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social neuroscience

·September 2, 2020·4 min read

Autism May Not Be Tied to Mindblindness

Reassessing years of research on Theory of Mind in autism, researchers argue the brains of those with ASD may be able to grasp what others think but may have a more difficult time processing the degree to which others think differently from themselves.

Featured Psychology

·August 31, 2020·3 min read

Is Being Generous the Next Beauty Trend?

Researchers found more attractive people are more likely to be givers, and givers are generally rated as being more attractive.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 24, 2020·3 min read

People Can Make Better Choices When It Benefits Others

Synchronized activity between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and temporoparietal junction improves learning and decision-making when people try to avoid harming others.

This is a cartoon drawing of someone handing another person a bottle of wine

Featured Psychology

·August 22, 2020·5 min read

Your In-Laws’ History of Drinking Problems Could Lead to Alcohol Issues of Your Own

Study reveals a previously unrecognized family connection to alcohol use disorder, the drinking habits of a person's in-laws. People married to those who experienced parental alcohol misuse as a child are more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol, even if the spouse has no history of a personal battle with alcohol use.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Visual Neuroscience

·August 21, 2020·6 min read

A Social Cue of Safety

Study unravels the neural basis of freezing behaviors in fruit flies and provides a novel insight into how the brain perceives and responds to social cues.

Featured Psychology

·August 18, 2020·4 min read

Sleepiness Can Have a Negative Impact on Your Social Life

Higher levels of sleepiness were associated with a reduction in both social activities and the amount of time people engage in social events. Social activities in the afternoons were linked to increased sleepiness following the engagement and longer sleep duration at night. Higher levels of social interaction at night were linked to reduced immediate sleepiness and shorter overall sleep duration.

Featured Genetics

·August 18, 2020·2 min read

Romantic Relationship Dynamics May Be in Our Genes

Variations of CD38, a gene associated with attachment behaviors in humans and animals, may play a key role in relationship behaviors and perceptions that support bonding.

Featured Psychology

·July 25, 2020·8 min read

Unique Insights Into How We Change as We Age

A study that has been on-going for thirty-five years sheds light on several transitions throughout our lifespans.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 23, 2020·4 min read

Antibiotics Disrupt Development of the ‘Social Brain’ in Mice

Early-life exposure to antibiotics may impact brain signaling pathways associated with social behavior and pain regulation. Young mice treated with antibiotics had reduced expression of receptors that mediate endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin signaling in the frontal cortex.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 14, 2020·4 min read

Autism Researchers Map Brain Circuitry of Social Preference

Study reveals how two neural circuits dictate the choice between social approach and avoidance. The network connecting the infralimbic cortex to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) impairs social behavior if there is a decrease in neural activity. Another network connecting the prelimbic cortex to the BLA similarly impairs social behavior if the neural activity is increased.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 8, 2020·4 min read

Astrocytes Shed Light on the Link Between Cannabis Use and Sociability

Exposing mice to THC, researchers noted persistent activation of mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors located within astrocytes resulted in a cascade of molecular processing that led to dysfunctional glucose metabolism. The ability of astrocytes to transform glucose into "food" for neurons was reduced. The reduction resulted in a compromise in neural function, with a harmful impact on behavior. Specifically, social interactions were reduced for 24 hours post cannabis exposure.