FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 3, 2025·5 min readStudy Reveals Brain Circuits That Drive Political Passion and IntensityA new study has identified specific brain networks that regulate the intensity of political engagement, regardless of ideology. By analyzing Vietnam War veterans with localized brain injuries, researchers found that damage to the prefrontal cortex increased political fervor, while damage to the amygdala reduced it.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 18, 2024·8 min readWhen Does Election Debunking Work? New Model Provides InsightsA study using a computational model reveals factors that influence whether debunking efforts about disputed election results will persuade people to change their beliefs. The model shows that debunking is more likely to succeed when individuals are less certain of their original beliefs and perceive the authority as unbiased and motivated by accuracy.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 30, 2024·6 min readExtreme Political Views Drive Higher Belief in MisinformationA new study reveals that users with extreme political views are more likely to encounter and believe online misinformation. The research shows that misinformation spreads across the political spectrum, but its impact is most pronounced among those with conservative or liberal extremes.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 27, 2024·5 min readBrain Structure Linked to Political IdeologyA large study has found a small but significant link between brain structure and political ideology. The research revealed that conservatives have a slightly larger amygdala, a brain region involved in processing emotions, though the size difference is minimal.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 29, 2024·3 min readStudy Reveals Shared Values Among US Voters Despite Political DivideNew research reveals that most American voters, regardless of political affiliation, share similar values, but fail to recognize their common ground. This misperception exacerbates societal conflict and pessimism about the future. When shown evidence of their shared values, participants felt more hopeful and trusting towards the other side. The study calls for media and social scientists to highlight these commonalities to reduce perceived polarization.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 8, 2024·6 min readPersonality Politics: What Makes a Successful Politician?A new study identifies humor, charm, and courage as crucial traits for successful politicians. Researchers found that aspiring politicians embark on challenging careers driven by a mix of ambition, idealism, and sometimes narcissism. Key qualities like charm, decision-making skills, and verbal prowess are essential for political success. The study also highlights the limited and often inadequate preparation for ministerial roles, suggesting reforms for better governance.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 13, 2024·3 min readHeat Waves Reduce Politicians’ Speech ComplexityHigh temperatures lead to simpler language in parliamentary speeches. Analyzing seven million speeches from 28,000 politicians, researchers discovered that heat negatively impacts cognitive abilities. This effect was more pronounced in older politicians. The findings highlight the broader impacts of climate change on human performance and decision-making.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 3, 2024·3 min readStress-Induced Brain Chemistry Changes Linked to Political RadicalismA new study explores how brain chemistry influences political opinions through the "threat-based neural switch theory." This theory suggests that stress from economic crises and wars enhances susceptibility to simple, often radical, political messages by altering brain processes.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 29, 2024·5 min readHow Politicians’ Smiles Can Swing Voter SupportThe type of smile displayed by political leaders can significantly sway voter preferences and support for their political agendas. The study distinguished between 'reward' and 'affiliative' smiles, analyzing their effects on voter reactions to leaders from the 2019 UK general election.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 5, 2024·6 min readThe Partisan Morality Divide: When Politics Shapes Right and WrongIn today's polarized political climate, a recent study uncovers a stark divide in moral judgment based on political affiliation, revealing a complex interplay between personal beliefs and political loyalty. Researchers found that individuals are more lenient towards the misdeeds of political allies while adopting a punitive stance towards opponents, a phenomenon that challenges the notion of universal moral standards.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePainPsychology·November 10, 2023·5 min readAching for Accord: Pain Influences PoliticsResearch reveals an unusual correlation between pain sensitivity and political openness. Pain-sensitive individuals tend to endorse values and show support for politicians typically associated with the opposing political camp.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 25, 2023·5 min readCongress Tweets: Belief-Speak, Facts, and Trustworthiness DecodedA new study delves into the tweet behavior of Congress members over the last decade. Both Republican and Democratic politicians have shown an uptick in sharing their convictions and beliefs along with evidence-backed information.Read More
