tightly, it would demand far more mental effort from both speaker and listener. Instead, language is built around familiar words and predictable patterns that reflect our real-world experiences, allowing the brain to constantly anticipate what comes next and narrow down meaning step by step. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:23:24 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213223908.htm Couples who intentionally slow down and soak in their happy moments together may be building a powerful shield for their relationship. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that partners who regularly savor shared experiences—whether reminiscing about a favorite memory, enjoying a dinner together, or looking forward to something exciting—report greater relationship satisfaction, less conflict, and stronger confidence in their future. Sat, 14 Feb 2026 08:25:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213223908.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213020407.htm A new study suggests that generosity may be more than a moral lesson—it could be shaped by how different parts of the brain work together. By gently stimulating two brain regions and syncing their activity, researchers found that people became more willing to share money with others, even when it meant earning less themselves. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 20:06:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213020407.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000308.htm Scientists have discovered that the human brain understands spoken language in a way that closely resembles how advanced AI language models work. By tracking brain activity as people listened to a long podcast, researchers found that meaning unfolds step by step—much like the layered processing inside systems such as GPT-style models. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 01:49:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000308.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118233549.htm Researchers found that autistic and non-autistic people move their faces differently when expressing emotions like anger, happiness, and sadness. Autistic participants tended to rely on different facial features and produced more varied expressions, which can look unfamiliar to non-autistic observers. The study suggests emotional misunderstandings are a two-way street, not a one-sided deficit. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:31:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118233549.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112001005.htm Waiting to eat when your food arrives first feels polite—but it may be mostly for your own peace of mind. Researchers found people feel far more uncomfortable breaking the “wait until everyone is served” rule than they expect others would feel watching it happen. Even being told to go ahead doesn’t fully ease the discomfort. Serving everyone at once could reduce awkwardness and make meals more enjoyable. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:52:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112001005.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225235950.htm Researchers have created a protein that can detect the faint chemical signals neurons receive from other brain cells. By tracking glutamate in real time, scientists can finally see how neurons process incoming information before sending signals onward. This reveals a missing layer of brain communication that has been invisible until now. The discovery could reshape how scientists study learning, memory, and brain disease. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:05:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225235950.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251215084209.htm Consciousness evolved in stages, starting with basic survival responses like pain and alarm, then expanding into focused awareness and self-reflection. These layers help organisms avoid danger, learn from the environment, and coordinate socially. Surprisingly, birds show many of these same traits, from subjective perception to basic self-awareness. This suggests consciousness is far older and more widespread than once believed. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:29:52 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251215084209.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210223635.htm Researchers uncovered how shifting levels of a brain protein called KCC2 can reshape the way cues become linked with rewards, sometimes making habits form more quickly or more powerfully than expected. When this protein drops, dopamine neurons fire more intensely, strengthening new associations in ways that resemble how addictive behaviors take hold. Rat studies showed that even brief, synchronized bursts of neural activity can amplify reward learning, offering insight into why everyday triggers, like a morning routine, can provoke strong cravings. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 22:41:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210223635.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043042.htm Humans don’t just recognize each other’s voices—our brains also light up for the calls of chimpanzees, hinting at ancient communication roots shared with our closest primate relatives. Researchers found a specialized region in the auditory cortex that reacts distinctly to chimp vocalizations, but not to those of bonobos or macaques, revealing an unexpected mix of evolutionary and acoustic influences. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:45:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043042.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251208052534.htm Deep-brain recordings showed that Mounjaro and Zepbound briefly shut down the craving circuits linked to food noise in a patient with severe obesity. Her obsessive thoughts about food disappeared as the medication quieted the nucleus accumbens, the brain’s reward hub. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:37:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251208052534.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251208052515.htm Researchers have built a fully implantable device that sends light-based messages directly to the brain. Mice learned to interpret these artificial patterns as meaningful signals, even without touch, sight, or sound. The system uses up to 64 micro-LEDs to create complex neural patterns that resemble natural sensory activity. It could pave the way for next-generation prosthetics and new therapies. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:25:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251208052515.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251207031335.htm Human biology evolved for a world of movement, nature, and short bursts of stress—not the constant pressure of modern life. Industrial environments overstimulate our stress systems and erode both health and reproduction. Evidence ranging from global fertility declines to chronic inflammatory diseases shows the toll of this mismatch. Researchers say cultural and environmental redesign, especially nature-focused planning, is essential. Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:47:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251207031335.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251206030752.htm Scientists uncovered a surprising four-layer structure hidden inside the hippocampal CA1 region, one of the brain’s major centers for memory, navigation, and emotion. Using advanced RNA imaging techniques, the team mapped more than 330,000 genetic signals from tens of thousands of neurons, revealing crisp, shifting bands of cell types that run along the length of the hippocampus. This layered organization may help explain why different parts of CA1 support different behaviors and why certain neurons break down more easily in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. Sat, 06 Dec 2025 08:07:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251206030752.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251201085855.htm A high-speed “zap-and-freeze” method is giving scientists their clearest view yet of how brain cells send messages. By freezing tissue at the instant a signal fires, researchers revealed how synaptic vesicles behave in both mouse and human neurons. These insights could help explain why most Parkinson’s cases emerge without inherited genetic changes. The technique may also point to promising new research paths for therapy development. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:33:21 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251201085855.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251108083910.htm Sertraline (Zoloft) may relieve emotional symptoms of depression and anxiety within two weeks, while physical side effects stabilize later. The research highlights how antidepressants can act on specific symptom networks rather than uniformly across all aspects of depression. Sat, 08 Nov 2025 23:51:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251108083910.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251030075136.htm People living in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods may face higher dementia risks, according to new research from Wake Forest University. Scientists found biological signs of Alzheimer’s and vascular brain disease in those from high-burden areas, particularly among Black participants. The results suggest that social and environmental injustices can alter brain structure and function. Improving community conditions could be key to protecting brain health. Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:09:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251030075136.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251029100152.htm UCL scientists found that human skulls evolved much faster than those of other apes, reflecting the powerful forces driving our brain growth and facial flattening. By comparing 3D models of ape skulls, they showed that humans changed about twice as much as expected. The findings suggest that both cognitive and social factors, not just intelligence, influenced our evolutionary path. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:55:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251029100152.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251021083638.htm New research reveals that exercise counteracts the mood-damaging effects of a Western-style diet through specific gut and hormonal mechanisms. Running restored metabolites tied to mental well-being and balanced key hormones like insulin and leptin. However, poor diet limited the brain’s ability to generate new neurons, showing diet still matters for full brain benefits. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:31:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251021083638.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092833.htm Feeling in control may be the key to conquering daily stress. Penn State researchers found that people were 62% more likely to resolve everyday hassles on days when they felt greater control. This link grew stronger over time, suggesting we get better at managing stress as we age. Simple actions like setting priorities and reframing challenges can help boost that sense of control and reduce overall stress. Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:52:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092833.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015230952.htm Long before humans built cities or wrote words, our ancestors may have faced a hidden threat that shaped who we became. Scientists studying ancient teeth found that early humans, great apes, and even Neanderthals were exposed to lead millions of years ago. This toxic metal can damage the brain, yet modern humans developed a tiny genetic change that protected our minds and allowed language and intelligence to flourish. Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:31:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015230952.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014304.htm Groundbreaking Harvard research is exposing hidden energy failures inside brain cells that may drive major psychiatric conditions. By studying reprogrammed neurons, scientists are revealing how cellular metabolism shapes mood, thought, and cognition. The work calls for abandoning rigid diagnostic categories in favor of biology-based systems that reflect true complexity. It marks a decisive shift toward preventive and precision mental healthcare. Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:21:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014304.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092917.htm Scientists discovered that lifelong social support can slow biological aging. Using DNA-based “epigenetic clocks,” they found that people with richer, more sustained relationships showed younger biological profiles and lower inflammation. The effect wasn’t about single friendships but about consistent connections across decades. Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:29:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092917.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073956.htm Scientists confirmed that pianists can alter timbre through touch, using advanced sensors to capture micro-movements that shape sound perception. The discovery bridges art and science, promising applications in music education, neuroscience, and beyond. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:54:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002073956.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202848.htm Some people taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro notice that food suddenly tastes sweeter or saltier, and this subtle shift in flavor perception appears tied to reduced appetite and stronger feelings of fullness. In a study of more than 400 patients, roughly one in five experienced heightened taste sensitivity, and many reported being less hungry and more easily satisfied. