Psychology news

• How estrogen modulates fear learning

  18-01-2017 22:37
  Low estrogen levels may make women more susceptible to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while high estrogen levels may be protective. New research provides insight into how estrogen changes gene activity in the brain to achieve its protective effects.
  
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• Changes in blood-brain barrier, intestinal permeability found in individuals with autism

  18-01-2017 20:59
  A new study finds reduced expression of genes involved in integrity of the blood-brain barrier, intestinal barrier in those with autism spectrum disorder.
  
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• Study identifies molecular signal for maintaining adult neuron

  18-01-2017 20:50
  Research in mice points to better understanding of how the structure of nerve cells in the adult hippocampus may deteriorate, which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders, report researchers.
  
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• Toxic brain cells may drive many neurodegenerative disorders, study finds

  18-01-2017 19:22
  While most of us haven't heard of astrocytes, these cells are four times as plentiful in the human brain as nerve cells. Now, a team led by researchers has found that astrocytes, which perform many indispensable functions in the brain, can take on a villainous character, destroying nerve cells and likely driving many neurodegenerative diseases.
  
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• Ancient and healthy: The science of laughter

  18-01-2017 17:00
  
  We all do it, we know it feels good, but why do we laugh? And, most importantly, is it good for our health? In this article, we mull over mirth.
  
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• Mothers of socially anxious children take involvement to the next level

  18-01-2017 16:38
  When mothers of children with social anxiety disorder try to support their children, it often backfires. The results of an experiment involving building difficult puzzles indicate that, even at home, mothers of children with the disorder are more involved with their offspring than mothers of healthy control children.
  
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• In Rett syndrome model, team shows how adult learning is impaired in females

  18-01-2017 14:33
  In mouse models of Rett syndrome -- which in humans is seen overwhelmingly in females -- researchers have demonstrated how failure of Mecp2, the mouse equivalent of the human gene of the same name, has biological consequences that prevent adult females from learning how to gather newborn pups in the days immediately following the pups' birth. They reversed the defect.
  
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• New avenue for anti-depressant therapy discovered

  18-01-2017 14:26
  Researchers have made a ground-breaking discovery revealing new molecular information on how the brain regulates depression and anxiety. In so doing, they identified a new molecule that alleviates anxiety and depressive behavior in rodents.
  
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• Heavy alcohol use in adolescence alters brain electrical activity

  18-01-2017 14:24
  Long-term heavy use of alcohol in adolescence alters cortical excitability and functional connectivity in the brain, according to a new study. These alterations were observed in physically and mentally healthy but heavy-drinking adolescents, who nevertheless did not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for a substance abuse disorder.
  
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• Retelling Recent Information Can Enhance Learning

  18-01-2017 12:01 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: Psych CentralNew research finds that students who are given information and tell someone about it shortly afterward recall the details better and longer. Baylor University psychologist Melanie Sekeres, Ph.D., said that […].
  
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• Plastic Surgeons Often Miss Patients' Mental Disorders, Study Suggests

  18-01-2017 12:01 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  Source: U.S. News and World ReportNearly one in 10 patients seeking facial plastic surgery suffers from a mental illness that distorts their perception of physical defects, but doctors often don't spot the problem, new research suggests.
  
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• Another Challenge to Brain Sex Differences

  18-01-2017 12:01 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  Source: ScienceDailyA meta-analysis of human amygdala volumes reveals no significant difference between the sexes. The study strengthens the case for gender similarity in the human brain and psychological abilities.
  
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• Largest U.S. Bank Pays $55M Over Racial Bias in Mortgages

  18-01-2017 12:00 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: BBCNews - BusinessUS bank JP Morgan Chase pays $55m to settle racial discrimination charges.
  
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• Eating disorders are affecting more UK women in their 40s and 50s

  18-01-2017 09:00
  
  In a UK study of 5,320 women, 3% were found to have an active eating disorder in mid-life, a figure higher than expected as eating disorders are primarily associated with adolescence or early...
  
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• Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine review – the question of men’s and women’s brains

  18-01-2017 08:30
  
  The psychologist provides more evidence that the inequality of the sexes in society is cultural not naturalCordelia Fine is an optimistic writer. In her two earlier books of popular neuroscience (A Mind of Its Own and Delusions of Gender), the psychologist established a reputation for exemplary clarity on complex topics, pleasing wit, feminist principle – and beneath it all, the animating faith that people can be improved through knowledge. Testosterone Rex starts with a quote from Ch
  
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• Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine review – men’s and women’s brains are not different

  18-01-2017 08:30
  
  The psychologist provides more evidence that the inequality of the sexes in society is cultural not naturalCordelia Fine is an optimistic writer. In her two earlier books of popular neuroscience (A Mind of Its Own and Delusions of Gender), the psychologist established a reputation for exemplary clarity on complex topics, pleasing wit, feminist principle – and beneath it all, the animating faith that people can be improved through knowledge. Testosterone Rex starts with a quote from Ch
  
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• Don't 'keep quiet': Prince William urges people to discuss mental health

  18-01-2017 05:23 via usatoday.com
  
  Mental health awareness and destigmatization campaign was selected as the charity of the year for the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon.
  
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