FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 21, 2023·3 min readGive and Grow: Volunteering Linked to Better Cognitive Health in SeniorsVolunteering can significantly improve cognitive function in older adults, suggests new research. The study, which included a diverse group of 2,476 seniors, linked volunteering activities to better executive function and episodic memory.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 20, 2023·2 min readAI System Detects Social Norm ViolationsA pioneering AI system successfully identifies violations of social norms. Utilizing GPT-3, zero-shot text classification, and automatic rule discovery, the system categorizes social emotions into ten main types.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 18, 2023·6 min readCulture and Geography Significantly Influence Sleep PatternsA new study reveals that culture and geography significantly influence sleep patterns. Using data from Nokia smartwatches, the researchers analyzed 52 million logs over four years from 30,082 individuals in 11 countries.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·July 16, 2023·6 min readCrosswords and Computers: Mental Acuity Tasks Beat Socializing in Dodging DementiaThe study underlines the importance of active mental stimulation in reducing dementia risk in older adults.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 13, 2023·4 min readBetter ‘Mind Reading’ Skills Linked to Enhanced CooperationA new study reveals that individuals with stronger 'mindreading' abilities, or the capacity to understand others' feelings and intentions, are more successful in cooperative tasks. This trait, also known as 'theory of mind,' is not directly tied to intelligence and can potentially be improved through training programs.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 26, 2023·4 min readSense of Purpose May Shield Against LonelinessA sense of purpose in life, irrespective of its nature, can be a robust defense against loneliness. A new study, involving over 2,300 Swiss adults, found fewer instances of loneliness among individuals who led a purposeful life.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 26, 2023·6 min readSix Degrees of Connection: A Mathematical Take on Social TiesScientists used mathematics to explain the social phenomenon of six degrees of separation. Their work suggests that the balance between the cost and benefit of maintaining social connections shapes the global human social network.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 24, 2023·6 min readAdolescent Stress Shapes Motherly BehaviorStress during adolescence alters brain functions, influencing postpartum social behavior in mammals. The research utilizes optogenetics and calcium imaging techniques to understand neuronal communication in mice that experienced psychosocial stress during adolescence.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·June 20, 2023·6 min readSocial Bonds Protect Aging BrainsSocial isolation can potentially harm brain structure and cognitive performance, suggesting an increased risk of conditions like Alzheimer's dementia. The study indicates a lack of quality social interaction can lead to a decrease in the hippocampus's volume, crucial for memory formation and retrieval, and poorer cognitive performance.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 7, 2023·6 min readSocial Participation Paves the Way for Successful AgingA recent study found a correlation between social participation and successful aging among people aged 60 and above. The researchers discovered that those engaged in volunteer work or recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health over a three-year period.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 24, 2023·5 min readGender and Education, Not Politics, Shape Our Social SkillsGender and education, rather than political beliefs, are significant factors in people's social skills. Researchers analyzed qualities such as agreeableness, ability to pick up on subtle cues, and self-reflection among 4,000 UK participants.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 17, 2023·7 min readThe Power of Friendship Counters Early Life StressA new study, based on 36 years of data from nearly 200 baboons, indicates that strong social bonds formed in adulthood can counteract the negative effects of adversity experienced early in life. These hardships, similar to human experiences of growing up in a tumultuous environment, can shorten their lifespan.Read More