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:48:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202848.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202839.htm Preschoolers with ADHD are often given medication right after diagnosis, against medical guidelines that recommend starting with behavioral therapy. Limited access to therapy and physician pressures drive early prescribing, despite risks and reduced effectiveness in young children. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:10:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250915202839.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250813083608.htm UC Berkeley scientists found oxytocin is key for quickly forming strong friendships, but less critical for mate bonds. In prairie voles, a lack of oxytocin receptors delayed bonding and reduced partner selectivity, changing how the brain releases oxytocin and affecting social behavior. Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:01:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250813083608.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104206.htm Flinders University researchers found that forgiving yourself isn’t just about letting go. People stuck in guilt and shame often feel trapped in the past, and true healing comes from addressing deeper moral injuries and restoring a sense of control. Mon, 11 Aug 2025 23:52:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250811104206.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803233111.htm Your brain has its own elite defense team — and new research shows these "guardian" cells might be the real battleground for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and stroke. Scientists discovered that most genetic risks linked to these diseases act not in neurons, but in the blood vessels and immune cells that form the blood-brain barrier. Mon, 04 Aug 2025 23:41:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803233111.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030343.htm Sometimes a gentle touch feels sharp and distinct, other times it fades into the background. This inconsistency isn’t just mood—it’s biology. Scientists found that the thalamus doesn’t just relay sensory signals—it fine-tunes how the brain responds to them, effectively changing what we feel. A hidden receptor in the cortex seems to prime neurons, making them more sensitive to touch. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 03:56:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250730030343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040925.htm You may be seeing faces in clouds, toast, or cars—and it turns out your brain is wired to notice them. A fascinating new study shows how our attention is hijacked not just by real faces, but by face-like illusions, through entirely different mental mechanisms. These imaginary expressions actually spark a stronger response, and the research even hints at clever ways advertisers could use this effect to grab your attention. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:32:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040925.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040455.htm Scientists at Princeton and the Simons Foundation have identified four biologically distinct subtypes of autism, using data from over 5,000 children and a powerful new computational method. These subtypes—each with unique traits, developmental paths, and genetic signatures—promise to revolutionize how we understand, diagnose, and treat autism. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 22:45:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040455.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250717013905.htm A massive European study has uncovered a powerful connection between hearing loss, loneliness, and memory decline. Researchers at the University of Geneva found that older adults with hearing impairments who also feel lonely—regardless of actual social isolation—experience faster cognitive decline. Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:20:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250717013905.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250711224316.htm Scientists at ETH Zurich have broken new ground by generating over 400 types of nerve cells from stem cells in the lab, far surpassing previous efforts that produced only a few dozen. By systematically experimenting with combinations of morphogens and gene regulators, the researchers replicated the vast diversity of neurons found in the human brain. This breakthrough holds major promise for studying neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, creating more accurate models for drug testing, and eventually even enabling neuron replacement therapies. Sat, 12 Jul 2025 04:45:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250711224316.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250705083949.htm People who treat hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants regain rich conversations, escape isolation, and may even protect their brains and lifespans—proof that better hearing translates into fuller living. Sat, 05 Jul 2025 10:25:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250705083949.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250702214151.htm Anger isn’t just a fleeting emotion—it plays a deeper role in women’s mental and physical health during midlife. A groundbreaking study tracking over 500 women aged 35 to 55 reveals that anger traits like outbursts and hostility tend to diminish with age and menopause progression. This shift could signal enhanced emotional regulation during and after the reproductive transition. Surprisingly, the only form of anger that remained steady was suppressed anger. Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:42:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250702214151.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250701234744.htm Locked-down Hungarians who gained or lost pets saw almost no lasting shift in mood or loneliness, and new dog owners actually felt less calm and satisfied over time—hinting that the storied “pet effect” may be more myth than mental-health remedy even in extreme isolation. Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:57:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250701234744.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250629033424.htm Deleting a gene called PTEN in certain brain cells disrupts the brain’s fear circuitry and triggers anxiety-like behavior in mice — key traits seen in autism. Researchers mapped how this genetic tweak throws off the brain's delicate balance of excitation and inhibition in the amygdala, offering deep insights into how one gene can drive specific ASD symptoms. Sun, 29 Jun 2025 05:06:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250629033424.