Latest

Psychology

·June 16, 2025·5 min read

The Social Roots of Treating Animals Like People

Anthropomorphism—seeing animals as human-like—has long influenced which species receive conservation attention. A new study reveals that social, cultural, and religious factors all shape people’s tendency to attribute human qualities to animals.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2025·5 min read

Across Generations, Humans Are Driven to Keep Culture Alive

A new paper proposes the cultural continuity hypothesis, suggesting that humans are universally driven to preserve essential aspects of their culture across generations. Drawing on psychology, sociology, and anthropology, the researchers argue that cultural retention fosters identity, belonging, and psychological well-being.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2025·7 min read

ECT Cuts Suicide Risk by 34% in Severe Depression

A new meta-analysis reveals that Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) reduces suicide risk by 34% and all-cause mortality by 30% in individuals with severe depression. The study, which pooled data from 26 high-quality studies, compared nearly 18,000 patients treated with ECT to over 25,000 who received standard care. ECT also modestly reduced suicidal thoughts, showing broader health benefits beyond mental health. While newer therapies like rTMS and VNS showed some promise, the evidence was too limited to draw firm conclusions.

This shows a baby and a child at an incubator.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2025·4 min read

No Link Found Between Preterm Siblings and Child Behavior Issues

A large-scale European study found no evidence that having a sibling born preterm leads to more behavioral problems in children born at term. Researchers analyzed data from over 65,000 children and found no significant differences in behavior between children with preterm versus term-born siblings.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 13, 2025·4 min read

Your Unique Breathing Patterns May Reveal Your Identity and Mental Health

New research reveals that each person has a unique breathing “fingerprint” that can be used to identify them with nearly 97% accuracy. By continuously monitoring nasal airflow over 24 hours using a lightweight wearable, scientists discovered that these patterns also reflect physical and mental health traits.

This shows a person laying down, surrounded by swirls.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2025·5 min read

Out-of-Body Experiences Help the Mind Escape from Trauma

New research suggests that out-of-body experiences (OBEs) may serve as coping mechanisms triggered by trauma, rather than symptoms of mental illness. Based on data from over 500 individuals, those who had OBEs reported higher rates of mental health conditions, but also described lasting benefits from their experiences.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2025·2 min read

Weekend Catch-Up Sleep Boost May Lower Teen Anxiety

A new study reveals that teenagers who get moderate catch-up sleep—up to two extra hours—on weekends report fewer symptoms of anxiety. Sleeping significantly more or less on weekends than on weekdays, however, was linked to higher anxiety levels.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2025·4 min read

Social Status and Genes Interact to Shape the Aging Brain

A global study of nearly one million individuals has identified hundreds of genetic regions linked to socioeconomic status, revealing a shared genetic signal across income, education, occupation, and deprivation. Researchers found that about 9% of the variation in socioeconomic status could be attributed to genetics, while the rest was driven by social and environmental factors.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2025·4 min read

Stress Genes Guide Cell Cleanup

New research has uncovered how the body clears dying cells during times of stress, shedding light on the unexpected role of classic stress-response genes. Using the model organism C. elegans, scientists tracked how these genes activate a pathway that helps remove cellular debris, a process essential for immune health and development.

This shows the outline of a child and a brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 12, 2025·6 min read

Childhood Trauma Rewires the Brain Through Inflammation

Childhood trauma doesn't just leave psychological scars—it biologically reshapes the brain through chronic neuroinflammation and structural changes, increasing vulnerability to psychiatric disorders later in life. New research shows that early adversity can reprogram immune responses, altering lifelong mental health outcomes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 11, 2025·5 min read

Fast-Track to Happiness: One Week of Micro-Acts Makes a Difference

A new study has shown that just seven days of small, daily acts of kindness and gratitude can significantly improve emotional wellbeing. In the web-based Big Joy Project, nearly 17,600 participants from around the world performed micro-acts like sharing joyful moments and listing things they’re grateful for.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 10, 2025·6 min read

Genetic Sensitivity to Environment May Shape Mental Health Traits

A large international study of over 21,000 identical twins has identified genetic variants that influence how individuals respond to life experiences, affecting traits such as anxiety, depression, and autistic traits. By analyzing genetic differences in identical twins, researchers discovered that certain genes make people more or less sensitive to environmental exposures.