Summary: This study defines and investigates “romantic anthropomorphism”—the tendency to ascribe human, romantic qualities to non-human agents—and explores how virtual agents can satisfy human romantic needs. Source: Hiroshima University An international team of researchers presents the concept of romantic anthropomorphism, showing how people can experience romance with anthropomorphized virtual agents. Their work advances understanding of … Read more

Damage to axons in the central nervous system (CNS) typically leads to lasting functional deficits. Enhancing the intrinsic growth capacity of neurons can markedly improve axon regeneration after injury. If injured neurons can regrow a sufficient number of axons, the CNS may recover and restore lost functions. Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science … Read more

Summary: A new study implicates the basolateral amygdala in conditioned taste aversion, a finding that may guide future therapies to reduce taste aversions caused by chemotherapy and some eating disorders. Source: University of Granada. Researchers from the University of Granada, in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), have pinpointed a specific region … Read more

A new study on the epigenetics of lactose intolerance may offer a useful framework for exploring schizophrenia and other complex, serious illnesses. Both lactose intolerance and schizophrenia are inherited conditions that typically do not appear during early childhood but emerge years or even decades later. That parallel prompted researchers to investigate whether shared mechanisms — … Read more

Summary: Researchers report that oligodendrocytes in the brain differ fundamentally from those in the spinal cord because of distinct metabolic programs. These discoveries could improve understanding of myelin loss in multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental conditions and guide new therapeutic strategies. Source: Rutgers New research offers a clearer path to identifying immature cells … Read more

Scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have, for the first time, visualized the molecular changes in a critical cell‑death protein that trigger cells to die. This discovery offers new, high‑resolution insight into how programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is initiated at the molecular level and suggests routes for developing medicines that can either … Read more

Summary: Researchers have created a highly selective fluorescent probe that images serotonin inside cells and in animal models, providing new insight into its role in depression. The study shows that overall serotonin levels in normal and depression-model cells are similar, but cells modeling depression release markedly less serotonin when stimulated. The ability of cells to … Read more

Summary: Positive support from romantic partners can measurably reduce stress, as indicated by lower cortisol levels. In a study of 191 married couples, researchers found that when partners provided positive, validating support, recipients reported feeling more understood and cared for—and showed reduced biological stress responses. This research highlights that how support is offered and perceived … Read more

Summary: HIV infection blocks the maturation of oligodendrocytes, the myelin-producing cells in the brain, which contributes to loss of white matter. Source: University of Pennsylvania People living with HIV commonly show reductions in brain white matter. Unlike gray matter, made up of neuronal cell bodies, white matter consists of myelin, a fatty insulating layer that … Read more

Summary: Activation of noradrenergic neurons originating in the locus coeruleus and projecting to the spinal dorsal horn stimulates a distinct population of astrocytes, and that astrocyte activation promotes heightened pain sensitivity. Source: Kyushu University A research team in Japan has identified a previously unrecognized mechanism in spinal pain control: a selective group of astrocytes in … Read more