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University of Pennsylvania

·August 14, 2024·3 min read

34 Neuron Subtypes Linked to Addiction

Researchers identified 34 distinct subtypes of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region crucial for reward and addiction. This discovery challenges previous views of MSNs as a homogeneous group, revealing a complex diversity with potential implications for understanding addiction and developing targeted therapies. The study suggests these findings may be conserved across species, offering insights into human brain function.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 4, 2024·6 min read

MMR Vaccine Myths Persist Amid Rising Cases

A new survey found that 24% of U.S. adults incorrectly believe the MMR vaccine causes autism, despite CDC evidence to the contrary. This misconception contributes to vaccine hesitancy and rising measles cases. The survey highlights the need for better public education on vaccine safety.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 28, 2024·5 min read

Omega-3 Supplements May Reduce Aggression

A new study found that omega-3 supplementation can reduce aggression by 30%. The study reviewed 29 randomized controlled trials, showing short-term benefits across various demographics.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 23, 2024·7 min read

Dehydration Impairs Attention in Middle-Aged Adults

Mild dehydration can impair sustained attention in middle-aged and older adults, though it doesn't affect other cognitive functions. The study involved 78 adults, ages 47 to 70, and assessed their hydration levels and cognitive performance. Results showed that dehydration, common during typical daily activities, reduced attention span over 14 minutes. The findings highlight the need for regular hydration to maintain cognitive function in older adults.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 3, 2024·7 min read

Predicting Human Behavior and How We Can Change It

Researchers identify effective behavior change interventions across different crises, such as pandemics and climate change. The study found that common approaches focusing on changing knowledge or beliefs are often ineffective.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 27, 2024·7 min read

AI’s Learning Path: Surprising Uniformity Across Neural Networks

Neural networks, regardless of their complexity or training method, follow a surprisingly uniform path from ignorance to expertise in image classification tasks. Researchers found that neural networks classify images by identifying the same low-dimensional features, such as ears or eyes, debunking the assumption that network learning methods are vastly different.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 31, 2023·4 min read

Cognitive Maturity: 18 is the Threshold of Cognitive Adulthood

A new study sheds light on when adolescents start thinking like adults. Researchers found that executive function, critical for task-switching and focus, typically matures around 18 years old.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 2, 2023·6 min read

Hidden in the Hippocampus are the Neural Secrets Behind False Memories

Neuroscientists delved into the mechanisms behind true and false memories. Their study reveals that electrical signals in the hippocampus can differentiate between the imminent recall of authentic versus fabricated memories.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 29, 2023·6 min read

ChatGPT’s Role in Shaping Identity and Personal Narratives

Researchers tapped into ChatGPT-4's capabilities to generate personalized narratives from stream-of-consciousness inputs. In a study, participants found the AI-generated narratives accurate, revealing, and insightful about their own identity.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 11, 2023·5 min read

Brain’s ‘Traffic Directors’: Neurons That Keep Us Focused on Tasks

Researchers have illuminated how our brain maintains focus amidst distractions. Their study identifies “visual-movement” neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) that use coordinated activity called “beta bursts” to suppress distracting stimuli and ensure attention remains on rewarding tasks.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 15, 2023·5 min read

How Our Genes Contribute to Allergy Susceptibility

New research reveals how small genetic differences affecting the ETS1 protein can influence an individual's susceptibility to allergies. These small genetic changes can alter the production of ETS1, which plays a vital role in controlling immune cells known as CD4+ T helper cells, crucial orchestrators in allergic reactions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 23, 2023·4 min read

The Neuroscience of Sharing: Personal Relevance of News Fuels Social Media Engagement

New research reveals people are more likely to share social media posts they find personally relevant or valuable to their relationships. The study found that prompting users to consider the value of a post increased activity in brain areas linked to sharing decisions, boosting their motivation to share. Participants were more likely to share health-related articles when they thought about how the information could help someone else or shape a positive self-presentation.