Brain
ScienceDaily (2011-04-13) -- We all move around in a protective bubble of "near space," more commonly known as "personal space." But not everyone's bubble is the same size. People who project their personal space too far beyond their bodies, or the norm of arm's reach, are more likely to experience claustrophobic fear, a new study finds. [...]
A study finds that 7- to 9-year-old children that have an idea/concept of a supernatural force are more likely to allow a "sign" to influence their behavior. Children in this age group who do not have an idea/concept of a supernatural force do not interpret "signs" as such. For younger children, the knowledge of a supernatural [...]
ScienceDaily (2011-02-14) -- When psychotherapy is helping someone get better, what does that change look like in the brain? This was the question a team of psychological scientists set out to investigate in patients suffering from social anxiety disorder. "The study recruited 25 adults with social anxiety disorder from a Hamilton, Ontario clinic. The patients participated [...]
The earlier you start drinking, the more stress-induced drinking you may have later, according to a new study. The total amount of alcohol consumption was examined, and not number of "drinking days". This is because total amount of consumption is more of an indicator of stress-induced drinking. Stressful life events caused increased drinking, while normal day-to-day [...]
ScienceDaily (2011-02-03) -- A simple test performed at the sideline of sporting events can accurately detect concussions in athletes, according to a new study. Current sideline tests can leave a wide amount a brain function untested following concussion. Researchers showed that this simple test was superior to current methods and accurately and reliably identified athletes with [...]
ScienceDaily (2011-01-24) -- What makes music beautiful? The best compositions transcend culture and time -- but what is the commonality which underscores their appeal? New research suggests that the brain simplifies complex patterns, much in the same way that "lossless" music compression formats reduce audio files, by removing redundant data and identifying patterns. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110120073507.htm
I just heard a very touching interview on NPR's Radiolab, from WNYC. Simon and Sarita fell in love, and out of love. There's a twist - he has propagnosia, otherwise known as "facial blindness". Simon can't recognize faces - in fact, he didn't recognize Sarita at first. You can listen to the full interview here: Listen [...]
From MSNBC.com: Joan Raymond writes: Have you ever taken off your glasses only to discover that besides being blind as bat, you can’t hear too well either? You’re not alone. There’s even a small cadre of Facebook folks who gather under the group: “I can't hear you, I don't have my glasses on.” According to Lawrence [...]
ScienceDaily (2007-05-04) -- Bipolar disorder is estimated to affect approximately 1-3 percent of adults, but also can affect children and adolescents. Untreated, this disorder is associated with greater risk of drug and alcohol addiction, interpersonal relationship difficulties, school and, later, work problems, engaging in risky behaviors, and suicide. A study published in the May issue of [...]
ScienceDaily (2011-01-04) -- Researchers have produced a lasting anti-cocaine immunity in mice by giving them a safe vaccine that combines bits of the common cold virus with a particle that mimics cocaine. In their study, published Jan. 4 in the online edition of Molecular Therapy and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the researchers [...]