Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA have been shown to benefit brain health and cognitive function. Key facts: Omega-3s make up a large proportion of the brain’s fatty acid content. DHA is the most abundant. They support neuron growth, improve blood flow, and protect against inflammation. Multiple studies link omega-3 intake to better memory, …
Human intelligence is a complex cognitive trait that has fascinated scientists and philosophers for centuries. New research is shedding light on the neurobiological underpinnings of intelligence, from genes to cells to brain networks. Key Facts: Intelligence is one of the most heritable human behavioral traits, with genetics explaining 50-80% of variability between individuals. Over 1000 …
Human intelligence has long fascinated scientists. With modern neuroimaging methods like MRI, we now have an unprecedented ability to examine the biological basis of intelligence in the living brain. Key Facts: Larger brain size predicts greater intelligence, but regional brain volumes matter more than total size. More intelligent individuals tend to have greater volumes in …
Psychopathic individuals are known to commit a disproportionate amount of violence and crime. Yet the connections between psychopathy, intelligence and aggression are complex. A new study unpacks the links between these dangerous traits in men and women. Key Facts: Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version which divides psychopathy into 4 facets – …
New research suggests that having higher intelligence may reduce the risk of depression associated with neuroticism, a personality trait linked to emotional instability. Key Facts: Neuroticism is strongly associated with an increased risk of depression and psychological distress. Intelligence does not appear to protect against clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder in highly neurotic individuals. …
A recent longitudinal study provides new insight into the association between intelligence in adolescence and mental health outcomes in middle age. The research indicates that higher intelligence in youth is linked to a lower risk of some common mental health issues at age 50, but a greater likelihood of receiving a depression diagnosis. Key facts: …
Intelligence predicts health and mortality – but why? New research reveals some genes are implicated in both. Key facts: Intelligence test scores predict mortality, illnesses, and health behaviors. Higher scores indicate lower risk. Both intelligence and health/disease outcomes are highly polygenic – many genetic variants of small effect contribute. Genetic correlations exist between intelligence and …
Student cognitive abilities and college institutional factors both shape outcomes, but the historical evidence suggests student characteristics play an outsized role. Key Facts: In the research paper, student cognitive aptitude accounted for 41-47% of the variance in long-term salary outcomes. Institutional factors collectively accounted for more variance when entered first into models, suggesting both student …
Albert Einstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest physicists and intellectuals in human history. His theories of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space, time, gravity and energy. Not surprisingly, there has been great interest in understanding if Einstein’s brain had unique anatomical features that could explain his extraordinary cognitive abilities. Several studies conducted …
A new study published in the Journal of Personality suggests that individuals exhibiting secondary psychopathic traits are perceived as less intelligent than those with primary psychopathic traits. The research examined how laypeople view the intelligence of others based on psychopathic traits. Here are some key findings: Individuals described as exhibiting high secondary psychopathy traits (impulsivity, …
