Psychology News and Research

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

As vaping devices evolve, new potential hazards scrutinized

The smokeless tobacco industry that began with low-voltage cigarette look-alikes has evolved to include customizable, high-wattage machines capable of generating enormous clouds of vapor - and potentially toxic substances.

24 Oct 2019

Risk factors for unemployment with multiple sclerosis vary by age, study finds

A recent study by Kessler Foundation researchers explored numerous factors that contribute to the high unemployment rate among individuals of different ages with multiple sclerosis.

24 Oct 2019

Discovery sheds light on TNFα protein's role in impairing memory in Alzheimer's disease

Otago scientists have made an important discovery in understanding the role a particular protein plays to impair memory in Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to more effective treatment in future.

23 Oct 2019

Educational games can help overcome learning barriers

Throughout history, games have had a fundamental part in any and all human cultures as one of the most ancient forms of communication. Through play and games, the human race was able to deliver crucial information and potentially develop vital survival skills in participants living in a safe and forgiving environment thousands of years ago.

23 Oct 2019

Missouri researchers provide first comprehensive literature reviews on arrogance

On a first date, people focus on making a good first impression. But when someone brags about themselves constantly, that person is often exhibiting some level of arrogance.

22 Oct 2019

Escapism found to be strongest predictor of gaming disorder among video gamers

A new study in Comprehensive Psychiatry, published by Elsevier, is the first to compare professional electronic sport (esport) players with recreational video game players and explores the similarities and differences between what motivates each group.

22 Oct 2019

Neural mechanism could help explain how the brain creates memories of episodes

The memory of specific episodes is the base of autobiographical memory, but we do not know how the brain structures the experience to remember it in the long run.

22 Oct 2019

Study uncovers brain biology behind postpartum depression

Chronic stress during pregnancy triggers an immune response in the brain that has potential to alter brain functions in ways that could contribute to postpartum depression, new research in animals suggests.

22 Oct 2019

Research shows brain's immune system gets activated by stress during pregnancy

21 Oct 2019

Scientists investigate how background noise affects brain activity

Have you ever found it difficult to focus on a task due to background noise? Scientists at the University of Alberta are studying just how these sounds impact our brain activity--and what that impact means for designing neurotechnology.

21 Oct 2019

New NIH BRAIN Initiative awards accelerate the pace of neuroscience research

Scientists have been developing astounding new tools for exploring neural circuits that underlie brain function throughout the first five years of the National Institutes of Health's Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative.

18 Oct 2019

Researchers analyze neurodegeneration linked to FXTAS by measuring motor behavior

The neurological disorder FXTAS stems from a genetic premutation seen in one of every 151 women and one of every 468 men, called the FMR1 premutation.

17 Oct 2019

Modern humans do not tend to gain weight from emotional eating after a bad breakup

That pint of ice cream after a nasty breakup may not do as much damage as you think. Despite the emotional turmoil, people on average do not report gaining weight after a relationship dissolution, according to new research.

17 Oct 2019

Research could help explain why memory in old age is less flexible than in young adulthood

New research from King's College London and The Open University could help explain why memory in old age is much less flexible than in young adulthood.

17 Oct 2019

Green areas in cities can improve the wellbeing of urban citizens

Tost, H., et al. (2019) Neural correlates of individual differences in affective benefit of real-life urban green space exposure. Nature Neuroscience. doi.org/10.1038/s41593-019-0451-y.

17 Oct 2019

Deaf infants better at following adult's gaze than their hearing peers

Deaf infants who have been exposed to American Sign Language are better at following an adult's gaze than their hearing peers, supporting the idea that social-cognitive development is sensitive to different kinds of life experiences.

17 Oct 2019

DePaul University receives $6.6 million grant to reduce African American youth violence

Psychology researchers at DePaul University have received a $6.6 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to reduce African American youth violence.

16 Oct 2019

Hormone therapy linked to better cognitive status in older adult women

Estrogen has a significant role in overall brain health and cognitive function. That's why so many studies focused on the prevention of cognitive decline consider the effect of reduced estrogen levels during the menopause transition.

16 Oct 2019

Individuals with higher cognitive abilities have more stable brain networks

The interconnections and communication between different regions of the human brain influence our behavior in many ways.

15 Oct 2019

New federal grant to expand outreach to help underserved communities battle opioid epidemic

According to government data, more than 70,000 Americans died in 2017 by overdosing on opioids. In response to the opioid crisis, the US Department of Health and Human Services outlined several key priorities, including improved treatment access, use of overdose-reversing drugs and improved pain management strategies.

15 Oct 2019