Mind & Brain

  • Seeing better by looking away
    on August 2, 2021 at 8:06 pm

    When we fixate an object, its image does not appear at the place where photoreceptors are packed most densely. Instead, its position is shifted slightly nasally and upwards from the cellular peak. Researchers observed such offsets in both eyes of 20 healthy subjects, and speculate that the underlying fixation behavior improves overall vision.

  • Internet CBT for depression reviewed and analyzed
    on August 2, 2021 at 3:50 pm

    Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression is often just as effective as traditional CBT. This is clear from an international study. However, some online treatments have components that can potentially be harmful.

  • Scientists explore the latent regenerative potential of the inner ear
    on July 30, 2021 at 3:17 pm

    Scientists have identified a natural barrier to the regeneration of the inner ear’s sensory cells, which are lost in hearing and balance disorders. Overcoming this barrier may be a first step in returning inner ear cells to a newborn-like state that’s primed for regeneration, as described in a new study. The study suggests new gene engineering approaches that could be used to channel some of the same regenerative capability present in embryonic inner ear cells.

  • Why uncertainty makes us change our behavior — even when we shouldn’t
    on July 29, 2021 at 10:36 pm

    ‘Panic buying’ might be a normal human response to uncertainty after all, new research suggests.

  • Amygdala found to have role in important pre-attentive mechanism in the brain
    on July 29, 2021 at 10:36 pm

    Researchers have shown how the amygdala, a brain region typically associated with fear, contributes to prepulse inhibition (PPI) by activating small inhibitory neurons in the mouse brain stem. The discovery advances understanding of the systems underlying PPI and efforts to ultimately develop medical therapies for schizophrenia and other disorders by reversing pre-attentive deficits.

  • Watching too many TV crime dramas distorts viewers’ perception of the real world
    by Study Finds on August 2, 2021 at 9:44 pm

    VIENNA, Austria — Binging television crime dramas can alter how the audience views those situations in the real world, a new study finds. Researchers in Vienna say one in five people who constantly watch American crime shows believe the death penalty is still a form of punishment their justice system uses, even if they live… The post Watching too many TV crime dramas distorts viewers’ perception of the real world appeared first on Study Finds.

  • Female lawyers more prone to stress, alcohol abuse than their male colleagues
    by Study Finds on August 2, 2021 at 12:47 pm

    MINNEAPOLIS — Female lawyers are more likely to suffer work-related stress and turn to the bottle than their male colleagues, according to a new study. Researchers report that women are also more likely to consider leaving the legal profession due to burnout. Their findings show that work-related factors impact the high rates of stress, risky… The post Female lawyers more prone to stress, alcohol abuse than their male colleagues appeared first on Study Finds.

  • Motivation depends on how fatigue gets processed by the brain
    by John Anderer on July 30, 2021 at 4:32 pm

    BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom — How do we determine whether or not a particular piece of work is worth the effort? It’s natural to feel a bit more or less motivation than usual while doing tasks on certain days. Interestingly, researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Oxford report that motivation is largely dependent on how our… The post Motivation depends on how fatigue gets processed by the brain appeared first on Study Finds.

  • Loneliness is driving more older adults to use opioids, prescription drugs
    by Chris Melore on July 26, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Loneliness has become major mental health talking point during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s particularly prevalent among older adults; something that generally went without discussion before quarantines allowed much of society to see how painful living alone can be for some. Now, a new study is revealing how dangerous feeling lonely can be… The post Loneliness is driving more older adults to use opioids, prescription drugs appeared first on Study Finds.

  • Most sexual assault survivors develop PTSD just one week after attack
    by John Anderer on July 21, 2021 at 2:10 pm

    SEATTLE, Wash. — An unsettling new study by a team at the University of Washington finds more than four in five sexual assault survivors (81%) experience significant PTSD-related symptoms just one week after the attack. By the time a month has passed, that figure dips only slightly, to 75 percent. However, researchers note that one… The post Most sexual assault survivors develop PTSD just one week after attack appeared first on Study Finds.

  • Why do most service workers encounter sexual harassment? Tips & forced friendliness
    by John Anderer on July 20, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    NOTRE DAME, Ind. — Service industry workers are universally expected to do their duties in a friendly manner and with a smile on their faces. In return for friendly service, consumers generally leave a tip in appreciation. These two factors are the foundation upon which the entire service industry operates in the United States. Unfortunately, a… The post Why do most service workers encounter sexual harassment? Tips & forced friendliness appeared first on Study Finds.

  • ‘Zapping’ the brain could be pain-free way to get rid of OCD, dangerous addictions
    by Study Finds on July 17, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    BOSTON — Obsessive compulsive disorder can be disruptive to the lives of patients along with their family friends. But there may be a new, painless treatment that could put an end to the frustrating condition. According to new research, those who suffer from OCD or even related conditions like gambling or shopping addiction could potentially… The post ‘Zapping’ the brain could be pain-free way to get rid of OCD, dangerous addictions appeared first on Study Finds.