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University of Exeter

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·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.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·March 27, 2024·6 min read

Exploring Aphantasia: The Mind Without a Mental Picture

Researchers reviewed 50 studies to deepen our understanding aphantasia, a phenomenon where individuals can't visualize mentally. The research reveals aphantasia's diverse impact, from reduced autobiographical memory and face recognition to broader implications in music imagination and occupation choices, suggesting a spectrum rather than a binary condition.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 5, 2024·5 min read

Violence Spreads Like Contagion in Certain Groups

A recent study highlights how violence among members of the Italian mafia spreads contagiously, with those committing violent acts in groups more likely to continue such behavior in the future. Analyzing the criminal careers of 9,819 individuals convicted of organized crime, researchers found that prior violent co-offending significantly increases the likelihood of future violent acts, more so than solo offenses.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 26, 2023·6 min read

Uncovering the Hidden Risks of Young-Onset Dementia

A new study reveals 15 risk factors for young-onset dementia, challenging the notion that genetics are the sole cause. These factors, ranging from education and socioeconomic status to lifestyle and health issues, offer hope for prevention.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 14, 2023·4 min read

Warming World, Changing Minds: Climate’s Effect on the Brain

A new study highlights the potential impact of climate change on human brain function. This international collaboration points out that environmental factors, including extreme weather events and air pollution, could significantly alter brain structure and cognitive abilities.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 1, 2023·4 min read

Taking Vitamin D Could Help Prevent Dementia

Taking a vitamin D supplement daily may help stave off dementia in older adults, a new study reports. Researchers found taking vitamin D was associated with adults living dementia free for longer, and there were 40% fewer cases of dementia reported in those who frequently took vitamin D supplements. The effects were significantly greater in women than men.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 28, 2022·3 min read

Childhood Poverty Impacts Well-Being in Middle Age

The financial circumstances a child experiences impact their well-being between the ages of 41 and 65.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 19, 2022·4 min read

An Animal-Free Method of Creating Human Brain Cells for Research

Researchers have developed a new method to create glutamatergic neuronal cells from SH-SY5Y cells without the use of animal-derived components. The new technique repurposes the B-27 growth supplement. This is the first time SH-SY5Y cells have been transformed into glutamatergic neuronal cells, researchers report.