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social isolation

·January 8, 2022·5 min read

Smoking Increases Social Isolation and Loneliness

Previous research indicated social isolation and loneliness is a driver of smoking behaviors. A new study reports smoking itself may lead to social isolation and loneliness.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 1, 2021·3 min read

Social Isolation Linked to Higher Markers of Inflammation in Older Adults

Blood samples taken from older adults who experienced social isolation had higher levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, two biomarkers of inflammation.

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Featured Psychology

·September 25, 2021·5 min read

Lack of Trust Exacerbates Loneliness Spiral

Study reveals lonely people showed reduced activity in the anterior insular cortex, an area of the brain associated with trust formation. The anterior insular cortex was less prominently connected to other brain regions in those who expressed feelings of loneliness.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 7, 2021·4 min read

Social Isolation Can Be Deadly for Older Adults

Socially isolated older adults are more likely to die when admitted to ICU or face an increased risk of disability once discharged than those who have social support.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 2, 2021·4 min read

Study Highlights Mental Health Impacts of Isolation

Following periods of acute isolation, female mice display a strong desire to socialize with other females by significantly increasing their production of social calls that are much like human emotional vocalizations. The behavioral response provides a new avenue to understand neural mechanisms through which social isolation affects a person's social motivation and mental health.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 16, 2021·6 min read

Having a Good Listener Improves Your Brain Health

Having at least one person you can rely on to listen to your concerns when you need to talk can help improve cognitive resilience and stave off cognitive decline associated with neurodegeneration and aging.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 11, 2021·6 min read

Memory and Information Processing Affected by Isolation

30% of people reported changes in cognition, memory, and problems with information processing as a result of social isolation caused by pandemic lockdowns.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 26, 2021·4 min read

65+ and Lonely? Don’t Talk to Your Doctor About Another Prescription

Researchers say older adults who feel lonely are twice as likely to use opioids to control pain, and 2.5 times more likely to be prescribed anti-anxiety medications and sedatives than those who have a more socially active lifestyle.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 10, 2021·5 min read

The Neuroscience Behind Why Your Brain May Need Time to Adjust to ‘Un-Social Distancing’

Over 50% of people surveyed reporting they feel uneasy about returning to in-person interactions, regardless of vaccination status, following covid lockdowns. Researchers share their thoughts on how social isolation and resocialization could impact the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 7, 2021·5 min read

Nobody’s Been Studying Socially Isolated Kids, and That’s a Problem

Study reveals clear differences between children who are rejected by their peers and those who face social isolation. Children who are rejected by their peers are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors, while those who are isolated were less likely to exhibit prosocial behaviors.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 25, 2021·4 min read

Feeling Lonely? Turn up the Volume!

Lonely and socially isolated people prefer higher volume sounds, such as loud music or background noise, compared to those who feel socially accepted, a new study reports.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 31, 2020·4 min read

A Year of Blursdays: How Coronavirus Distorted Our Sense of Time in 2020

Many people reported they felt like time was passing differently during the initial COVID-19 lockdowns. Researchers explore how the pandemic has contributed to the feeling of time distortion.