risk taking

auditory neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Psychology visual neuroscience

·February 28, 2020

How sound and visual effects on slot machines increase the allure of gambling

People prefer to play virtual slot machines that provide casino-related cues, such as the sound of coins dropping or symbols of dollar signs. Cues associated with money and winning makes virtual slot machines more attractive and bigger wins more memorable. Read More

This is a photo of the memorial on Galveston seawall in honor of the victims of the 1900 hurricane

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 20, 2019

When natural disasters strike, men and women respond differently

In the face of natural disasters, women tend to take the risks far more seriously but have trouble convincing men their concerns are a priority. Read More

This shows a skateboarder pulling some moves

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 1, 2019

Adolescents’ fun seeking predicts both risk taking and prosocial behavior

A positive correlation has been identified between prosocial and rebellious behaviors in teens. The more risk taking behaviors a teen exhibited, the more likely they were to act prosocially. The findings suggest the same developmental processes are at work for both types of behaviors. Also noted was faster brain development in the medial prefrontal cortex predicted a decrease in rebellious behavior. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 26, 2019

Spontaneous brain fluctuations influence risk-taking

Fluctuations in the dopaminergic midbrain play a critical role in risky decision making. Read More

Featured Psychology

·May 1, 2019

Lure of the ‘loot box’ looks a lot like gambling

Loot boxes, a common reward in modern video games, may drive gambling like behaviors in adult gamers, researchers report. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 25, 2019

High Fructose Corn Syrup Consumption Linked to Bipolar Like Behaviors: Adolescent Rat Study

Researchers report adolescent rats exposed to high fructose corn syrup in their diets were more prone to experience symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Read More

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 14, 2019

Study Identified Numerous Genes Associated with Risk Tolerance and Risky Behaviors

Researchers have identified 124 genetic variants located on 99 separate regions of the genome which are linked to a person's tolerance and willingness to take risks. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·January 7, 2019

How the Brain Decides Whether to Hold ’em or Fold ’em

Researchers shed light on the neural mechanisms behind risk taking behaviors. The study reveals the decision to 'up the ante', even when faced with long odds, is a result of an internal bias that adds up over time and involves a 'push pull' dynamic between the two hemispheres of the brain. Read More

Featured Neuroscience

·November 7, 2018

Adolescent Cannabis Use Alters Development of Planning and Self Control Brain Areas

Researchers report adolescent cannabis use alters the structural development of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that helps control higher cognitive functions. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos Psychology

·October 29, 2018

Casino Lights and Sounds Encourage Risky Decision Making

A new study reveals sensory cues within a casino may directly influence a player's decision to make more risky choices. Read More

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 1, 2018

Insufficient Sleep Associated with Risky Teen Behavior

A new study reports teens who sleep for less than 6 hours per night are at greater risk of mental health issues, substance abuse, accidents and other risk taking behaviors. Read More