Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a widespread health issue impacting about 25% of the global population. A more severe form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), can lead to cirrhosis—a life-threatening condition characterized by advanced liver fibrosis. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of...
In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers detailed a way to weaken the recall of negative memories by reactivating newer, positive memories during sleep. The technique, known as targeted memory reactivation, not only diminished the intensity of negative memories but also heightened...
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot (GRS) has fascinated astronomers for over 150 years. This massive storm, large enough to engulf Earth, offers a glimpse into the dynamic and extreme conditions of planetary atmospheres. Recent observations from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope reveal new mysteries, showcasing how much we still have to learn...
New research published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin highlights a connection between honor culture and military service in the United States. Across three studies, researchers uncovered that honor-oriented states consistently produce higher military enlistment rates than dignity-oriented states, honor norms are more deeply integrated into the identities of...
The evolution of life is marked by the emergence of novel traits, driven by the birth of new genes. This process of genetic innovation underpins adaptation, shaping the survival and success of species. Understanding how these new genes originate and evolve remains one of biology’s greatest challenges. A recent study...
According to Britannica, “art” can be described as something “consciously created through an expression of skill or imagination” – whereas Wikipedia defines it more narrowly as a human activity. But are humans the only species that makes art? If we take art to be something that is beautiful and consciously...
A recent study in Molecular Psychiatry found that using an oxytocin nasal spray can make people feel more guilt and shame and less willing to harm others, even if it could lead to benefits. The findings contrast oxytocin’s effects with vasopressin, another neuropeptide involved in social behavior, which did not...
Mars’ ancient hydrothermal systems may hold the key to understanding its potential for harboring life. These environments, where heat and water interact, are widely regarded as essential for fostering the conditions necessary for life’s development. For decades, scientists have sought to uncover the origins, distribution, and persistence of these systems...
A new analysis of neuroimaging data has found that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease who speak only one language (monolinguals) have reduced hippocampal volume in the brain. This reduction was not observed in individuals who speak at least two languages (bilinguals). The research was published in Bilingualism: Language and Cognition. Alzheimer’s...
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences investigates how large language models, such as ChatGPT, influence people’s perceptions of political news headlines. The findings reveal that while these artificial intelligence systems can accurately flag false information, their fact-checking results do not consistently help users...
Over the past two decades, genetic research has undergone transformative advancements, marked by an extraordinary surge in genomic data collection. This effort has gathered information from hundreds of thousands of individuals, spanning both modern populations and ancient lineages. Such a wealth of data offers unprecedented opportunities to unravel the origins...
Married or cohabiting participants score lower on traits associated with the so-called “Dark Triad” of personalities—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—compared to their single counterparts, according to new research study published in the journal Heliyon. Additionally, partnered individuals tend to favor passionate and altruistic love styles, while singles gravitate toward more playful,...
In the battle against tuberculosis, a global scourge that claims over 1.5 million lives annually, researchers are looking to a plant with deep roots in traditional medicine. African wormwood (Artemisia afra), long used in southern Africa to treat fevers, coughs, and other ailments, has emerged as a promising candidate in...
Marriage is often seen as a partnership, but how do couples share financial responsibilities over the long haul? A groundbreaking study in Research in Social Stratification and Mobility reveals that gender-egalitarian earnings patterns are more common than previously thought when viewed from a long-term perspective. These patterns, however, are deeply...
The rise of generative artificial intelligence has brought us into an era where machines can perform tasks once thought exclusive to human intellect. These systems, based on pretrained models and transformers, create text, images, audio, and synthetic data without special reprogramming. They grow smarter through experience, often mimicking human conversation...
A study of mothers and their infants found that mothers with depressive symptoms tend to display fewer supportive responses to their infants’ positive emotions. In turn, infants who receive fewer supportive responses are more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms during toddlerhood. The paper was published in Development and Psychopathology. Depressive...
Movies have captivated audiences since their inception in the late 19th century, evolving from simple silent films to today’s sprawling cinematic universes and digital streaming platforms. By 2019, global theatrical and home entertainment markets surpassed $100 billion, underscoring the universal appeal of cinema. The rise of services like Netflix and...
A new study published in Nature Communications provides evidence that memory-like processes are not exclusive to brain cells but can occur in other types of human cells. Researchers demonstrated that two types of non-neural cells, when exposed to specific patterns of chemical stimuli, exhibited memory responses traditionally associated with neurons....
Betelgeuse, one of the most luminous stars visible from Earth, continues to surprise astronomers. The red giant’s brightness fluctuations have long intrigued scientists, but new research suggests these changes might be caused by a hidden companion star. This discovery could redefine our understanding of Betelgeuse and stars like it. Theories...
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that teaching individuals with depression how to reflect on their daily lives could help improve their mental health and overall satisfaction with life – at least in the short term. Researchers found that combining traditional psychotherapy with “art of living” techniques...
How well can genetics predict intelligence? A large-scale study published in Intelligence explores the power of polygenic scores to predict intelligence, finding that these genetic estimates moderately correlate with IQ. However, the study also highlights critical gaps, including variability across studies and challenges in pinpointing specific genetic influences. Intelligence, often defined...
The origin of the universe is a story of extremes, marked by an explosive event so profound it birthed the very fabric of space and time: the Big Bang. This moment, beyond the bounds of ordinary comprehension, laid the groundwork for everything we observe today. In the first infinitesimal fraction...
The origins of Stonehenge have long been shrouded in mystery, captivating researchers and the public alike. New discoveries now shed light on the cultural and political significance of this ancient monument. A recent study, published in Archaeology International, identifies the six-tonne Altar Stone at the center of Stonehenge as originating...
Hypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer,” remains a major global health challenge. Affecting over 35% of the population worldwide, this condition often goes undetected until complications arise. Despite advancements in blood pressure monitoring devices, conventional methods remain inaccessible to many, especially in underserved regions. This has sparked innovative...
A breakthrough in stainless steel technology could revolutionize green hydrogen production, paving the way for a more sustainable global energy transition. Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), led by Professor Mingxin Huang, have developed an innovative material called stainless steel for hydrogen (SS-H2). This new technology addresses two...
Plastics are ubiquitous in modern life. They offer unmatched versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. From packaging to medical applications, plastics revolutionized industries, enhancing food preservation, shipping safety, and public health. However, these advantages come with significant drawbacks. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs) released during plastic use and degradation pose environmental and health...
For a long time it was assumed that somewhere between 5 and 6% of children have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But the rates, in practice, are often higher. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put the prevalence at 11.4% in children in 2022. The Swedish Board of Health...
Below is a curated list of PsyPost’s most popular psychology and neuroscience studies from 2024, showcasing groundbreaking research and fascinating insights that have captivated readers throughout the year. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about what makes us tick, these 15 must-read studies offer valuable knowledge and engaging...
Physical exercise is widely recognized as a vital factor for enhancing cognitive function. Long-term exercise programs have consistently been shown to improve memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. However, the effects of a single session of exercise on brain function have been less conclusive. New research sheds light on this nuanced...
An experiment on healthy young adults found that a single 200 mg oral dose of the antibiotic doxycycline slightly improved declarative learning and memory consolidation. It also very slightly reduced motor learning while improving long-term motor memory. The paper was published in European Neuropsychopharmacology. Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic in...
