Latest

evolutionary neuroscience

stick figure cartoons of people being active and lazy

·September 18, 2018·4 min read

Are We Hardwired For Laziness? Brain Must Work Hard to Avoid Sloth

Researchers explore the exercise paradox, the feeling of wanting to become more physically active, but despite our best intentions, people actually become less active. The study reports our brains may simply be wired to want to conserve energy.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 17, 2018·3 min read

Are We Predisposed to Forgive?

A new study reports our cognitive flexibility in judging those who wrong us may shed light on both the human tendency to forgive, and explain why people hold on to those who continue to wrong them.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 12, 2018·3 min read

Aging May Be As Old As Life Itself

Researchers report that, at the molecular levels, aging may have originated at the beginning of the evolution of life. They suggest when it comes to genes, aging may not always be a negative trait, and may help an organism to survive.

Featured Psychology

·September 11, 2018·8 min read

The Universality of Shame

Researchers hypothesize shame may have been built into human nature by evolution because it served an important function for our foraging ancestors. The study reports an implicit mental map of how negatively others will perceive a person sets the level of shame they feel for their potential action.

Featured Psychology

·September 11, 2018·6 min read

Humans Might Not Be Altruistic ‘Avengers’ After All

Contrary to popular belief, researchers report most people do not interfere when they witness someone abusing a stranger.

Featured Psychology

·September 8, 2018·5 min read

Toddlers Prefer Winners, But Avoid Those Who Win by Force

By the age of 18 months, toddlers prefer individuals others yield to, researchers say. The study suggests this preference may be rooted deep in human nature and may have evolved because being close to those in power provides people with better access to resources, territory and mates.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 8, 2018·4 min read

Lonely People Stand Farther From Loved Ones

Researchers theorize social 'survival mode' triggers the preference for greater personal space in lonely people.

Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 7, 2018·3 min read

The Evolution of Psychiatric Disorders and Personality Traits

Researchers have identified a gene that has evolved through natural selection and is implicated in psychiatric disorders and personality traits. The study suggests natural selection has helped shaped our psychiatric traits and helped to maintain human diversity.

Featured Psychology

·August 31, 2018·4 min read

Learning to Lie Has Cognitive Benefits

A new study reports there are cognitive benefits for children who learn to lie early in life. Researchers say children who learn to lie early have more self control, better executive function and improved theory of mind.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 23, 2018·3 min read

Ant-y Social: Ant Study Reveals Evolutionary Benefits of Group Living

A new study of ant populations reveals group living confers immediate benefits, even among genetically identical individuals. The study revealed larger groups produced more offspring and greater stability than smaller groups. The study may shed new light on the evolution of social behavior.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 21, 2018·4 min read

Core Thinking Error Underlies Belief in Creationism and Conspiracy Theories

Researchers report teleological thinking, a single and powerful cognitive bias which entails the perception of final causes or an overriding purpose in natural events, is linked to two seemingly unconnected beliefs; conspiracy theories and creationism.