Summary: New research from Harvard Medical School shows that skin-derived signals—not preset genetic programming—direct sensory nerve endings to mature into the forms needed for specific types of touch on hairy or hairless skin. The study reveals that cues from the skin itself determine whether mechanosensory neurons form high-acuity endings found in hairless areas or the … Read more

Evidence shows that the farther birds migrate, the more new neurons appear in parts of their brains linked to navigation and social coordination. New research published in Scientific Reports indicates that birds undertaking longer migratory journeys incorporate a greater number of newly generated neurons into brain regions involved in navigation, spatial orientation, and social behavior. … Read more

Have you ever been told you need to speak up? Do you often agree with others to avoid conflict, even when it goes against your best interests? If so, you may be struggling with assertiveness — the ability to express your needs, set boundaries, and communicate clearly while respecting others. Assertiveness training helps people who … Read more

Summary: A new university study found that people who score higher on measures of psychopathic traits can learn to lie more quickly after practice than those who score low on these traits. The research suggests that greater psychopathic tendency may be linked not to an innate advantage at lying, but to a greater capacity to … Read more

Summary: A new study finds that matriarch African elephants in the wild sleep an average of only two hours per day. Source: University of the Witwatersrand Sleep remains one of biology’s greatest mysteries. Like eating, reproducing and avoiding danger, sleep is a fundamental biological need shared across the animal kingdom. Yet its precise function is … Read more

There’s a frightening, helpless feeling that can rise when you realize your child needs more support than you can provide on your own. Some parents feel guilty, wondering whether something they did—or didn’t do—caused their child’s emotional distress. Guilt doesn’t help. The priority is finding effective help that improves your child’s wellbeing. Mental health concerns … Read more

MRI reveals distinct brain structural differences in adult earthquake survivors with and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a new study reports in Radiology. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a life-threatening or severely injurious event. Common symptoms include intrusive memories, nightmares, emotional numbing, heightened arousal, avoidance of … Read more

Assertiveness is a communication style that allows people to express their thoughts, needs, and boundaries clearly and respectfully. When practiced well, assertiveness promotes fairness and mutual respect in relationships and workplace interactions. Some people have a naturally assertive temperament, but assertiveness is a skill that can be learned and strengthened. This article explains what assertiveness … Read more

Summary: Removing senescent cells may help reverse some signs of aging, researchers report. Source: Cell Press Removing senescent cells — those with a persistent damage response that accumulate with age — has shown striking benefits in animal studies. Elderly mice can regrow fur, run faster, and recover organ function after senescent-cell clearance. While these findings … Read more

Summary: Children with high-functioning autism who completed a virtual reality social cognition training program showed gains in emotional recognition, perspective taking, and real-world social relationships. Source: UT Dallas Many children with high-functioning autism have average to above-average intellectual abilities but face persistent social challenges. Difficulties with social communication, inhibitory control, and emotional regulation can contribute … Read more