Latest

University of Florida

·December 9, 2024·3 min read

What Makes Robots Feel Human? A New Scale Reveals the Secret

Researchers have developed a new scale to measure how human-like robots appear, identifying four key qualities: appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding. Robots lacking any of these traits risk being perceived as cold or unsettling, limiting their usefulness in customer service.

This shows a collage of people, like a music album cover.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 4, 2024·4 min read

Musicians’ Sophomore Slump: Real for Critics, But Fans Disagree

A new study challenges the notion of the musicians' "sophomore slump," finding it exists only in professional critics' reviews, not fan ratings. Critics tend to harshly critique bands’ second albums compared to their first and third, likely influenced by social conformity within their group.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 26, 2024·4 min read

Understanding Why We Undervalue Future Life Experiences

Summary: New research reveals that people often underestimate how meaningful future experiences will be, leading them to avoid potentially fulfilling...

This shows robotic hands using a keyboard.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 22, 2024·3 min read

AI-Written Stories Rated Lower Due to Bias, Not Quality

New research shows that stories generated by AI, such as ChatGPT, are almost as good as those written by humans. However, when people are told a story is AI-generated, they rate it more negatively, revealing a bias against AI-created content.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·September 6, 2024·4 min read

Gene Therapy Restores Vision

A new gene therapy has restored vision in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis type I (LCA1), a rare genetic condition causing blindness. In a small trial, those receiving the highest dose saw up to a 10,000-fold improvement in light sensitivity and significant gains in reading and navigation abilities.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 18, 2024·4 min read

Brain Structure Differences Explain Faster Learning of Motor Skills

A new study reveals that quick learners of motor skills have distinct brain activity patterns. Using brain-monitoring electrodes, they found that visual processing plays a crucial role in learning new movements.

This shows a pregnant woman drinking water.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 20, 2024·6 min read

Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy Linked to Behavior Problems in Kids

A new study finds that higher fluoride levels in pregnant women are associated with increased odds of their children experiencing neurobehavioral problems at age 3. These problems include anxiety, difficulty regulating emotions, and physical complaints like stomachaches and headaches. Researchers urge policymakers to consider these findings and create specific recommendations for fluoride consumption during pregnancy.

This shows a brain, RNA and cancer cells.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 1, 2024·8 min read

Novel mRNA Vaccine Shows Promise Against Deadly Brain Cancer

Researchers introduced a new mRNA cancer vaccine that rapidly activates the immune system against glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain tumor. This new vaccine technology, which mimics the structure of COVID-19 vaccines but incorporates personalized tumor cells and a complex cluster delivery system, has shown promising results in preclinical models and an initial human trial involving four adult patients.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·January 3, 2024·5 min read

Ear Infections Can Impact Children’s Language Skills Long-Term

A new study highlights the long-term impact of chronic ear infections on children's language development. The study reveals that repeated, temporary hearing loss caused by ear infections can lead to deficits in auditory processing and language skills later in life.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·4 min read

Bilingual Brains Show Enhanced Attentional Control

Speaking two languages may improve attentional control and information filtering. Researchers examined how bilingual and monolingual individuals process incoming information.

This shows a person playing table tennis against a robot

Featured Neuroscience

·April 10, 2023·5 min read

Table Tennis Brain Teaser: Playing Against Robots Makes Our Brains Work Harder

When playing against another human opponent, neurons in the brain work in unison. However, when playing against a robotic server, neural activity desynchronizes a new study reports.