Psychology News and Research

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

Scientists discover molecular mechanism that actively regulates memory loss

In order to function properly, the human brain requires the ability not only to store but also to forget: Through memory loss, unnecessary information is deleted and the nervous system retains its plasticity.

17 Mar 2014

Social pressures rather than physical dangers may restrict e-cigarette use, says university professor

As part of the Psychology Invited Speakers Seminar Series at the University of Leicester, Professor Jason Hughes from the University's Department of Sociology will today argue that e-cigarettes, which are currently unregulated throughout the United Kingdom, will soon face legislation that will restrict and ban them - and that concerns about social dangers, more than physical dangers to health, will be the cause of it.

17 Mar 2014

Research reveals that hippocampus stores memories by their temporal context

Before I left the house this morning, I let the cat out and started the dishwasher. Or was that yesterday? Very often, our memories must distinguish not just what happened and where, but when an event occurred - and what came before and after.

17 Mar 2014

Brain-mapping experiment proves that schizophrenia patients have impaired ability to imitate

According to George Bernard Shaw, "Imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery - it's the sincerest form of learning." According to psychologists, imitation is something that we all do whenever we learn a new skill, whether it is dancing or how to behave in specific social situations.

17 Mar 2014

Schizophrenia patients show abnormal brain activity when imitating simple hand gestures

14 Mar 2014

Mindfulness-based meditation could lessen some symptoms of cancer in teens

Mindfulness-based meditation could lessen some symptoms associated with cancer in teens, according to the results of a clinical trial intervention led by researchers at the University of Montreal and its affiliated CHU Sainte-Justine children's hospital.

14 Mar 2014

Study sheds new light on how humans perceive and produce sounds

Research from McGill University reveals that the brain's motor network helps people remember and recognize music that they have performed in the past better than music they have only heard.

13 Mar 2014

Improving self-esteem provides real health benefits in seniors, says researcher

The importance of boosting self-esteem is normally associated with the trials and tribulations of adolescence. But new research from Concordia University shows that it's even more important for older adults to maintain and improve upon those confidence levels as they enter their twilight years.

13 Mar 2014

Researchers identify distinct profiles of brain activity present when making decisions

Although choosing to do something because the perceived benefit outweighs the financial cost is something people do daily, little is known about what happens in the brain when a person makes these kinds of decisions.

12 Mar 2014

APAPO recognizes Senator Sherrod Brown with 2014 Outstanding Leadership Award

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was honored last night by the American Psychological Association Practice Organization for his advocacy work and legislative accomplishments on mental health issues. APAPO recognized Sen. Brown with the 2014 Outstanding Leadership Award, given annually to a member of Congress who has done good work on behalf of professional psychology.

11 Mar 2014

Obesity in adolescent girls linked with lower academic attainment levels

Obesity in adolescent girls is associated with lower academic attainment levels throughout their teenage years, a new study has shown.

11 Mar 2014

Majority of Latinas unaware of diabetes risk

Approximately 5.5 million Latinas suffer from elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and nearly 4 million of those women were never told by a healthcare provider they were at risk for diabetes, pre-diabetes, or were borderline for diabetes.

10 Mar 2014

Music does not speak to everyone

Although it is not associated with any apparent biological advantagess or useful value (such as money), music is ranked among the highest sources of pleasure. Music's important role in our society and culture has led to the assumption that its ability to induce pleasure is universal. However, this assumption has never been empirically tested.

10 Mar 2014

RIT plans for new school of health and nutrition to promote healthy lifestyles

Rochester Institute of Technology today announced plans for a new school of health and nutrition, charged with educating students on the role of nutrition, exercise and behavior modification in promoting healthy lifestyles.

10 Mar 2014

Just one drink can affect driving abilities of older drivers

You may have only had one glass of wine with dinner, but if you're 55 or older, that single serving may hit you hard enough to make you a dangerous driver.

10 Mar 2014

Researchers publish new key parameters for evaluating and treating autism

Improving diagnosis and treatment for individuals with autism has been the focus of a growing body of research. New information from these studies led the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry to revise key parameters for evaluating and treating autism. Researchers led by Yale Child Study Center director Fred Volkmar, M.D., have published the new practice parameters in the Feb. issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

9 Mar 2014

Doctors' unconscious biases does not affect high BP treatment for minority patients, says study

Doctors' unconscious biases favor whites but do not affect high blood pressure treatment for their minority patients, according to a University of Colorado Boulder study, even though a previous study by the same research group found that doctors' biases are reflected in lower ratings by African-American patients.

7 Mar 2014