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emotion

This shows the change in the anger body map.

·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.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 19, 2024·6 min read

Breath and Emotion Connected by Newly Identified Brain Circuit

Researchers have identified a specific brain circuit that allows voluntary control of breathing, linking it to emotional and behavioral states. This circuit, spanning the anterior cingulate cortex, pons, and medulla, slows breathing during calm states and accelerates it under anxiety. Experiments in mice showed activating this circuit reduced anxiety, while shutting it off increased stress.

Featured Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·November 13, 2024·4 min read

Are Emotional Sounds Universal Across Languages?

A new study examined vocal expressions of emotion across 131 languages, exploring similarities in emotional interjections and comparing them to non-linguistic sounds like cries and laughter. The research aimed to understand whether shared vocal patterns exist globally and if these patterns relate to our evolutionary roots in vocal communication. The team found that vocal expressions of pain, like "Ouch!", showed consistent vowel forms across languages, while disgust and joy did not.

This shows an older couple sitting on a bench.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 11, 2024·7 min read

Emotional Sensitivity Linked to Anxiety and Depression Risks

A recent study reveals that seniors who are more susceptible to “emotional contagion”—feeling emotions from others—are significantly more likely to experience anxiety or depression. Researchers found that emotional sensitivity, when unmanaged, could increase the risk of psychological distress in seniors by up to tenfold. Emotional contagion, often triggered unconsciously, helps foster empathy but may strain mental health in communal living settings.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 11, 2024·7 min read

Stable Bedtime Boosts Kids’ Behavior and Emotional Control

Children with regular bedtimes exhibit better emotional control and behavior than those with irregular sleep patterns. Researchers found that consistency in sleep times helps children handle stress and regulate their actions more effectively.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 8, 2024·6 min read

Emotional Bonding: How Dog-Owner Heart Rates Sync During Interaction

Dogs and their owners show synchronized heart rate variability (HRV), reflecting shared emotional states during relaxed interactions, a new study reveals. Researchers observed that both heart rate and physical activity levels adapt between dogs and owners, but the strongest emotional connection appears during restful moments, indicating shared relaxation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 25, 2024·6 min read

Depression Alters Brain Circuits, Heightening Negative Perception

Scientists have identified how depression alters the brain’s response to positive and negative stimuli, particularly in the amygdala, a key emotional processing center. The study found that depression reduces neural activity linked to positive perceptions while increasing it for negative perceptions.