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mood

·May 24, 2019·2 min read

Short-term use of opioids increases subjective pleasure

Short-term opioid use increases positive emotional experiences by intensifying feelings of pleasure and weakening negative emotions. This, researchers say, could be a contributing factor for later opioid addiction. However, the long term use of opioids alters the reward system, diminishing the initial sensitivity and blunting emotions.

This shows a model of the melotonin receptors

Featured Neuroscience

·April 24, 2019·7 min read

A good night’s sleep may be in sight: New 3D models of melatonin receptors shed light on sleep disorders

Researchers have created new 3D maps of two melatonin receptors. The models can be used to help develop new treatments that not only improve sleep, but may also treat a variety of other conditions from diabetes to cancer.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 16, 2019·3 min read

Common sleep myths compromise good sleep and health

Many myths associated with sleep may be detrimental to health, a new study reveals. Contrary to popular belief, drinking alcohol is unhealthy for sleep as it reduces the ability for deep sleep states, and sleeping five hours a night can result in a serious health risk.

This image shows a laptop and a computer monitor at night time

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 6, 2019·4 min read

Screen time, even before bed, has little impact on teen well-being

Contrary to previous findings, a new study reports little evidence for a substantial negative link between screen time use before sleep and adolescent wellbeing.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 4, 2019·3 min read

No such thing as ‘sugar rush’! Sugar worsens mood rather than improving it

Carbohydrate consumption from sugary drinks and snacks does not help to improve mood. The findings may help increase public awareness that the 'sugar rush' is a myth and help inform health policies to promote healthier alternatives.

A person in a dress is shown holding a balloon.

Featured Psychology

·March 28, 2019·4 min read

A simple strategy to improve your mood in 12 minutes: Journal of Happiness Studies

Contemplating loving-kindness reduces anxiety while increasing happiness, empathy and feelings of social connection, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·February 11, 2019·5 min read

Does Microdosing Improve Mood and Performance?

A new study reports those who microdose psychedelics report improvements in attention and mental health. However, a number of people report an increase in neuroticism following six weeks of microdosing.

Featured Psychology

·February 5, 2019·4 min read

Healthy Diet May Help Ease Depression Symptoms

A new study adds to growing evidence that altering diet and lifestyle could help to improve symptoms of depression. The study reports, making simple dietary changes, such as eating more nutrient dense meals and cutting back on refined sugars, can help to reduce symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.

Featured Psychology

·January 19, 2019·3 min read

“Happiness” Exercises Boosts Mood For Those Recovering From Addiction

Positive psychology exercises have significant benefit in boosting mood for those recovering from substance addiction, a new study reports.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·January 14, 2019·4 min read

Recalling Happy Memories During Adolescence Can Reduce Depression Risk

Researchers report recalling specific positive memories from an earlier point in life was associated with fewer negative self-related thoughts and lower cortisol levels 12 months later. The study suggests recalling specific positive memories reduced vulnerability to depression over the course of one year.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 12, 2019·6 min read

Hearing Hate Speech Primes the Brain For Hateful Actions

Researchers report on how the brain is spurred into action by hearing certain words. They propose a new simulation theory that perceiving words can drive brain systems into states almost identical to what would be evoked by directly experiencing what the word describes.