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Ohio State University

This shows people listening to music at an office.

·April 7, 2025·6 min read

Music Choice Can Harm Productivity

A new study shows that background music in workplaces can harm employee mood, energy, and job performance when it doesn’t match individual needs. This "music misfit" effect leads to mental fatigue, decreased focus, and even counterproductive behaviors. The negative impact is especially pronounced for workers who struggle to ignore background stimuli, known as non-screeners.

This is a drawing of a neuron and dendrites.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 21, 2025·5 min read

Dendrites Link Memories Formed Close in Time

A new study shows that our brains physically link memories formed close together in time through changes in the dendrites of neurons, rather than in the cell bodies. Using advanced imaging in mice, researchers found that the same dendritic branches are activated when closely timed experiences are encoded, effectively binding the memories.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 6, 2025·6 min read

High-Fat Diet Triggers Memory Decline Within Days

A new study shows that just three days of a high-fat diet can cause memory impairments and brain inflammation in older adults, independent of obesity. Researchers compared young and old rats fed a diet with 60% of calories from fat and found that only the older rats showed cognitive decline.

Neuroscience

·March 6, 2025·6 min read

People in the Minority Often Self-Silence, Affecting Their Behavior

A new study shows that people with minority viewpoints on controversial topics often self-silence when discussing their opinions, leading them to behave in ways that contradict their true beliefs. Researchers found that participants who disagreed with the majority view avoided fully expressing their stance and engaged in behaviors that aligned with the majority. This self-silencing reduced cognitive engagement, making them less likely to reflect deeply on the conversation.

This shows a woman in VR goggles and food.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 28, 2025·5 min read

New Tech Lets You Taste Digital Food

Scientists have developed e-Taste, a novel technology that digitally replicates taste in virtual environments. Using chemical sensors and wireless dispensers, the system captures and transmits taste data remotely, enabling users to experience sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors.

This shows a woman sitting alone with a mug of tea.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 3, 2024·3 min read

Alone Time Helps Reduce Holiday Stress

46% of Americans don’t get enough alone time during the holiday season, even though 56% say it’s crucial for their mental health. Taking brief moments alone can help the nervous system settle, reducing stress and improving well-being during this busy time.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 2, 2024·5 min read

How Alcohol Increases Pain Tolerance, and Aggression

Alcohol not only raises pain tolerance but also amplifies aggression, according to a new study. Researchers found that participants who drank alcohol had higher pain thresholds and were more willing to inflict painful shocks on others.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·October 18, 2024·4 min read

Disrupted Protein Clearance After TBI Tied to Alzheimer’s

A study has found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by disrupting protein clearance, leading to the accumulation of toxic tau proteins in the brain. Researchers discovered that TBI downregulates BAG3, a protein crucial for clearing damaged proteins, which contributes to Alzheimer's-related tau buildup.

This shows a woman looking through a cell phone with numerous thought bubbles surrounding her.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 14, 2024·4 min read

25% of Adults Suspect Undiagnosed ADHD

A new survey reveals that 25% of adults in the U.S. suspect they may have undiagnosed ADHD, though only 13% have consulted a doctor. Social media has driven greater awareness, especially among younger adults, but experts warn of the risks associated with self-diagnosis.

This shows people fighting over a puzzle piece.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 9, 2024·5 min read

Why We’re Confident with Only Half the Story

A new study reveals that people often overestimate the amount of information they have when making decisions, a phenomenon researchers call the “illusion of information adequacy.” Participants who were only given partial information about a situation were just as confident in their decisions as those who had the complete story.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 2, 2024·5 min read

57% of Americans Have Pro-Inflammatory Diets

Nearly 60% of Americans consume pro-inflammatory diets, increasing their risk for heart disease, cancer, and other health issues. The research shows that Black Americans, men, and people with lower incomes are more likely to follow diets high in inflammatory foods.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 27, 2024·5 min read

Children’s Curiosity or Memory Gaps? Why Kids Over-Explore Tasks

Children often gather more information than needed to complete a task, even when they know the solution. A new study suggests this "over-exploration" might stem from either natural curiosity or underdeveloped working memory. Researchers found that kids, unlike adults, continue to explore irrelevant information due to uncertainty in their memory retention.