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emotion

This shows DNA and the outline of a person.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·December 13, 2024·7 min read

Genetic Mechanism Links Emotional Experiences to Behavior Changes

Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that regulates behavioral adaptations to emotional experiences by forming R-loops, unique RNA:DNA structures that activate target genes. The study focused on NPAS4, a gene implicated in stress and drug addiction, showing how blocking R-loops prevents maladaptive behaviors like cocaine seeking and stress-induced anhedonia in mice.

This shows a brain and a person listening to music.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 8, 2024·6 min read

Music Can Change the Emotional Tone of Your Memories

New research reveals that music can do more than trigger memories—it can alter their emotional tone. When participants recalled neutral stories while listening to emotionally charged music, they later remembered the stories as matching the music’s mood. Brain scans showed increased communication between emotion, memory, and sensory processing areas, suggesting music infuses new emotional details into memories. These findings hint at music’s potential for therapeutic interventions, like reframing negative memories in depression or PTSD.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 7, 2024·3 min read

Why Fidgeting Bothers Some People

Misokinesia, affecting about one-third of individuals, is an aversion to repetitive bodily movements like fidgeting, causing emotional, cognitive, and physical distress. New research explores its impact on daily life, relationships, and mental well-being, revealing challenges such as intense distraction, rage, and social strain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 7, 2024·4 min read

Why Your Child Keeps Rewatching That Show (and Why It’s Good)

Children’s love for repeating shows, books, or activities is more than a quirk—it supports learning and emotional wellbeing. Cognitive science reveals that repetition helps kids detect patterns, a process critical for language and cognitive development.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 6, 2024·5 min read

Why Do We Remember? Study Explores the ‘Why’ Behind Human Memory

A new review examines why people remember certain events, focusing on the emotional, personal, and contextual factors that shape memory. Researchers categorized memory into the "what, where, and when," highlighting how emotional resonance, location, and timing influence retention.

Featured Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·December 6, 2024·4 min read

Facial Expressions of Pain Are Linked to Distinct Brain Activity

Facial expressions triggered by pain are deeply tied to brain activity, revealing distinct neural mechanisms compared to verbal pain reports. Researchers developed a neurobiological model, using MRI and machine learning, to predict pain-induced facial expressions.

This shows the change in the anger body map.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2024·5 min read

Angry Feet: How the Emotional Body Map Changed Over Time

Researchers analyzing 1 million Akkadian words from ancient Mesopotamian texts revealed unique insights into how emotions were experienced in the body. While many emotions align with modern perceptions, the ancients notably linked happiness to the liver and anger to the feet, contrasting with modern experiences in the chest and hands.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 2, 2024·4 min read

Decoding Emotions Through Skin Signals

Skin conductance offers a promising new way to measure emotional states, bypassing the limitations of facial recognition. In an experiment, volunteers watched videos evoking fear, humor, and family bonding while their skin's electrical properties were recorded.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 25, 2024·4 min read

Moms’ Baby Talk Boosts Infant Oxytocin

A new study reveals that when mothers regularly discuss their infants’ thoughts and feelings, it is associated with higher oxytocin levels in their babies. Oxytocin, a hormone crucial for social bonding and emotional development, is influenced by the way mothers reference their child’s internal states during interactions.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 23, 2024·5 min read

Our “Reptilian” Brain Areas’ Role in Emotion and Social Skills

A new study uncovers constant communication between the human brain's social cognitive network, responsible for understanding others' thoughts, and the amygdala, known for processing fear and emotions. High-resolution brain scans revealed that this connection helps the brain integrate emotional importance into social interactions.

This shows a little girl reading a book, surrounded by cute animals.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 22, 2024·5 min read

Animal Characters in Children’s Books Boost Theory of Mind

Animal characters in children's books can significantly boost their theory of mind skills, which are essential for understanding social cues. The research showed that children exposed to animal characters performed better in theory of mind tests than those with human characters, with younger children scoring similarly to older peers.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 22, 2024·4 min read

Emotional Struggles and Tantrums in Preschoolers Linked to ADHD

Preschool children who struggle to regulate their emotions are more likely to show symptoms of ADHD and mental health challenges by age seven. A study of over 19,000 children found that slower emotional development was significantly linked to behavioral issues, internalizing symptoms like sadness, and conduct problems. These findings suggest that monitoring emotional regulation in early childhood could help identify children at risk for mental health issues.