Latest

social neuroscience

·September 29, 2024·3 min read

Game Theory Challenged: Humans Cooperate Despite Betrayal

Humans tend to cooperate even after being betrayed, defying traditional game theory expectations. Researchers conducted online experiments using alternating and voluntary participation games, revealing that people are more tolerant and cooperative than previously thought. The findings suggest that human psychology and social context play a bigger role in cooperative behavior than current models account for. These insights may lead to revised game theory models that better reflect the complexity of human interactions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 29, 2024·4 min read

What Makes Yawning Contagious?

Yawning is a universal behavior observed in many species, but why do we tend to yawn when someone else does? While the idea that yawning increases brain oxygenation remains unproven, some evidence suggests it may be linked to circadian rhythms and attention regulation.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 28, 2024·4 min read

Biosignals Boost Social Presence in Online Interactions

Researchers have discovered that sharing real-time biosignals, such as heart rate, during online interactions can increase the sense of social presence. In a study, participants playing video games with strangers reported feeling closer when they could see their opponent's heart rate and face.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 11, 2024·9 min read

Neural Circuitry Behind Social Group Preferences Discovered

Scientists have identified the brain circuitry that drives spiny mice to prefer larger social groups. The study shows that neural signaling from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to the lateral septum (LS) promotes social group-size preference. When this circuit was turned off, male mice preferred smaller groups, while female mice showed no preference. This research opens up new models for studying complex social behaviors and may provide insights into human social interactions.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 11, 2024·3 min read

Human-Dog Brain Activity Syncs During Bonding

During social interactions, human and dog brain activity becomes synchronized, with mutual gazing and petting enhancing this connection. Over five days, synchronization between human-dog pairs increased with familiarity, suggesting a leader-follower dynamic, where humans lead and dogs follow.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 9, 2024·4 min read

Near Death Experiences May Strengthen Human Interconnectedness

A new study shows that out-of-body experiences (OBEs), including near-death experiences, can dramatically increase empathy and transform how individuals connect with others. Researchers suggest this may result from "ego dissolution," where individuals lose their sense of self and feel deeply connected to the universe.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 5, 2024·3 min read

Group Sleeping: How Social Sleep Affects Rest Patterns

A new paper argues that group living significantly affects how animals sleep, with behaviors like synchronized REM sleep in mice and sleep suppression in bumblebees. Most sleep studies focus on individual animals in lab settings, missing the social context of sleep in the wild.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 29, 2024·4 min read

Marmoset Monkeys Use Unique Calls to Name Each Other

Researchers have discovered that marmoset monkeys use specific vocal calls, known as "phee-calls," to identify and communicate with each other, a behavior previously observed only in humans, dolphins, and elephants. This ability to label others vocally suggests that marmosets possess advanced cognitive skills in social communication. The study also found that marmoset families share similar vocal labels, akin to names and dialects in humans. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of social communication and language.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 8, 2024·4 min read

Greater Knowledge May Harm Group Welfare

Increasing knowledge can lead to negative outcomes when individuals use it for self-interest rather than collective good. Researchers argue that enhanced knowledge can reduce cooperation among rational individuals, potentially worsening overall welfare.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 7, 2024·5 min read

Mirroring Minds: How Brain Circuits Drive Imitative Behavior

Researchers have discovered how the brain's neural circuits regulate imitative behavior, a key component of social interaction. Using a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, the study shows how specific motor circuits either enhance or inhibit imitation, shedding light on potential clinical applications.

This shows a woman drinking with friends.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 6, 2024·6 min read

Social Drinking Activates Dopamine and Elevates Mood

New research reveals why alcohol makes people feel happier in social settings but not when drinking alone. Using fruit flies, scientists discovered that dopamine in the brain plays a key role in amplifying the euphoric effects of alcohol during social interactions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 30, 2024·3 min read

Study Finds Americans Have More Friends Than Previously Thought

American adults typically have more friends than recent surveys suggest, with fewer reporting no friends at all. The survey found that an average American adult has four to five friends, and only 2% reported being friendless. Despite general satisfaction, many adults wish for closer friendships and more time with friends. These findings challenge recent concerns about increasing loneliness and declining friendships.