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Psychology is the study of human mental functions, behavior and processes.

Structure of family groups gives animals an incentive to help or harm as they age

The structure of family groups gives animals an incentive to help or harm their social group as they age, new research shows.

From University of Exeter 27 Sep 2022

DCNNs are insensitive to object configuration

According to professor James Elder, co-author of a York University paper, Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) could not view objects in the same way that humans do (through configural shape perception), which could be harmful in real-world AI applications.

From York University 19 Sep 2022

Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives offer a healthier and more environmentally sustainable solution, study says

According to the authors of a new study, plant-based dietary substitutes for animal products are healthier for both the environment and people than the animal products they are meant to replace.

From University of Bath 1 Aug 2022

Understanding why brain training works for some people but not others

If you are skilled at playing puzzles on your smartphone or tablet, what does it say about how fast you learn new puzzles, or, more broadly, how well you can focus, say, in school or at work? Or, in the language of psychologists, does "near transfer" predict "far transfer"?

22 Jun 2022

National DNA Day 2022: an interview with Professor Matthew Cobb

To celebrate National DNA Day 2022, we spoke to science communicator Professor Matthew Cobb.

From The University of Manchester 25 Apr 2022

Research associates depressive diseases and deformability of blood cells

For the first time, a study conducted by the TU Dresden and the University of Zurich in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light finds a relationship between depressive disorders and mechanical features of all main blood cell types.

19 Apr 2022

Mice study explains why humans expressing CHT gene variant exhibit attentional vulnerabilities

Mutant mice are providing scientists with a new neurobiological framework to understand the brain changes observed in distractible humans who carry a common gene variant whose frequency has been associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

8 Apr 2022

LMU researchers show how the brain distinguishes between various social influences

LMU researchers show what happens in the human brain when we try to influence other people or when we ourselves are influenced by others.

8 Mar 2022

Genes could help determine how well someone responds to couple's therapy

How well someone responds to couple's therapy could be determined by their genes, according to a new study led by Queen Mary University of London and Denver University.

3 Feb 2022

Study employs gene reactivation to treat Fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome, or FXS—a principal genetic cause of autism—impacts around one in 6,000 females and one in 4,000 males.

17 Dec 2021

Menu composition must be 75% vegetarian to encourage sustainable plant-based food choices

Researchers from the University of Westminster have found that meat eaters are significantly more likely to choose vegetarian meals when they make up the majority of food offered. A menu had to be at least 75% vegetarian for this choice tipping point to occur.

15 Dec 2021

Genetic liability to mental health conditions may affect a person's choice of residence

Living in cities has been highlighted as an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia and, to a lesser extent, other mental health conditions. However, few studies have explored genetic effects on the choice of residence.

28 Oct 2021

Study analyzes walking movements to detect nervous system disorders

Scientists from Rutgers University linked the genetic disorders Fragile X and SHANK3 deletion syndrome to walking patterns.

From Rutgers University 26 Oct 2021

Parents' stress during COVID-19 affected eating habits of children

The incredible stress parents experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on the eating habits of their children, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Houston College of Education.

13 Oct 2021

Researchers discover that existing drug can enhance memory

A group of scientists identified that a prevailing drug for treating constipation might boost an individual’s capability to think with better clarity.

4 Oct 2021

People of high socioeconomic status have outsized responsibility to tackle climate change

A paper published today in the journal Nature Energy identifies five ways that people of high socioeconomic status have a disproportionate impact on global greenhouse gas emissions - and therefore an outsized responsibility to facilitate progress in climate change mitigation.

1 Oct 2021

Study examines effects of artificial sweetener on brain activity and appetite response

A synthetic aftertaste might not be the only side effect of switching to diet soda, especially if you're trying to lose weight.

29 Sep 2021

Study reveals strong link between infection rates and authoritarian attitudes, governance

According to psychologists, in addition to our physiological immune system, we also have a behavioral one: an unconscious code of conduct that helps us stay disease-free, including fear and avoidance of unfamiliar - and so possibly infected - people.

22 Sep 2021

Research reveals how plants allocate resources to their microbial partners

"Equal pay for equal work," a motto touted by many people, turns out to be relevant to the plant world as well. According to new research by Stanford University ecologists, plants allocate resources to their microbial partners in proportion to how much they benefit from that partnership.

8 Jul 2021

Single biomarker in the blood can accurately indicate underlying neurodegeneration

Levels of a protein called neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood can identify those who might have neurodegenerative diseases such as Down's syndrome dementia, motor neuron disease (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia, when clinical symptoms are not definitive.

8 Jun 2021