A new study reveals that people who identify as liberal or left-leaning politically exhibit greater neural empathy responses compared to conservatives. The findings provide novel neuroscientific evidence that ideological differences extend to brain function during empathy. Key Facts: Researchers used MEG brain imaging to measure neural empathy responses in 55 participants as they observed others’ …
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 – …
Suicide is a leading cause of premature death worldwide. Social isolation is increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for suicide. Thorough understanding of this relationship is crucial to guide prevention efforts and policy. Key Facts: Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year globally, with many more attempting suicide. Social isolation significantly increases suicide …
Body art like tattoos and piercings have become increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults around the world. A new study from Chile suggests these body modifications may serve as red flags for risky behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse. Key Facts: 30% of Chilean high school students have piercings, while only 1.7% have tattoos. …
A new study finds that adolescents who identify as multiracial face greater health and behavior risks compared to peers who identify with one race. Key findings show mixed-race youth have higher rates of health issues, substance use, suicidal thoughts, sexual activity, and school discipline problems. Researchers analyzed self-reported race data from over 80,000 7th-12th graders …
People can accurately guess what music you like just by looking at your face and body, according to new research. The study found that subtle cues in a person’s appearance allow others to infer their preferences for certain music genres. These judgments happen quickly and have consequences for social interactions. Key facts: People could accurately …
Mental health and music are deeply intertwined, with music being able to powerfully impact emotions and psychological states. A new study explores how music preferences and use of music for emotion modulation may change after the onset of mental disorders, providing intriguing findings on the complex role music can play in mental health. Key facts: …
Research finds that our musical tastes are linked to our empathy levels and thinking styles. People who are more empathetic tend to like mellow music genres while more systematic thinkers prefer intense, complex music. Key Facts: People higher in empathy prefer mellow music genres like soft rock, R&B, and adult contemporary. They dislike intense genres …
A new neuroimaging study has uncovered associations between subclinical narcissistic traits and regional grey matter volumes in the brain, specifically in the insular cortex and multiple prefrontal regions. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Jena in Germany, provides novel evidence that narcissistic personality tendencies are linked to structural variations in brain networks …
Researchers have uncovered concerning links between excessive exercise and psychiatric problems like depression, ADHD, and childhood trauma. This sheds new light on the concerning phenomenon of exercise addiction. Key Facts: Individuals at risk for exercise addiction scored higher on measures of depression, ADHD symptoms, and childhood trauma compared to frequent exercisers not at risk. Around …
