Summary: Researchers have identified two distinct groups of neurons that help the brain evaluate risk and reward in decision-making. These neurons, located in the ventral striatum, separately process better-than-expected and worse-than-expected outcomes. In experiments with mice, silencing these neurons altered their anticipation of rewards, affecting their decision-making behavior.The study suggests...
Summary: Researchers found that Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues, despite their differences, share a common cognitive feedback loop. This process, called the Attention, Arousal, and Release Spiral, creates a cycle where focused attention leads to joy, making concentration effortless and deepening the experience.The study gathered firsthand accounts...
Summary: Scientists have identified a key protein, AP2A1, that may hold the secret to reversing cellular aging. The study found that suppressing AP2A1 in older cells led to rejuvenation, while overexpressing it in young cells accelerated senescence. This protein interacts with integrin β1, which strengthens cell adhesion and contributes to...
Summary: Researchers analyzed human motivation from an evolutionary perspective, identifying 15 key motives that drive behavior. These motives, grouped into five categories—environmental, physiological, reproductive, psychological, and social—reflect adaptations that helped early humans survive.The study used network analysis of survey responses to reveal how these motives interconnect and influence one another....
Summary: A new study finds that life expectancy improvements across Europe have slowed significantly since 2011. Key factors include rising obesity, poor diets, and physical inactivity, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deaths from cardiovascular diseases played a major role in this decline, particularly in the UK.Countries with...
Summary: A new study explores why some people vividly recall dreams while others forget them. Researchers found that dream recall is influenced by personality traits, sleep patterns, and even seasonal changes. People who frequently daydream and have a positive attitude toward dreams were more likely to remember them.Lighter sleep stages...
Summary: Scientists have identified a previously unknown brain circuit that rapidly evaluates sensory information by integrating memories and emotions. This direct feedback loop between the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus allows the brain to prioritize important sights and sounds almost instantly.Unlike the slower, previously known pathway, this circuit may help distinguish...
Summary: A new study reveals that both humans and marmosets continue to adjust their behavior even after learning an optimal task strategy. Instead of sticking to a known successful approach, they subtly modify their responses based on their most recent experience. This ongoing exploration may help them adapt to changing...
Summary: New research suggests a genetic variant in the NOVA1 protein may have played a key role in the emergence of human speech. Scientists introduced this exclusively human variant into mice and observed altered vocalizations, indicating a potential role in vocal communication.The study confirmed that Neanderthals and Denisovans did not...
Summary: Researchers have developed a geometric deep learning approach to uncover shared brain activity patterns across individuals. The method, called MARBLE, learns dynamic motifs from neural recordings and identifies common strategies used by different brains to solve the same task.Tested on macaques and rats, MARBLE accurately decoded neural activity linked...
