Psychology news

• Simple intervention can make your brain more receptive to health advice

  02-02-2015 22:06
  A new discovery shows how a simple intervention -- self-affirmation -- can open our brains to accept advice that is hard to hear. Psychologists have used self-affirmation as a technique to improve outcomes ranging from health behaviors in high risk patients to increasing academic performance in at risk youth, suggesting that the findings may be applicable across a wide range of interventions.
  
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• More evidence that musical training protects the brain

  02-02-2015 19:26
  
  Scientists have found some of the strongest evidence yet that musical training in younger years can prevent the decay in speech listening skills in later life. "Musical activities are an engaging form of cognitive brain training and we are now seeing robust evidence of brain plasticity from musical training not just in younger brains, but in older brains too," said the study's leader.
  
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• Break on through to the other side: How HIV penetrates the blood-brain barrier

  02-02-2015 18:36
  A new research report solves the mystery of how HIV penetrates the blood-brain barrier by showing that the virus relies on proteins expressed by a type of immune cell, called 'mature monocytes,' to enter the brain. These proteins are a likely drug target for preventing HIV from reaching brain cells.
  
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• No, research does not say that ‘iPads and smartphones may damage toddlers’ brains’

  02-02-2015 18:04
  
  Some news outlets are claiming that scientists have discovered that touchscreen devices are bad for child developmentIt’s been a bad week for neuroscience in the news. Last Wednesday, we were told that it’s neuroscientific fact – FACT - that watching a murder mystery is good for your brain. We weren’t treated to any evidence to back up this astounding claim, but don’t worry – the writer was a neuroscientist. “The research in my field affirms this”, we were assured. And then, on S
  
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• No, research does not say that ‘iPads and smartphones may damage toddlers’ brains’ | Pete Etchells

  02-02-2015 18:04
  
  Some news outlets are claiming that scientists have discovered that touchscreen devices are bad for child development. What does the journal article actually say?It’s been a bad week for neuroscience in the news. Last Wednesday, we were told that it’s neuroscientific fact – FACT - that watching a murder mystery is good for your brain. We weren’t treated to any evidence to back up this astounding claim, but don’t worry – the writer was a neuroscientist. “The research in my field aff
  
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• Scientists view effect of whisker tickling on mouse brains

  02-02-2015 17:41
  
  Researchers have succeeded in peering into the brains of live mice with such precision that they were able to see how the position of specific proteins changed as memories were forged.
  
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• Illusion aids understanding of autism

  02-02-2015 16:57
  New research could lead to a better understanding of how the brain works in people with autism. Using the 'rubber-hand' illusion, the researchers examined how adults with autism experienced 'ownership' of a fake prosthetic hand. In the 'rubber-hand' illusion, one of the subject's hands is placed out of sight, while a rubber hand sits in front of them. By stroking the fake hand at the same time as the visible real one, the subject can be convinced the fake hand is theirs. The results of this expe
  
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• Tweeting about sexism could improve a woman's wellbeing

  02-02-2015 11:00
  
  Publically tweeting about sexism could improve a woman's wellbeing as it has the potential to let them to express themselves in ways that feel like they can make a difference.
  
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• Ian Stuart-Hamilton's book selected for new scheme to help people with dementia

  02-02-2015 10:56
  Introduction to the Psychology of Ageing for Non-specialists by Prof Ian Stuart Hamilton has been selected by for the Reading Books on Prescription scheme to help people with dementia.
  
  
  In his book, Prof Stuart-Hamilton, a senior lecturer in Psychology at University of South Wales, explains the key issues in ageing clearly and concisely.
  
  Beginning with explanations of ageing, life expectancy and demographics, it goes on to discuss the aspects of ageing that have the most impact on people&#
  
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• Study finds texting may be more suitable than apps in treatment of mental illness

  02-02-2015 09:00
  Texting may be a more suitable treatment aid for those with mental illness than mobile applications.
  
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• Study analyses internet, mobile and video game effects on young users

  02-02-2015 09:00
  
  A total of 89 percent of young people own their first mobile phone before they reach the age of 13A study conducted by researchers at the UAB, the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS) and the FPCEE...
  
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• She thinks friends, he thinks sex

  02-02-2015 09:00
  
  This classic miscommunication appears baked into our psycheImagine the following scenario: a woman and a man are having a conversation.
  
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• How negative stereotyping affects older people

  02-02-2015 09:00
  
  The most comprehensive analysis to date of research on the effect of negative stereotypes on older people's abilities has concluded that these stereotypes create a significant problem for that...
  
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