Summary: Researchers found that music—especially listeners’ own favorite tracks—can lessen how intensely people experience pain. In the experiment, participants reported lower pain intensity and reduced unpleasantness when listening to their favorite music compared with unfamiliar relaxing pieces or silence. The emotional character of the music mattered: songs described as “moving” or “bittersweet” were particularly effective. … Read more

Summary: A global study shows that the music we find most emotionally powerful usually comes from our teenage years, with a clear peak around age 17. This pronounced “reminiscence bump” reflects how songs experienced during adolescence become deeply tied to identity and long-lasting memory. The study also identifies gender differences: men’s strongest musical memories tend … Read more

Summary: After injury, insulin is essential for the maturation and survival of newly generated olfactory sensory neurons, supporting recovery of the sense of smell. Source: Monell Chemical Senses Center Researchers have long recognized insulin’s role in the growth and repair of certain sensory neurons that convey environmental information to the brain, such as those involved … Read more

Summary: New research indicates that social media interactions can help reduce negative emotions and support well-being for people who feel uneasy in direct, one-on-one social encounters. Source: Society for Consumer Psychology. Have you ever wanted to share a difficult day at work or unsettling medical news but felt hesitant to call or meet a friend … Read more

Summary: Greater accumulation of amyloid beta alongside reduced serotonin transporter availability in older adults’ brains was linked to an increased risk of developing depression and to more severe depressive symptoms. Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a brain imaging pattern that connects higher amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition with lower serotonin … Read more

Summary: A new study from Niigata University demonstrates that the social behavior of zebrafish carrying a mutation linked to autism and Angelman syndrome is strongly shaped by the surrounding environment. When placed in an aversive white Styrofoam tank designed to increase stress, the mutant fish showed greater anxiety and reduced social contact. In a familiar, … Read more

Implications for the development of new treatment strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders. A collaborative research team from Osaka University and The University of Tokyo has identified a critical role for intracellular protein trafficking in supporting higher brain functions such as learning and memory. Their work demonstrates that the molecule ARHGAP33 regulates synaptic function and related behaviors … Read more

Summary: Researchers report exercise helps improve overall health and mental health. Source: Kobe University. Regular exercise among Japanese residents in Malaysia was associated with less time spent sitting and higher health-related quality of life, including better mental health. The study was published in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine and was led by Associate Professor Kazuhiro P. … Read more

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