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155325.htm Human-AI interactions are well understood in terms of trust and companionship. However, the role of attachment and experiences in such relationships is not entirely clear. In a new breakthrough, researchers from Waseda University have devised a novel self-report scale and highlighted the concepts of attachment anxiety and avoidance toward AI. Their work is expected to serve as a guideline to further explore human-AI relationships and incorporate ethical considerations in AI design. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:53:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602155325.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529140137.htm Humans and mice share persistent brain-activity patterns in response to adverse sensory experience, scientists find, opening a window to our emotions and, perhaps, neuropsychiatric disorders. Thu, 29 May 2025 14:01:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529140137.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528214222.htm Interactive robots should not just be passive companions, but active partners -- like therapy horses who respond to human emotion -- say researchers. Wed, 28 May 2025 21:42:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528214222.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131636.htm Parental warmth and affection in early childhood can have life-long physical and mental health benefits for children, and new research points to an important underlying process: children's sense of social safety. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:16:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131636.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180917.htm Researchers have a new hypothesis for how brain cells called astrocytes might contribute to memory storage in the brain. Their model, known as dense associative memory, would help explain the brain's massive storage capacity. Tue, 27 May 2025 18:09:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180917.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124313.htm A new study shows that people who proactively reorganise their family routines -- such as adjusting childcare schedules or redistributing domestic responsibilities -- are more likely to demonstrate adaptability and innovation at work. Tue, 27 May 2025 12:43:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124313.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162544.htm A new study examines the emergence of overimitation in infants aged between 16 and 21 months to see if and how it is linked to social affiliation and other forms of imitation. The researchers found that young children engaged in low rates of overimitation and that it was not driven by in-group preference -- meaning they were not acting to please someone similar to themselves. This suggests that overimitation for social affiliation reasons may emerge later. But they did find that other types of imitation associated with memory and cognition were closely correlated. Thu, 22 May 2025 16:25:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162544.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521161109.htm The smallest grooves on the brain's surface, unique to humans, have largely been ignored by anatomists, but recent studies show that they're related to cognitive performance, including face recognition and reasoning ability. A new study shows that the depths of these tertiary sulci are also linked to increased interconnectedness between areas of the brain associated with reasoning and high-level cognitive functions. The sulci may decrease the length of neural connections, improving communication efficiency. Wed, 21 May 2025 16:11:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521161109.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124613.htm The way people express emotions while helping others can influence whether their assistance is welcomed, resented, or reciprocated, according to new research. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:46:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124613.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520161846.htm Our ability to store information about familiar objects depends on the connection between visual and language processing regions in the brain, according to a new study. Tue, 20 May 2025 16:18:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520161846.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122031.htm Researchers have discovered how an ion channel in the brain's neurons has a kind of 'molecular memory', which contributes to the formation and preservation of lifelong memories. The researchers have identified a specific part of the ion channel at which new drugs for certain genetic diseases could be targeted. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:20:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122031.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515132119.htm Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on easing symptoms, addressing psychological and spiritual needs, and helping patients and caregivers make critical decisions aligned with their personal beliefs and values. Thu, 15 May 2025 13:21:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515132119.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180737.htm A collaborative study tested 17 strategies in an 'intervention tournament.' Interventions targeting future thinking, such as writing a letter for a child to read in the future, are the most effective ways to motivate climate action. Wed, 14 May 2025 18:07:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180737.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513172018.htm Researchers identified two brain networks involved in word retrieval -- the cognitive process of accessing words we need to speak. A semantic network processes meaning in middle/inferior frontal gyri, while an articulatory network in inferior frontal/precentral gyri plans speech production. Tue, 13 May 2025 17:20:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513172018.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513150241.htm Hormone levels fluctuate like the tides, ebbing and flowing according to carefully orchestrated cycles. These hormones not only influence the body, but can cross into the brain and shape the behavior of our neurons and cognitive processes. Recently, researchers used modern laser microscopy techniques to observe how fluctuations in ovarian hormones shape both the structure and function of neurons in the mouse hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory formation and spatial learning in mammals. They found that hormone fluctuations during the mouse estrous cycle, a 4-day cycle analogous to the 28-day human menstrual cycle, powerfully influence the shape and behavior of hippocampal neurons. Tue, 13 May 2025 15:02:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513150241.htm