PsyPost
@psypost.bsky.social
Reporting research on human behavior and cognition. #PsychSciSky #Psychology #SciComm
Trauma history shapes how the brain adaptively responds to new stress
Trauma history shapes how the brain adaptively responds to new stress
New research suggests the brain copes with new stress by temporarily weakening the networks shaped by past trauma. This quieting of trauma-related circuits is linked to fewer symptoms of depression and better emotional regulation.
www.psypost.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Trauma history shapes how the brain adaptively responds to new stress
New study shows that not all forms of social rank are equally attractive
New study shows that not all forms of social rank are equally attractive
A new study in Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that attraction to high-status partners depends on both the kind of status someone displays and the relationship a person wants.
www.psypost.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:06 PM
New study shows that not all forms of social rank are equally attractive
Grok’s views mirror other top AI models despite “anti-woke” branding
Grok’s views mirror other top AI models despite “anti-woke” branding
A new study suggests xAI’s Grok aligns closely with competitors like ChatGPT when evaluating controversial social and scientific claims.
www.psypost.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Grok’s views mirror other top AI models despite “anti-woke” branding
People who signal victimhood are seen as having more manipulative traits, according to new psychology research
People who signal victimhood are seen as having more manipulative traits, according to new psychology research
Across several studies, people who signaled victimhood tended to be evaluated less favorably than those who faced similar situations without highlighting their suffering.
www.psypost.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:03 AM
People who signal victimhood are seen as having more manipulative traits, according to new psychology research
New research reveals how estrogen amplifies the brain’s dopamine signals
New research reveals how estrogen amplifies the brain’s dopamine signals
The brain’s ability to learn from rewards fluctuates with natural hormonal cycles, a new study in rats shows. Researchers report in Nature Neuroscience that peak estrogen levels amplify the dopamine signals that drive reinforcement learning.
www.psypost.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:08 AM
New research reveals how estrogen amplifies the brain’s dopamine signals
Boosting NAD+ reverses Alzheimer’s-like deficits in animal models
Boosting NAD+ reverses Alzheimer’s-like deficits in animal models
A recent paper details a new mechanism for protecting the brain from Alzheimer's-related damage. The research shows how the metabolite NAD+ helps repair cellular function and improve memory.
www.psypost.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Boosting NAD+ reverses Alzheimer’s-like deficits in animal models
New study explores how ADHD symptoms relate to menopause in midlife women
New study explores how ADHD symptoms relate to menopause in midlife women
A recent study examined how ADHD symptoms relate to menopausal experiences. Researchers found no overall increase in menopause complaints among women with ADHD but did uncover differences in how symptoms may be perceived and reported.
www.psypost.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:06 PM
New study explores how ADHD symptoms relate to menopause in midlife women
ChatGPT’s social trait judgments align with human impressions, study finds
ChatGPT’s social trait judgments align with human impressions, study finds
A recent study tested whether ChatGPT sees faces like humans do. The findings suggest its judgments of social traits often mirror ours, including the tendency to associate attractiveness with other positive qualities—a bias common in human social perception.
www.psypost.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:18 PM
ChatGPT’s social trait judgments align with human impressions, study finds
Anxiety disorders linked to lower levels of key nutrient
Anxiety disorders linked to lower levels of key nutrient
A major analysis of brain chemistry reveals a potential biological signature for anxiety disorders: consistently lower levels of the essential nutrient choline. The findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggest a link between nutrition and mental health.
www.psypost.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Anxiety disorders linked to lower levels of key nutrient
A psychologist spent 50 years studying egos. He has a lot to say about Trump’s signature.
A psychologist spent 50 years studying egos. He has a lot to say about Trump’s signature.
How do you spot a narcissistic leader? Researchers have found a clue hiding in plain sight.
www.psypost.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:14 PM
A psychologist spent 50 years studying egos. He has a lot to say about Trump’s signature.
