Mental Health
How classical musicians experience the sensation of playing together
A small study exploring how classical musicians experience togetherness reveals that establishing a profound connection requires more than technical precision. Performers rely on …
Scientists uncover an energy paradox in the brain during REM sleep
A recent study found that during REM sleep, the brain receives a surge of blood and nutrients, yet energy levels inside neurons actually drop. This “energy paradox” suggests the s…
Psychedelic drug calms hyperactive brain cells linked to chronic pain
A single dose of psilocybin rapidly relieved both chronic pain and depression-like symptoms in mice. Researchers discovered the psychedelic compound works by calming hyperactive n…
Doomscrolling political news during your downtime predicts reduced engagement at work
Consuming political news outside of work is associated with how employees feel on the job. A new study suggests negative media predicts workplace anxiety, while positive content i…
The partisan divide over civil rights legislation widened abruptly in the 1990s and 2010s
Legislative support for civil rights in Congress has grown over the past fifty years, but this support is increasingly divided by party. A new study indicates this polarization ac…
Childhood adversity linked to altered physical response during stress
Early life trauma might fundamentally alter how the body handles psychological stress. A new study reveals that adults with a history of childhood adversity show muted blood press…
Adolescent binge drinking permanently alters adult brain sensitivity to alcohol
A mouse study reveals that heavy alcohol use during adolescence alters hippocampal nerve cells, creating a lifelong sensitivity to alcohol. Fortunately, scientists found that a me…
Insomnia drug lemborexant reduces the gap between perceived and actual sleep
A recent study reveals that the insomnia drug lemborexant helps align how well patients think they slept with actual sleep data. This improved sleep perception is also linked to r…
Why some socially anxious people lash out in anger
While social anxiety is usually associated with avoiding conflict, a new study reveals that socially anxious individuals who also possess traits of vulnerable narcissism are more …
The biology of fandom: Live sports synchronize spectator heart rates and elevate oxytocin
New research suggests attending a local college basketball game can synchronize fans' heart rates and stimulate the release of oxytocin. These biological changes are linked to a s…
Voters punish politicians more for infidelity if their spouse leaves them
When a politician is caught in a sex scandal, their spouse’s reaction can shape the public fallout. A new experiment reveals that voters judge unfaithful candidates far more harsh…
‘Cheap travel is not a defence’: the parents facing court for school absences in England
In one court in Kent, most cases relate to term-time holidays, but non-attendance is a complex issue and post-pandemic rates remain highAs the long school summer break approached …
Repurposing a blood pressure drug for anxiety reveals unexpected sex differences in attention
A common blood pressure medication shows promise for reducing anxiety, but a new study reveals a surprising catch: it alters how the brain processes distractions, affecting men’s …
The science behind Simtriyo, the first ADHD medication to target three major neurotransmitters
Centanafadine represents a new class of ADHD medication that uniquely targets three major brain chemicals. By preventing the reuptake of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, th…
When consumer similarity backfires: Dark Triad personalities punish brands that act like them
A recent study indicates that consumers with manipulative or self-centered personality traits are surprisingly hostile toward brands that share those characteristics. Rather than …
Women globally place higher importance on moral identity than men
People all over the world consider morality a part of who they are. A large new study explores how age, gender, and cultural background shape whether individuals view their moral …
Fluid brain circuits drive the formation of cocaine habits
As animals learn to self-administer cocaine, specific brain networks rapidly expand and then shrink. Using advanced imaging, researchers discovered that the cells controlling this…
Scientists found a subtle social cue that reveals your choices
A recent study found that mirroring another person's smiles during a conversation accurately predicts our personal preferences. This subconscious facial mimicry turned out to be a…
Could a simple supplement combo help adolescents with ADHD stay on task?
A single dose of caffeine and L-theanine may help teens with ADHD ignore distractions. Recent brainwave data indicates this nutritional combination enhances the brain's ability to…
The care system fails to care for parents | Letters
Anna Bird reflects on Matilda Davis’s story and says families need support early – before exhaustion becomes a crisisMatilda Davis’s story should force us to confront an uncomfort…
Brief smartphone check-ins can forecast the return of psychotic symptoms
When predicting a relapse in psychotic symptoms, the quality of a person's social experience matters more than the amount of contact they have. A recent study indicates that track…
Neuroscientists uncover a universal mechanism for human decision making
When humans learn new rules, our brains use the exact same evidence-gathering process to make decisions as they do when processing basic physical sensations. A recent study shows …
Genetic data indicates distinct metabolic pathways for different mental health disorders
People with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder often suffer from poor metabolic health. However, new research reveals their DNA actually aligns with favorable metabolic markers, p…
Breathing exercises blunt the body’s physical reaction to acute stress
Short breathing exercises can prevent sudden spikes in heart rate and anxiety. A new study reveals that just a few minutes of controlled breathing keeps physiological stress marke…