Summary: People who score high on narcissistic traits demonstrate greater verbal aggression, physical aggression, bullying behaviors, and a tendency to displace aggression onto innocent bystanders. Across studies, narcissism was linked to about a 21% increase in general aggression and an 18% increase in violent acts. Source: The Conversation We recently reviewed 437 studies of narcissism … Read more

Summary: A new clinical trial reports that deep brain stimulation (DBS) produced meaningful symptom improvement in half of adults with treatment-resistant depression, and nearly one-third achieved remission. The study identified theta-frequency (4–8 Hz) electrical activity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) as a predictive biomarker of individual treatment response. Patients with lower … Read more

Summary: A new multimodal study reveals how the brain transforms a rapid sequence of flashes into the perception of smooth, continuous motion. This work identifies the superior colliculus (SC) as a central hub in switching vision from discrete, static events to a continuous, dynamic mode—an essential process for how mammals, including humans, interpret movement in … Read more

Summary: Researchers analysed brain and body measurements for roughly 1,500 mammal species and found that body and brain size do not scale proportionally across large animals. Instead of a straight-line relationship, the link between brain and body size is curved, overturning a long-standing assumption in studies of brain evolution. This revised view clarifies why some … Read more

A small study of new mothers indicates that not completing high school — a likely marker of socioeconomic stress — may be linked to shorter telomeres in newborns. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes; when shortened, they are a recognized sign of cellular aging and, in adults, are associated with higher risk … Read more

Summary: Listening to upbeat, motivational music during intense exercise can increase enjoyment and motivation—and even boost physical effort—in adults who are otherwise insufficiently active. Source: University of British Columbia New research from UBC’s Okanagan campus shows that fast-tempo, motivational music can make a demanding workout feel easier and more enjoyable, even for people who rarely … Read more

Summary: New research from USC shows that imbalances in the gut microbiome of children with autism are associated with altered production of metabolites that influence neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin. The study links these gut-derived metabolites to measurable differences in brain activity and to behavioral symptoms, suggesting that gut-brain communication plays a role in emotional … Read more

Neuroscience researchers have identified a new molecular pathway that appears to contribute to Parkinson’s disease. The pathway centers on polyamines—small, naturally occurring molecules that the study shows can promote the accumulation of toxic proteins inside neurons. The work also points to existing drugs that lower polyamine levels as potential candidates to slow disease progression and … Read more

Summary: A 12-week program of group exercise, performed at either moderate or higher intensity, produced substantial reductions in anxiety symptoms among primary care patients, according to a new randomized trial. Source: University of Gothenburg Regular aerobic and strength training, whether performed at moderate or strenuous intensity, significantly reduced anxiety symptoms — even in patients with … Read more

Summary: New research links the rise in Americans identifying as religious “nones” to the increased visibility and political activity of the conservative Christian movement, particularly around opposition to LGBT issues such as same-sex marriage. Source: University at Buffalo Religious “nones” — people who do not formally identify with a particular religion — are growing in … Read more