Mental Health
The tendency of conspiracy theorists to police others online is associated with narcissistic traits
New research suggests that people who endorse conspiracy theories frequently adopt the role of online "social vigilantes." This confrontational behavior—including arguing and onli…
Study finds media coverage of the 2024 presidential race favored political spectacle over substantive policy debates
During the chaotic 2024 presidential election, major U.S. newspapers focused heavily on political strategy and legal battles rather than substantive policy. A recent study indicat…
Millions of American gun owners leave firearms in cars, often in unlocked consoles
Roughly 27% of American gun owners leave firearms unattended in their vehicles, often in center consoles or glove compartments, according to a national survey examining safety fea…
Psilocybin reverses depressive behaviors and restores brain cell growth in stressed rats
Two low doses of psilocybin helped chronically stressed rats recover their ability to experience pleasure while reducing anxiety. The psychedelic compound also promoted the birth …
New psychology study reveals an intriguing shift in romantic partner comparisons over time
Comparing yourself to your romantic partner is often viewed as a bad habit. But new psychological research suggests that comparing skills or opinions can actually help couples bui…
Brain scans reveal how artificial sweeteners affect our reward circuits differently than sugar
A new study reveals that while zero-calorie sweeteners generally affect the body like water, they trigger distinct activity in the brain’s reward centers compared to real sugar. I…
Genetic risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is linked to specific types of intelligence
A new study reveals that genetic risks for conditions like schizophrenia are linked to lower problem-solving skills but higher accumulated knowledge. The findings show that intell…
Short-term SSRI use alters brain connectivity in anxious individuals in unexpected ways
A new brain imaging study reveals that short-term use of the antidepressant escitalopram actually increases connectivity between key emotion-processing brain regions in anxious in…
People who believe in free will tend to feel more positive
People who believe more strongly in free will tend to feel better in their everyday lives, and experimentally encouraging these beliefs may increase positive feelings.
An $18bn settlement – and Zuckerberg barely blinked. The tech titans must be stripped of their power, and soon | Jonathan Freedland
Those who said Meta harms children struck a blow, but the ability of big tech to gouge profits and cause harm is barely diminished. That’s the battle to comeFollow the money. If y…
The gender gap in politics is not widening as much as you think
Despite narratives of a growing political divide between the sexes, new research shows that men and women actually shift their opinions in parallel. Major national events, rather …
How family accommodation impacts anxiety and OCD treatment across the lifespan
When family members help loved ones avoid anxiety triggers, it can accidentally worsen symptoms. New research shows that while this behavior is common across all ages, specialized…
How the stories we tell about ourselves reveal hidden personality disorders
How people construct the stories of their lives offers insight into the severity of their personality disorders. Researchers found that narrating life events with a focus on negat…
Donald Trump’s New York accent has subtly shifted over the past five decades
Acoustic analysis of Donald Trump’s speech from 1980 to 2023 reveals that while he largely maintained his classic New York accent, he steadily shifted his pronunciation of stigmat…
Workplace pesticide exposure is linked to higher ALS risk
A review of eight studies suggests an association between occupational pesticide exposure and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, though researchers caution that self-reported data and…
Couples who share awe-inspiring experiences report greater relationship flourishing
A new study finds that couples who experience moments of awe together report higher relationship satisfaction and a deeper sense of connection. These shared experiences of wonder …
The psychology of why people share their smartphone location data with friends and family
A new survey details exactly who people share their smartphone location data with and the motivations driving these digital disclosures. While couples often track each other for p…
Stiffer arteries are associated with higher risk of dementia in older adults
A new study reveals that older adults with stiffer arteries face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers suggest that monitoring arterial stiffness could e…
Jury deliberations begin in Lindsay Clancy murder trial after her attorney blames medical system
The state concludes: ‘This wasn’t a woman suffering from a lack of care’ or ‘a lack of resources’Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailThe jury in the Lindsay Clancy mu…
The hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum relieves facial pain, study finds
A compound extracted from a hallucinogenic mint plant used in traditional Mexican medicine reduces facial nerve pain in mice. The findings reveal the biological mechanism behind t…
Judge orders mental health evaluation for man found with gun at Trump golf course in LA
Judge ruled Jeanine John Taele, discovered with firearm days before Trump visit, was unfit to face felony chargeA judge in California has suspended criminal proceedings against a …
Enlarged amygdala linked to a distinct social anxiety profile in autistic adults
A recent study found that autistic adults experiencing social anxiety have larger amygdalae and display more compliant behaviors. These distinct biological and behavioral markers …
Abacus training is linked to better math and memory skills in elementary students
Elementary school students who learn to calculate using a mental abacus tend to perform better on math tests than their peers. A new study suggests this advantage is partly explai…
Religion’s mental health benefits are largely tied to existential meaning and digital habits
People who are more religious often report better mental health. However, new research suggests this connection is largely explained by how they find meaning in life and the amoun…