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Psychology

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·October 22, 2024·5 min read

How AI is Reshaping Human Thought and Decision-Making

A new study introduces "System 0," a cognitive framework where artificial intelligence (AI) enhances human thinking by processing vast data, complementing our natural intuition (System 1) and analytical thinking (System 2). However, this external thinking system poses risks, such as over-reliance on AI and a potential loss of cognitive autonomy.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 22, 2024·6 min read

Watching Docudramas Boosts Empathy

A new study shows that after watching a docudrama about a wrongfully convicted prisoner, participants became more empathetic toward formerly incarcerated individuals and more supportive of criminal justice reform. The research revealed that personal stories portrayed in media can shift attitudes, encouraging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of marginalized groups.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 22, 2024·3 min read

AI-Written Stories Rated Lower Due to Bias, Not Quality

New research shows that stories generated by AI, such as ChatGPT, are almost as good as those written by humans. However, when people are told a story is AI-generated, they rate it more negatively, revealing a bias against AI-created content.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 21, 2024·6 min read

AI Uncovers DNA Variants Linked to Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers developed an AI algorithm, ARC-SV, to detect complex structural variants in the human genome that previous methods missed. Analyzing over 4,000 genomes, researchers discovered thousands of complex variants, many affecting brain-related genes and linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 21, 2024·5 min read

Home-Based Brain Stimulation Shows Promise for Treating Depression

A new study demonstrates that home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective method for treating depression. Participants in the study who used tDCS at home showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms compared to those in a control group.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 21, 2024·3 min read

Why PTSD Develops in Some but Not Others

Fear memories initially form broad associations, but over time, they shift to become episodic memories tied to specific timelines. This process involves the hippocampus early on, with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex integrating the event sequence later.

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Featured Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·October 19, 2024·4 min read

Listening to Music After Surgery Lowers Pain and Anxiety

A new study suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, and even heart rate, aiding recovery. An analysis of 35 studies found that patients who listened to music reported lower pain levels and used less morphine on the first day post-surgery compared to those who didn’t.

This shows two brains, a gaming controller and running shoes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 19, 2024·5 min read

Video Games Boost Cognition, Exercise Improves Mental Health

A large-scale study has found that playing video games boosts cognitive abilities, but has no impact on mental health, while exercise improves mental well-being without affecting cognition. Over 1,000 participants completed cognitive tests after playing video games and completing a lifestyle survey.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 17, 2024·6 min read

Cannabis Leaves Molecular Marks on DNA Linked to Psychosis

Frequent use of high-potency cannabis leaves unique molecular marks on DNA, particularly affecting genes related to energy and immune function. Researchers found that DNA methylation—an epigenetic modification—differed between frequent cannabis users who had experienced psychosis and those who had not, suggesting a possible genetic link to psychosis risk.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 17, 2024·6 min read

People Empathize with Bullied AI Bots

People empathize with AI bots excluded from a virtual game, treating them like social beings in need of fairness. Participants favored giving the AI bot a fair chance in play, with older adults showing a stronger inclination to rectify the perceived unfairness.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 17, 2024·4 min read

“Brain on Fire”: When Antibodies Attack the Brain

Anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disease, can cause extreme psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and memory loss, often mimicking bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. This condition, often affecting women in their 20s to 30s, results from antibodies attacking brain receptors essential for cognition and memory.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 17, 2024·8 min read

Genetic Influences on Youth Behavior and Mental Health

Researchers have used an innovative approach to explore genetic links to mental health issues in youth, identifying associations with behaviors such as screen time and caffeine consumption. By focusing on polygenic scores that reflect genetic predispositions, the study highlights a range of potentially modifiable factors that may contribute to psychiatric risk.