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mood

·October 24, 2025·6 min read

Swap 30 Minutes of Sitting for Light Activity to Boost Next-Day Mood

New research reveals that replacing even 30 minutes of sitting with light physical activity—like walking or doing household chores—can boost mood and energy the following day. The study tracked over 350 young adults using wearable monitors to assess daily movement patterns.

This shows a map, half Is red and covered in negative emojis, the other is blue and covered with positive emojis, symbolizing the effect heat has on mood.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 31, 2025·6 min read

Extreme Heat Makes People More Negative

A large-scale global study shows that extreme heat affects not just our bodies, but also our emotions. Researchers analyzed over a billion social media posts and found that when temperatures exceeded 95°F (35°C), expressed sentiments became more negative, particularly in lower-income countries where effects were three times stronger.

This shows a woman surrounded by a moon and hearts.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 13, 2025·2 min read

Oxytocin Protects Mood During Sleep Loss

New research suggests oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone,” may help protect women from mood disturbances caused by sleep disruption and hormonal changes during postpartum and menopause. In a controlled study, women with higher oxytocin levels before sleep fragmentation reported fewer mood symptoms the following day.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 29, 2025·7 min read

Singing to Infants Boosts Mood and Bonding

A new randomized study found that when parents sing more frequently to their infants, both babies and caregivers experience measurable improvements in mood and wellbeing. The study involved 110 caregiver-infant pairs who participated in a four-week music enrichment intervention via smartphone.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 27, 2025·3 min read

Dopamine Clock May Drive Bipolar Mood Swings

New research suggests that mood swings in bipolar disorder are regulated by two clocks: the body’s 24-hour circadian rhythm and a dopamine-based clock that influences alertness. When these clocks align at specific intervals, they may trigger shifts between mania and depression.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 17, 2025·7 min read

Mapping IL-1’s Role in Mood, Memory, and Sensory Circuits

A comprehensive study mapped neuronal IL-1R1 (nIL-1R1) expression in the mouse brain, highlighting its role in sensory processing, mood, and memory regulation. Researchers found that neurons expressing IL-1R1 integrate immune and neural signals, revealing connections between inflammation and brain disorders like depression and anxiety.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 26, 2024·6 min read

Fitness Trackers Detect Mood Episodes in Bipolar Disorder with High Accuracy

Data from fitness trackers can detect mood episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder with up to 89.1% accuracy for mania and 80.1% for depression. Researchers used passively collected, noninvasive data and machine learning algorithms to identify mood changes, demonstrating the potential for real-time monitoring.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 11, 2024·5 min read

Key Brain Protein Tied to Motivation and Mood Identified

A new study has identified a brain protein, vesicular nucleotide transporter (Vnut), as essential for regulating mood and motivation in mice. When Vnut was removed from brain cells called astrocytes, the mice displayed higher anxiety, depression-like behavior, and decreased motivation, especially in females.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 27, 2024·5 min read

Video Games Can Boost Mood in Just 15 Minutes

A new study found that playing video games can improve players’ moods within 15 minutes of gameplay. Researchers analyzed data from over 39 countries, showing that nearly three-quarters of players experienced a positive mood shift during gameplay.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 9, 2024·3 min read

Classical Music Synchronizes Brain Waves, Improving Depression

Western classical music can significantly affect brain activity, particularly in people with treatment-resistant depression. By measuring brainwaves and neural imaging, scientists discovered that music synchronizes neural oscillations between brain regions associated with sensory and emotional processing, enhancing mood. This study suggests that personalized music therapy could be a powerful tool for treating depression, especially when integrated with other sensory stimuli.

This shows a woman drinking with friends.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 6, 2024·6 min read

Social Drinking Activates Dopamine and Elevates Mood

New research reveals why alcohol makes people feel happier in social settings but not when drinking alone. Using fruit flies, scientists discovered that dopamine in the brain plays a key role in amplifying the euphoric effects of alcohol during social interactions.