Women’s sexual desire is more strongly affected by stress, new study suggests
Women’s sexual desire is more strongly affected by stress, new study suggests
The connection between stress and low sexual desire is especially strong in women, a new study reveals. Higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol were directly tied to lower libido in female participants.
www.psypost.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Women’s sexual desire is more strongly affected by stress, new study suggests
Scientists identify a crucial brain feature connecting genetics to intelligence
Scientists identify a crucial brain feature connecting genetics to intelligence
A team of neuroscientists has uncovered evidence that genetic influences on intelligence may operate through the density of brain wiring, highlighting a potential biological bridge between inherited DNA differences and the brain structures that support reasoning and problem-solving.
www.psypost.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Scientists identify a crucial brain feature connecting genetics to intelligence
Study suggests smart drugs are used for optimization, not self-medication
Study suggests smart drugs are used for optimization, not self-medication
A new study finds users of off-prescription 'smart drugs' aren't self-medicating for cognitive deficits. Instead, they appear to be enhancing already healthy brain function.
www.psypost.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Study suggests smart drugs are used for optimization, not self-medication
Aggression in pornography has tripled over 25 years, study finds
Aggression in pornography has tripled over 25 years, study finds
Depictions of physical aggression in popular online pornography have substantially increased over the past quarter-century, new research finds.
www.psypost.org
November 12, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Aggression in pornography has tripled over 25 years, study finds
New research examines: Can religion tame dark personalities at work?
New research examines: Can religion tame dark personalities at work?
A new study challenges the straightforward link between faith and ethical behavior at work. It reveals that an employee's internal spiritual connection and their company’s culture are critical pieces of a more complex puzzle.
www.psypost.org
November 12, 2025 at 7:26 PM
New research examines: Can religion tame dark personalities at work?
Is anger the secret fuel for your next big idea? A new study suggests it could help
Is anger the secret fuel for your next big idea? A new study suggests it could help
Feeling angry may fuel creativity, a new study finds. The research clarifies the complex and sometimes sinister relationship between our moods and our capacity for original thought.
www.psypost.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Is anger the secret fuel for your next big idea? A new study suggests it could help
The debate over screen time may be missing the point, new research suggests
The debate over screen time may be missing the point, new research suggests
A child's behavior around screens—like becoming upset when denied access—is a bigger red flag for mental health than screen time alone, research reveals.
www.psypost.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The debate over screen time may be missing the point, new research suggests
Don’t miss these 11 mind-blowing new neuroscience discoveries
Don’t miss these 11 mind-blowing new neuroscience discoveries
Discover how 11 new studies are reshaping our understanding of the brain.
www.psypost.org
November 12, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Don’t miss these 11 mind-blowing new neuroscience discoveries
Do your musical tastes affect your well-being? Scientists now have an answer
Do your musical tastes affect your well-being? Scientists now have an answer
Some music fans report higher well-being than others, but is the music itself the reason? A groundbreaking genetic study challenges this common belief.
www.psypost.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Do your musical tastes affect your well-being? Scientists now have an answer
New study finds users are marrying and having virtual children with AI chatbots
New study finds users are marrying and having virtual children with AI chatbots
A new study explores the profound emotional attachments users develop with companion chatbots, examining how these digital bonds mirror, and sometimes diverge from, traditional human romance.
www.psypost.org
November 12, 2025 at 1:26 AM
New study finds users are marrying and having virtual children with AI chatbots
Shared gut microbe imbalances found across autism, ADHD, and anorexia nervosa
Shared gut microbe imbalances found across autism, ADHD, and anorexia nervosa
A new study identifies unique gut bacteria patterns in children with autism, ADHD, and anorexia nervosa. Researchers also found altered levels of appetite-regulating hormones, suggesting a link between gut health and these complex conditions.
www.psypost.org
November 11, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Shared gut microbe imbalances found across autism, ADHD, and anorexia nervosa
Researchers identify a psychological trait linked to conquering difficult goals
Researchers identify a psychological trait linked to conquering difficult goals
Ever wonder why you struggle with tough goals, even with high motivation? A new study suggests the answer lies in emotional control.
www.psypost.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Researchers identify a psychological trait linked to conquering difficult goals
Expressive responding not to blame for partisan economic views after Trump win
Expressive responding not to blame for partisan economic views after Trump win
After Donald Trump returned to the presidency in 2024, Democrats and Republicans sharply diverged in how they viewed the economy. A new study suggests these differences weren’t just partisan performance but reflected genuine beliefs.
www.psypost.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Expressive responding not to blame for partisan economic views after Trump win