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Washington State University

·January 16, 2024·4 min read

Munchies Mystery Solved: Cannabis Activates Brain’s Appetite Neurons

Researchers uncovered how cannabis triggers appetite in the brain. Using calcium imaging technology to observe brain cells in mice exposed to vaporized cannabis sativa, the team discovered that cannabis activates specific cells in the hypothalamus associated with the anticipation and consumption of food.

Featured Psychology

·November 7, 2023·4 min read

Guilt Trips: A Fine Line in Persuasion Tactics

Guilt, often harnessed in persuasive communications, has been scrutinized in a meta-analysis revealing its nuanced impact on behavior change. Researchers found that guilt appeals are more effective when they evoke a general societal responsibility rather than direct blame.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 21, 2023·4 min read

Few People Seem to Find Real Joy in JOMO

People who enjoy experiencing JOMO, the "joy of missing out", tend to have higher levels of social anxiety, a new study reports.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·March 3, 2023·4 min read

Small Differences in Mom’s Behavior May Show Up in Child’s Epigenome

A mother's social interaction with her child, especially if her behavior is cold or awkward, correlated with a small increase in methylation of the child's NR3C1 gene. The NR3C1 is involved in the regulation of the HPA-axis which plays a critical role in stress response and the production of cortisol.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 6, 2022·4 min read

Twin Study Links Exercise to Beneficial Epigenetic Changes

Twins who were more physically active had lower signs of metabolic disease and epigenetic markers linked to decreased risk of metabolic syndrome. Findings suggest metabolic diseases are strongly influenced by how a person interacts with their environment as opposed to just their inherited genetics.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 22, 2022·4 min read

Changing Feelings Can Boost Creativity for Conventional Thinkers

Looking at emotional situations in a different light can help boost creativity for those who are more conventional thinkers.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 25, 2022·5 min read

Highly Emotional People Drawn to Cats for Stress Relief

Those with strong and highly reactive emotions benefit from feline interventions when it comes to stress relief programs.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·August 22, 2022·4 min read

Eye Test Could Screen Children for Autism

Measuring the pupillary light reflex could be used to screen for ASD in children, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 15, 2022·6 min read

AI Predicts Infant Age and Gender Based on Temperament

Before the 48-week mark of life, it is easier for an AI algorithm to determine the exact age of a baby, but not its gender based on temperament data. After 48 weeks, gender classification improved for all algorithms, suggesting gender differences in infancy become more accentuated at this point in life.

This shows a cocktail on the sand of a beach

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 21, 2022·4 min read

Alcohol Ads Can Influence Men and Women to Sexually Coerce Partners

Advertisements for alcohol products that feature objectified women encourage both males and females to manipulate and coerce others for sex.

This shows a woman looking out over a railing

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·October 11, 2021·5 min read

Sleep Loss Does Not Impact Ability to Assess Emotional Information

Sleep loss does not numb a person's response to emotional situations, but it can result in difficulties in regulating emotional response.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 23, 2021·5 min read

Potential Role of ‘Junk DNA’ Sequence in Aging and Cancer Identified

VNTR2-1, a recently identified region of DNA, appears to drive the activity of the telomerase gene. The telomerase gene has previously been found to prevent aging in specific cells.