Psychology News and Research

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

New, precise definition of boredom based on mental processes

This gives new meaning to the complaint "I'm bored" - literally. Canadian researchers - including a professor from the University of Guelph - have come up with a new, precise definition of boredom based on the mental processes that underlie the condition.

29 Sep 2012

Autism Speaks announces new round of research grants

Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, today announced the awarding of new research grants totaling nearly $5 million. "Autism Speaks is committed to continuing our research which has tremendous potential to increase our understanding of autism and addressing the needs of individuals with autism," said Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright, "and we are grateful to the donors who make this research possible."

29 Sep 2012

The state of science and technology in Canada, 2012

An authoritative, evidence-based assessment of the state of science and technology in Canada has found that Canadian science and technology is healthy, growing and internationally respected. Over the past five years, real improvements have occurred in the magnitude and quality of Canadian science and technology.

28 Sep 2012

Fear hard to extinguish from the teenage brain

A new study by Weill Cornell Medical College researchers shows that adolescents' reactions to threat remain high even when the danger is no longer present. According to researchers, once a teenager's brain is triggered by a threat, the ability to suppress an emotional response to the threat is diminished which may explain the peak in anxiety and stress-related disorders during this developmental period.

28 Sep 2012

Evidence does not support claims of Cogmed Working Memory Training

A target article in the Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition concludes that evidence does not support the claims of Cogmed Working Memory Training. Additional experts weigh in with commentary papers in response.

28 Sep 2012

BioLineRx’s BL-1020 safe and effective in treating schizophrenia

BioLineRx, a biopharmaceutical development company, announced today the publication of results from the Phase II EAGLE clinical trial for BL-1020, a first in class, orally available, GABA-enhanced antipsychotic for the treatment of schizophrenia, showing that BL-1020 is safe and effective in improving schizophrenia, in addition to improving cognitive impairment associated with this condition.

28 Sep 2012

George Mason University research makes big breakthrough in HIV

New research showing how the HIV virus targets "veterans" or memory T-cells could change how drugs are used to stop the virus, according to new research by George Mason University.

27 Sep 2012

Study sheds new light on potential habit-forming properties of tramadol

A study by a team of University of Kentucky researchers has shed new light on the potential habit-forming properties of the popular pain medication tramadol, in research funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

27 Sep 2012

NYU Langone creates new groundbreaking collaboration in autism research

NYU Langone Medical Center announced today the creation of a new groundbreaking collaboration in autism research. The Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) is a database of brain scans from more than 15 leading international research institutions and academic medical centers.

27 Sep 2012

Elsevier announces launch of NeuroImage: Clinical

Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, announces the launch of NeuroImage: Clinical, a new open access journal, and sister journal to NeuroImage.

26 Sep 2012

Dual cigarette and waterpipe users more likely to develop dependence, tobacco-related diseases

People who smoke both cigarettes and waterpipes - dual users - lack sufficient knowledge about the risks of tobacco smoking and are at considerable risk for dependence and tobacco-related diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and stroke later in life, according to findings of a new study by Virginia Commonwealth University.

26 Sep 2012

New guide helps children deal with obesity

Have you ever been taken off guard by a child's question about weight? Many parents struggle with what to say and how to say it. In fact, a WebMD/Sanford Health survey found that parents of teens find it more difficult to talk about weight with their child than talking about sex, drugs, alcohol or smoking.

26 Sep 2012

Self-image, social interaction help explain link between exercise and mental health

We've heard it time and time again: exercise is good for us. And it's not just good for physical health - research shows that daily physical activity can also boost our mental health. But what actually accounts for the association between exercise and mental health?

26 Sep 2012

Traditional Chinese medicine profoundly influenced by philosophy and religion

Are the longevity and vitality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its holistic approach? Indeed, Chinese medicine is not simply about treating illness, but rather about taking care of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. According to an analysis¹ of TCM's origins and development by Lin Shi from Beijing Normal University and Chenguang Zhang from Southwest Minzu University in China, traditional Chinese medicine is profoundly influenced by Chinese philosophy and religion.

26 Sep 2012

Capella Education Company, Medtronic win Brandon Hall Bronze Award

Medtronic and Capella Education Company, a provider of online post-secondary education through its wholly owned subsidiary Capella University, have won a coveted Brandon Hall Bronze Award for Excellence in the Best Use of Blended Learning category.

From Medtronic 26 Sep 2012

Aromatase inhibitors impact sex life of postmenopausal women with breast cancer

Women treated for breast cancer after menopause with aromatase inhibitors have very high levels of sexual difficulties, including low interest, insufficient lubrication, and pain with intercourse. It is an important and underestimated problem, say the authors of a study published online in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society.

25 Sep 2012

Paced breathing may reduce hot flashes in women

Regular, daily practice of calm or paced breathing may ease hot flashes, shows a new study published online in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society.

25 Sep 2012

Pacifiers may have a deleterious effect on development of emotional intelligence

Scientific literature tends to refute the concerns of generations of parents who worry they may be harming their infants by giving them pacifiers (also called dummies, binkies or soothers). Recent consensus has agreed though generally bad for growing straight teeth, their soothing effects are not psychologically damaging, and could even be beneficial.

24 Sep 2012

Sleep medicine and research: an interview with James K. Walsh

There are a variety of sleep medicines. I am going to refer to what are commonly described as hypnotics or sleeping pills. Sleeping pills have been around for a long time.

24 Sep 2012

Concordia study shows childhood friends can forecast adulthood success

Even on the playground, our friends know us better than we know ourselves. New research has revealed that your childhood peers from grade school may be able to best predict your success as an adult.

21 Sep 2012