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social behavior

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 22, 2017·4 min read

Both Chimps and Humans Spontaneously Imitate Each Other’s Actions

Researchers reveal the social divide between chimps and humans isn't as clear cut as once thought. Observing both animals and visitors at a zoo, researchers discovered about 10% of the actions produced by one species was an imitation of the other species.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 22, 2017·6 min read

High Moral Reasoning Associated With Increased Reward System Activity

University of Pennsylvania researchers report people who report higher levels of moral reasoning show increased activity in brain areas associated with reward. The study may improve understanding as to why some people are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors.

Image shows a child with her fingers crossed behind her back.

Featured Psychology

·August 19, 2017·4 min read

Watching Children Learn How to Lie

Researchers investigate children's thought processes as they figure out how to deceive others.

Featured Psychology

·August 18, 2017·4 min read

Human Characters, Not Animals, Teach Children Best Moral Lessons

Reading stories about humans, not anthropomorphic characters, teach moral lessons most effectively to young children a new study reports.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 10, 2017·5 min read

First Mutant Ants Shed Light on Evolution of Social Behavior

Modifying genes essential for sensing pheromones in ants resulted in the insects' displaying deficiencies in social behaviors and reduced ability to survive within a colony.

Image shows a Skyrim NPC walking a horse.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 2, 2017·3 min read

New AI Tool Increases Adaptability and Autonomy of Skyrim NPCs

Researchers have developed a new gaming artificial intelligence tool that uses social behavior models to allow nonplayer characters (NPCs) to be more reactive and adaptable to player behavior.

Image shows a drawing of bees and people.

Autism Featured Genetics Psychology

·July 31, 2017·3 min read

Parallels Between Unresponsive Honey Bees and Human Autism

Researchers report genes implicated in human ASD are regulated differently in honeybees that are more unresponsive than their nest mates. The PNAS study provides insight into the genetic heritage shared across species and offers clues about the evolution of social behavior.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·July 19, 2017·4 min read

A Common Underlying Genetic Basis for Social Behavior in Dogs and Humans

Princeton researchers discover a genetic basis for hyper-social behavior in people and dogs.

Featured Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos

·July 14, 2017·3 min read

A Neural Switch for Becoming Alpha Male

A new report in Science identifies a neural circuit in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex of mouse brains that may play a key role in social dominance. Using optogenetics, researchers were able to target neurons in the dmPFC to help boost a mouse's chance of 'winning' in an aggressive encounter.

Featured Psychology

·July 12, 2017·4 min read

A New Look at the Killing of Kitty Genovese: The Science of False Confessions

Researchers take a new look at the murder of Kitty Genovese, a case that sparked psychologists interest in the bystander effect. Several new studies reveal that there are a number of instances where the facts of the case do not align with the original story, and also discover evidence of false confessions.

Image shows the mouse movement patterns.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 19, 2017·3 min read

Molecular Mechanism Underlies Anxiety and Autism

Researchers have identified a calcium dependent molecular mechanism that could underlie impaired social interactions and anxiety in neuropsychiatric disorders.