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risk taking

This shows a teen with a drink and brains.

·April 11, 2025·4 min read

Using Cannabis While Drinking May Lead to Riskier Behavior

Young adults often use alcohol and cannabis together, a behavior that may dull the perceived negative effects of drinking and increase the risk of alcohol-related harm. A recent study found that simultaneous use can reduce users’ awareness of alcohol’s effects, potentially leading to alcohol use disorder and dangerous behaviors like drunk driving.

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·December 9, 2024·5 min read

Older Adults Are Risk-Takers Who Learn and Adapt Quickly

New research challenges stereotypes about older adults, revealing that they are more willing to take risks than younger individuals and are equally adept at resisting manipulation. Using gambling tasks, researchers found that while older adults initially made more mistakes, they quickly improved with practice, achieving decision-making proficiency comparable to younger participants.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 27, 2024·5 min read

Unexpected Sounds Boost Dopamine, Leading to Riskier Decisions

A new study shows that unexpected sounds can cause dopamine bursts in the brain, which may lead to riskier decision-making. Researchers found that participants were 4% more likely to choose risky options after hearing a surprising tone. These findings highlight how unrelated sensory events, like sounds, can influence choices, shedding light on the role dopamine plays in decision-making.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 23, 2024·5 min read

Psychology of Stock Choices: High Risk or Steady Gains?

Researchers conducted a study exploring why investors are drawn to high-risk IPO shares despite their generally low returns, comparing this allure to the steady yet modest returns of investments like catastrophe bonds. The study involved participants choosing between stocks with varying return profiles, revealing a preference for investments that yield frequent returns over those with occasional high gains.

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·March 4, 2024·4 min read

How Impulse Control Disorders Alter Processing of Risky Decisions

A novel study explores how Parkinson's disease patients, particularly those with impulse control disorders (ICD) induced by dopaminergic medications, process the outcomes of risky decisions.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 3, 2024·5 min read

Risk-Taking Behavior Linked to Persistence of Male Bisexuality Genes

A new study sheds light on the persistence of genes associated with male bisexuality in the human genome. The research suggests that these genes are linked to risk-taking behavior, which confers reproductive benefits to heterosexual men carrying them.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 14, 2023·4 min read

Leap of Faith: How Belief in God Spurs Risk-Taking

Religious beliefs influence risk-taking behaviors. Focusing on Christian Americans, the research found that those who view God as a protective figure are more confident in undertaking risks.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 19, 2023·5 min read

The Risky Brain: Unraveling the Neural Codes of Lottery Choices

Researchers pinpointed a key brain region in rats that determines their economic decisions when facing lottery-like uncertainties. The frontal orienting field (FOF) was identified as a major player in encoding the value of risky decisions, while the posterior parietal cortex had a minor effect.

This shows a woman walking down steps with a cell phone in her hand.

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·July 26, 2023·5 min read

Stair Hazards: Women’s Multitasking Leads to Increased Fall Risk

Young women are more likely to take risks such as multitasking or chatting while navigating stairs. This behavioral pattern could explain why women in their 20s suffer stair-related injuries 80% more often than men.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 24, 2023·3 min read

Placebo Effect: AI Augmentation Belief Spurs Risk-Taking

The belief in AI enhancement can lead to increased risk-taking behavior. In the study, participants were informed that an AI application would enhance their cognitive abilities during a virtual card game. Despite the absence of actual AI assistance, participants displayed higher risk-taking, indicating a potential placebo effect in technological applications.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·March 1, 2023·3 min read

What Distinguishes Fans From Celebrity Stalkers?

Study reveals specific factors, including boredom and threats to harm, that were associated with an increased likelihood of a person becoming a celebrity stalker. Those who admire celebrities based on their ability to entertain alone are less likely to become a stalker.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 23, 2023·3 min read

New Research Explores the Appeal of Dangerous Men

For short-term relationships, most women are more attracted to risk-taking men, a new study reports. Women who are in better health or have greater access to quality healthcare are more likely to be attracted to risk-taking men than women from other socioeconomic or health backgrounds.