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friendship

This shows a brain with glowing neurons and people surrounding it.

·August 26, 2025·4 min read

Tiny Neurons Shape Empathy and Social Memory

A new study shows that specific brain cells called PV interneurons play a crucial role in social decision-making and empathy. When researchers suppressed these neurons in mice, the animals stopped differentiating between familiar and unfamiliar peers and failed to show preference for distressed companions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 17, 2023·7 min read

The Power of Friendship Counters Early Life Stress

A new study, based on 36 years of data from nearly 200 baboons, indicates that strong social bonds formed in adulthood can counteract the negative effects of adversity experienced early in life. These hardships, similar to human experiences of growing up in a tumultuous environment, can shorten their lifespan.

This shows a sweet, playful looking little boy and girl

Featured Psychology

·February 9, 2021·4 min read

Mean or Nice? These Traits Could Make or Break a Child’s Friendships

One child's behavioral traits drive another child's friendship experience over time. Children with mean friends report an increase in friendship negativity over time, while those with nice friends report a decline in negative relationship emotions.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·November 2, 2017·4 min read

Close Friends Linked to a Sharper Memory

A new PLOS ONE study reports superagers who maintain positive friendships have better cognitive ability and slower memory decline that peers who do not maintain strong social networks.