Virtual Reality May Encourage Empathetic Behavior
According to a new study, virtual reality may be a useful tool for encouraging empathy and positive attitudes towards marginalized groups.... Read More...
PLOS
Dads’ Nicotine Use May Cause Cognitive Problems for Children and Grandchildren
Researchers report a father's exposure to nicotine may have lasting effects on the cognitive development of his offspring. The study reports nicotine exposure may cause epigenetic alterations in key genes within the father's sperm, affecting not only his direct children but also grandchildren.... Read More...
Hugs May Help Protect Against Conflict Related Distress
A new study reveals receiving a hug on a day when you experience interpersonal conflict can be a buffer against negative mood and distress.... Read More...
Dementia Symptoms Peak in Winter and Spring
Researchers say there is a link between improved cognitive functioning in Alzheimer's disease and different seasons. The study reports those with Alzheimer's have better cognitive skills during late summer and early fall. Additionally, there was an association with seasonality and levels of Alzheimer's related proteins in the brain.... Read More...
Bile Acids From the Gut Could Help to Treat Cocaine Abuse
A new study reveals bile acids can reduce the rewarding properties of cocaine use.... Read More...
Antioxidant Benefits of Sleep
Researchers report sleep may be vital in supporting antioxidant processes. The study, which used short sleeping fruit flies, revealed sleep defends the body against oxidative stress, and oxidative stress in turn helps the sleep process.... Read More...
Snorts Indicate Positive Emotions in Horses
Researchers report horses tend to snort more when they are in positive emotional situations. The findings suggest snorts are reliable indicators of positive emotions in horses.... Read More...
Caffeine From Four Cups of Coffee Protects the Heart With the Help of Mitochondria
A new study reports caffeine concentration, the equivalent of four cups of coffee, can promote the movement of a regulatory protein into mitochondria. This can enhance mitochondrial function and protect heart cells from damage.... Read More...
New Computational Tool May Help Optimize Alzheimer’s Treatments
A new computational approach could help personalize brain stimulation for individual Alzheimer's patients, researchers say.... Read More...
Video of Moving Discs Reconstructed From Rat Retinal Neural Signals
Researchers have successfully reconstructed a short movie of randomly moving discs produced by rat retinal neurons, with the help of machine learning technology.... Read More...
Gray Hair Linked to Immune System and Viral Infection
Researchers have identified a link between the immune system, viral infection and premature hair graying. The study reports mice who went prematurely gray produced unusually high amounts of MITF, a protein that is responsible for releasing interferons, which help to fight viral infections. This suggests genes responsible for controlling pigmentation also work to control the immune system.... Read More...
How Obesity Dulls the Sense of Taste
Researchers report inflammation driven by obesity reduces the number of taste buds in mice. As a result, obese mice had a diminished sense of taste. ... Read More...