Psychology news

• Researchers uncover brain circuitry central to reward-seeking behavior

  22-02-2017 19:15
  Scientists have found that as mice learn to associate a particular sound with a rewarding sugary drink, one set of prefrontal neurons becomes more active and promotes reward-seeking behavior while other prefrontal neurons are silenced, and those neurons act like a brake on reward-seeking.
  
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• Scientists survey the state of sleep science

  22-02-2017 19:14
  Sleep remains an enduring mystery with major clinical relevance, according to a a recent review. In recent decades, new technologies have allowed neuroscientists to identify multiple brain circuits that govern the sleep/wake cycle, as well as the factors that can influence it, such as caffeine and light. But the brain's complexity is still a stumbling block in understanding this ubiquitous and necessary animal behavior.
  
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• Brain-machine interfaces: Bidirectional communication at last

  22-02-2017 19:14
  A prosthetic limb controlled by brain activity can partially recover the lost motor function. Neuroscientists asked whether it was possible to transmit the missing sensation back to the brain by stimulating neural activity in the cortex. They discovered that not only was it possible to create an artificial sensation of neuroprosthetic movements, but that the underlying learning process occurs very rapidly. These finding were obtained by resorting to imaging and optical stimulation tools.
  
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• Itch neurons play a role in managing pain

  22-02-2017 18:56
  There are neurons in your skin that are wired to sense itchy things. These neurons are separate from the ones that detect pain, and yet, chemical-induced itch is often accompanied by mild pain such as burning and stinging sensations. But when it comes to sending signals toward your brain through your spinal cord, itch and mild pain can go through the same set of spinal cord neurons.
  
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• Nudge theory: the psychology and ethics of persuasion - Science Weekly podcast

  22-02-2017 15:56
  
  This week, Ian Sample explores the psychology behind ‘nudging’, its usage by governments, and some of the ethical quandaries involvedSubscribe & Review on iTunes, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud & Acast, and join the discussion on Facebook and TwitterEvery day, each one of us is “nudged” by external factors and actors to change how we behave. Whether it’s the weather forecast, an advert on the train, or advice from a friend, we are all influenced by nudges.
  
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• No, Your Cat Isn't a Threat to Your Mental Health

  22-02-2017 15:34 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  Source: U.S. News and World ReportStudy designed to allay fears that kitty poop parasites raise odds for schizophrenia, other disorders.
  
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• Transgender Dolls: Breaking the Mold or Just a Fad?

  22-02-2017 15:33 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: BBC News - Top HeadlinesWhat has been described as the first transgender doll has gone into production in the US.
  
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• Toddler Behavioral Symptoms May Hint at Celiac Disease

  22-02-2017 15:33 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: Reuters - HealthFor small kids with a family history of celiac disease, anxiety, aggression, sleep problems and other behavioral issues might signal that it’s time to test for celiac, researchers say.
  
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• Michael Moore Launches Anti-Trump "Resistance Calendar"

  22-02-2017 15:33 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: Social Psychology Network NewsMichael Moore, the liberal filmmaker and vocal opponent of President Trump, has launched an online calendar to track anti-Trump events around the world.
  
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• Spoiler alert: most people want to remain in the dark, finds study

  22-02-2017 15:00
  
  Research showed most people prefer not to glimpse the future, whether for the results of a football match or to find out if their marriage will lastWhether anticipating good news or bad, it turns out that most people would prefer to remain in the dark than sneak a glimpse of the future.According to research involving more than 2,000 participants, more than 85% would not want to know if their marriage would end in divorce, while a similar proportion wanted to remain ignorant of when they would di
  
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• Superfluid is now helping brain surgeons

  22-02-2017 14:28
  A superfluid, which resembles brain tissue, makes ultrasound images easier to interpret during an operation. This will make it easier for surgeons to remove brain tumors more accurately, say researchers.
  
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• Precise inactivation of neural messenger receptor wipes out fear memory in mice

  22-02-2017 14:26
  Research combines antibody precision with toxic oxygen burst to inactivate neural protein and temporarily abolish fear memory in mice.
  
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• Depression puts psoriasis patients at significantly greater risk of psoriatic arthritis

  22-02-2017 14:23
  Psoriasis is a lifelong disease that is associated with significant cosmetic and physical disability and puts patients at increased risk for many major medical disorders. A multidisciplinary team of researchers has found that psoriasis patients who developed depression were at a 37 percent greater risk of subsequently developing psoriatic arthritis, compared with psoriasis patients who did not develop depression.
  
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• tDCS combined with computer games at home reduces cognitive symptoms of multiple sclerosis

  22-02-2017 14:22
  A new study reports that participants with multiple sclerosis who used tDCS while playing the cognitive training computer games designed to improve information processing abilities showed significantly greater gains in cognitive measures than those who played the computer games alone. Importantly, the participants completed the cognitive training and tDCS while at home.
  
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• Self-Guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy May Help Depression

  22-02-2017 14:09 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: Reuters - HealthOnline programs offering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) without the therapist can reduce depression symptoms for some, according to a new review of existing research on the topic.
  
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• Colorado Town's Ban on Topless Women Put on Hold by Judge

  22-02-2017 14:09 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: MSNBC - US NewsThe Fort Collins ordinance is based on gender discrimination and is likely unconstitutional, the federal judge wrote in an order.
  
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• Rejecting "Noxious" Prejudice, U.S. Court Backs Black Death Row Inmate

  22-02-2017 14:08 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: Reuters - US NewsThe U.S. Supreme Court gave a Texas death row inmate a chance to avoid execution on Wednesday, with Chief Justice John Roberts denouncing the "noxious strain of racial prejudice" that infected the case when a defense witness testified the man was more likely to commit future crimes because he is black.
  
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• For Stroke Survivors, Exercise Is Good for the Brain

  22-02-2017 14:08 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  Source: U.S. News and World ReportAlong with improving physical mobility, breaking a sweat seems to counteract mental deficits.
  
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• Licorice During Pregnancy Linked to Health Issues for Kids

  22-02-2017 14:07 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: Reuters - HealthWomen who consume licorice during pregnancy might be more likely to have children with cognitive or behavioral problems than mothers who don't eat a lot of this candy while they're pregnant, a small Finnish study suggests.
  
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• Trump to Rescind Transgender Bathroom Rules From Obama Era

  22-02-2017 09:39 via feeds.socialpsychology.org
  
  Source: BBC News - AmericasThe Trump administration will rescind guidance enacted by his predecessor in favour of transgender students, the White House has said.
  
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• Study points to treatment strategy for anorexia

  22-02-2017 09:00
  
  New research conducted in adolescent rodents provides insights on the mechanisms behind anorexia nervosa and points to a potential treatment strategy.
  
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• Experts raise concern over US advice to screen all adults and all teens for depression

  22-02-2017 09:00
  
  Recent advice on depression screening from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) may lead to overtesting and overtreatment, according to some experts.
  
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• MRI-guided laser surgery proving effective for some epilepsy patients

  22-02-2017 04:27
  The MRI-guided laser ablation method is far less invasive and time-consuming than conventional surgery and has produced good results for people with medial temporal lobe epilepsy, report investigators.
  
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• Successful insomnia treatment may require nothing more than a placebo

  22-02-2017 04:07
  A new study indicates that successful treatment for insomnia may not actually require complicated neurofeedback (direct training of brain functions). Rather, it appears patients who simply believe they're getting neurofeedback training appear to get the same benefits.
  
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