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University of Bath

·July 28, 2024·4 min read

How Size Differences in Mammals Influence Brain Evolution

A new study reveals that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in mammals is linked to genome evolution. Species with large size differences between sexes have larger gene families for olfactory functions and smaller ones for brain development. Conversely, species with minimal size differences invest more in brain development and complex social behaviors. These findings suggest that SSD influences the evolution of sensory and cognitive traits in mammals.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 13, 2024·5 min read

High-Potency Cannabis Linked to Youth Psychosis

Young individuals who use high-potency cannabis between ages 16 and 18 are twice as likely to experience psychosis by their mid-twenties compared to those who use lower-potency strains. This research utilized data from the Children of the 90s study, tracking thousands of participants from Bristol.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 29, 2024·7 min read

Teens & Screen Pain: Unveiling Netflix’s Impact on Youth Empathy

Popular Netflix shows and films expose adolescents to an average of 10 incidents of pain every hour, challenging portrayals of pain and suffering in media aimed at 12 to 18-year-olds. This first-of-its-kind research scrutinizes the depiction of painful incidents and responses in shows like "Stranger Things" and "Sex Education."

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 26, 2024·5 min read

Bystander Support Reduces Antisocial Behavior

A new study emphasizes the crucial role of bystanders in confronting anti-social behavior. Three studies showed that bystander support reinforces social norms and discourages harmful conduct, while silence or subject-changing undermines these efforts.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 16, 2024·6 min read

Emotional and Social Toll of Antidepressant Withdrawal

New research reveals that coming off antidepressants like Prozac can cause not only physical symptoms but also emotional, cognitive, and social difficulties. The study involved in-depth interviews with 20 individuals who attempted to withdraw from SSRIs in the past year, highlighting the complex challenges they faced, including emotional overwhelm, reduced enjoyment in social situations, and a feeling of detachment.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 8, 2024·5 min read

Novel Gene Linked to Range of Neurodegenerative Diseases Identified

Researchers uncovered a crucial link between the gene Angiogenin (ANG) and age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), motor neuron disease (MND), and Parkinson's disease. In its mutated form, ANG causes stem cells to delay their differentiation into specialized nerve cells, leading to neurodevelopmental defects.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2023·4 min read

Optimism Linked to Poor Decision-Making and Lower Cognitive Skills

While optimism is often celebrated, a new study reveals that excessive optimism can lead to poor decision-making, particularly in financial matters. The research shows that individuals with high cognitive ability tend to be more realistic and pessimistic in their future expectations, while those with lower cognitive ability lean towards excessive optimism.

This shows a shadow of a child and cannabis leaves.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 30, 2023·6 min read

Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked to Teen Cannabis Use Disorder

Early exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including parental drug misuse and mental health challenges, increases the risk of problematic cannabis use during adolescence. The study analyzed over 5,000 participants from the 'Children of the 90s' study.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 15, 2023·7 min read

Age of Autism Diagnosis Doesn’t Dictate Life Quality

Researchers explored whether the age of autism diagnosis impacts the quality of life in a recent study. They surveyed 300 autistic adults about their life experiences and factors such as household income, age, and additional mental health conditions.

This shows a carved red and white figure.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 10, 2023·4 min read

Daring Differently: Gender Differences in Risk-Taking Behavior

A new study sheds light on gender differences in risk-taking behavior. The research reveals women are more averse to risk than men due to heightened sensitivity to potential losses. Conversely, men, exhibiting greater optimism, are more willing to engage in risk-taking.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 24, 2023·5 min read

Gender and Education, Not Politics, Shape Our Social Skills

Gender 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.