How humans learned to dance; from the Chimpanzee Conga
Studying the evolution of human dance, psychologists discovered chimpanzees also perform duo dance-like behaviors similar to a conga line. ... Read More...
brain research
Research articles and news stories tagged with brain research
Could some people with schizophrenia in poorer nations simply have a vitamin deficiency?
An association has been identified between a variant of the NAPRT1 gene, which reduces the body's ability to use Vitamin B3, and schizophrenia. The study reveals there could be a critical interaction between a pregnant woman's prenatal niacin deficiency due to malnutrition and the NAPRT1 variant, which impedes the fetus' ability to use niacin during development. The interaction between the gene and the prenatal environment may predispose the offspring to develop a psychiatric disorder.... Read More...
The empathy option: The science of how and why we choose to be empathetic
Is empathy really on the decline, as a recent study suggests? Researchers investigate how and why people chose to be empathetic, or to avoid empathy, in their daily lives.... Read More...
Hydration may affect cognitive function in some older adults
Among older women, lower levels of hydration were associated with lower scores on tests designed to measure attention, working memory, and motor speed. Researchers also found over-hydration may have a detrimental effect on cognitive function.... Read More...
Experts review evidence yoga is good for the brain
Yoga has a positive effect on the structure and function of key brain areas associated with memory. Findings provide evidence that yoga may hold promise in mitigating age-related and neurodegenerative decline.... Read More...
Your genes aren’t the only factor dictating Alzheimer’s risk
While genetics may increase your risk of developing dementia, other factors such as lifestyle and environment may play a key role in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.... Read More...
Skipping one night of sleep may leave insomniacs twice as impaired
Chronic insomniacs who pull an all-nighter perform twice as bad on reaction time tests as normal sleepers who forgo a night's sleep.... Read More...
Rave new world: Scientists pry apart party drug’s therapeutic, addictive qualities
Researchers have distinguished two different molecular pathways responsible for addiction and the prosocial feelings generated by MDMA. The findings could lead to novel treatments for psychiatric disorders marked by withdrawal and social awkwardness.... Read More...
Alzheimer’s drug candidates reverse broader aging
CMS121 and J147, two drug candidates that improve memory and slow neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease, also slow aging in healthy, older mice. The compounds block damage to neurons caused by general aging and restore levels of specific molecules to those seen in younger animals.... Read More...
Me, me, me! How narcissism changes throughout life
Longitudinal study reveals for most people narcissistic traits such as sensitivity to criticism and imposing your opinion onto others, decreases as we age. However, having high aspirations for yourself increases over time.... Read More...
The genetic signature of memory
Cortical and subcortical memory regions exhibit distinct genetic signatures that reflect potential differences in health and disease.... Read More...
In a split second, clothes make the man more competent in the eyes of others
There may be some truth to the common idea that we judge a person's competence based on the clothes they wear. A new study reveals we perceive a person to have higher levels of competence if the clothes they wear look expensive.... Read More...