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University of Exeter

This shows a brain and people looking with disgust at a steak.

·May 14, 2025·5 min read

Disgust, Not Taste, Drives Vegetarian Meat Avoidance

A new study finds that vegetarians reject meat with the emotion of disgust, rather than simple distaste, mirroring the strong aversion meat-eaters feel toward taboo foods like human flesh or feces. In contrast, disliked vegetables like beets or sprouts are typically rejected due to distaste—an aversion based on taste or texture.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 13, 2025·5 min read

Chronic Illness Combinations Double Depression Risk

A new study reveals that people with multiple chronic physical conditions face a significantly higher risk of developing depression, especially when conditions like heart disease and diabetes co-occur. Researchers analyzed health data from over 142,000 adults and found that certain multimorbidity profiles more than doubled the chance of a depression diagnosis within 10 years.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 12, 2025·5 min read

Wasp Mothers Juggle Nests with Memory That Rivals Human Scheduling

A new study reveals that digger wasp mothers can keep track of up to nine burrows, feeding their offspring in precise order and adjusting schedules based on need or survival. Despite nesting among hundreds of nearly identical burrows, these wasps rarely make mistakes—delivering food with an error rate of just 1.5%.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 29, 2025·6 min read

Ketamine’s Hidden Physical and Psychological Damage

A new study highlights the severe physical and psychological consequences linked to ketamine addiction, with many users unaware of the risks until dependent. Researchers found high rates of bladder damage, painful organ cramps, low mood, and anxiety among those with ketamine use disorder.

This shows a police officer and a brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 14, 2025·9 min read

Police at Greater Risk of Brain Trauma and PTSD

A large new study reveals police officers are more than twice as likely to sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) as the general population, with those injured on duty facing double the risk of developing complex PTSD. The research, which surveyed over 600 UK frontline officers, found that 38% had experienced at least one TBI, often accompanied by symptoms like confusion or memory loss.

This shows two people shopping and brains.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 8, 2025·4 min read

Brain Scans Reveal Political Leanings During Grocery Shopping

Researchers have discovered that people’s political affiliation can be identified with nearly 80% accuracy based on brain activity while making routine decisions like buying milk and eggs. Although actual purchasing choices did not differ between Democrats and Republicans, the underlying neural patterns diverged significantly.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·March 15, 2025·5 min read

Nature’s Painkiller: How Virtual Scenes Ease Pain in the Brain

Viewing natural scenes can significantly reduce how people perceive pain, a new neuroimaging study has found. Researchers discovered that participants reported less pain and exhibited altered brain activity associated with pain perception while looking at virtual nature, compared to urban or office environments.

This shows a statue of a head and books.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 12, 2024·5 min read

AI Enhances Story Creativity but Risks Reducing Novelty

A new study shows that AI helps make stories more creative, engaging, and well-written, especially for less creative writers. The research found that AI assistance boosts novelty and usefulness, making stories more enjoyable and less boring. However, it also warns that widespread use of AI may reduce the diversity and uniqueness of creative works. The findings highlight both the potential and risks of using AI in creative writing.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 31, 2024·3 min read

Stem Cells Choose Role in Early Human Embryo Development

A new study using stem cell-based models reveals how early human embryo cells decide between forming the fetus or the supporting yolk sac. Understanding this decision is crucial as the yolk sac is essential for later development in the womb and could improve IVF treatments.

Autism Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 15, 2024·4 min read

CNTN4 Protein’s Role in Autism and Alzheimer’s Unveiled

A new study reveals the crucial role of the protein Contactin-4 (CNTN4) in neuron development, impacting both neurodevelopmental disorders and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that CNTN4, linked to autism, interacts with the Alzheimer-related protein APP, affecting neuron growth in the brain's cortex.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 8, 2024·4 min read

Gene Identified as Key to Learning and Memory

Researchers identified a critical role for the gene KDM5B in learning and memory. Their study demonstrates that mice with reduced function of this gene exhibit significant deficits in memory and the ability to learn.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 25, 2024·5 min read

Exercising in Nature Reduces Depression, Improves Health

Engaging in physical activity in natural settings like parks and beaches could prevent around 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases annually in England, saving over £100 million in healthcare costs. This study underlines the critical role of natural environments in promoting health by reducing the prevalence of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.