PsyPost
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Reporting research on human behavior and cognition. #PsychSciSky #Psychology #SciComm
Neuroscientist reveals how the brain functions without a mind’s eye
Neuroscientist reveals how the brain functions without a mind’s eye
Can you picture an apple in your mind? For millions of people with aphantasia, the answer is no. A recent podcast explores the neuroscience behind this condition and how researchers objectively measure the invisible experience of mental imagery.
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February 16, 2026 at 1:06 AM
Neuroscientist reveals how the brain functions without a mind’s eye
Gender-affirming hormone therapy linked to shifts in personality traits
Gender-affirming hormone therapy linked to shifts in personality traits
A new study suggests sex hormones influence personality. Research published in Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology found that gender-affirming hormone therapy moves personality traits in transgender individuals toward patterns typical of their identified gender.
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February 15, 2026 at 11:19 PM
Gender-affirming hormone therapy linked to shifts in personality traits
Targeting toxic protein chains could slow neurodegenerative disease
Targeting toxic protein chains could slow neurodegenerative disease
New research reveals that repetitive strings of the amino acid serine can kill brain cells and accelerate the formation of toxic tau tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
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February 15, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Targeting toxic protein chains could slow neurodegenerative disease
Scientists confirm non-genitally stimulated orgasms are biologically real
Scientists confirm non-genitally stimulated orgasms are biologically real
A new case study confirms that a post-menopausal woman can induce orgasms solely through pelvic floor exercises. Blood tests revealed these "hands-free" climaxes trigger the same hormonal surge as typical sexual responses.
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February 15, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Scientists confirm non-genitally stimulated orgasms are biologically real
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@psypost.bsky.social We greatly appreciate your dissemination of our most recent work on ayahuasca (DMT) as a fear extinction facilitator @isabel-werle.bsky.social
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February 11, 2026 at 11:56 AM
@psypost.bsky.social We greatly appreciate your dissemination of our most recent work on ayahuasca (DMT) as a fear extinction facilitator @isabel-werle.bsky.social
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New research suggests physical proximity is a considerable influence on moral choices in sacrificial dilemmas—we are less likely to sacrifice a person for the greater good, the closer we are to them:
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February 12, 2026 at 6:53 AM
New research suggests physical proximity is a considerable influence on moral choices in sacrificial dilemmas—we are less likely to sacrifice a person for the greater good, the closer we are to them:
buff.ly/r1OmhAR
via @psypost.bsky.social
buff.ly/r1OmhAR
via @psypost.bsky.social
Exercise rivals therapy and medication for treating depression and anxiety
Exercise rivals therapy and medication for treating depression and anxiety
A comprehensive new analysis confirms that physical activity is a highly effective treatment for mental health disorders. The study suggests that aerobic group classes work best for depression, while gentler activities effectively reduce anxiety.
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February 15, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Exercise rivals therapy and medication for treating depression and anxiety
Genetic risk for anhedonia linked to altered brain activity during reward processing
Genetic risk for anhedonia linked to altered brain activity during reward processing
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that individuals with a higher genetic predisposition for anhedonia show distinct patterns of brain activity when anticipating and receiving monetary rewards.
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February 15, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Genetic risk for anhedonia linked to altered brain activity during reward processing
Daily soda consumption linked to cognitive difficulties in teens
Daily soda consumption linked to cognitive difficulties in teens
Adolescents who consume sugary beverages every day are more likely to report cognitive struggles. A recent analysis suggests that the resulting lack of sleep is a primary factor connecting sugary drinks to reduced mental clarity.
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February 15, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Daily soda consumption linked to cognitive difficulties in teens
A specific mental strategy appears to boost relationship problem-solving in a big way
A specific mental strategy appears to boost relationship problem-solving in a big way
A new study suggests that “mental contrasting” improves conflict resolution. The technique encouraged men to share their feelings and women to make more thoughtful solution suggestions.
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February 15, 2026 at 11:09 AM
A specific mental strategy appears to boost relationship problem-solving in a big way
Psychology professor challenges the idea that dating is a marketplace
Psychology professor challenges the idea that dating is a marketplace
New research suggests that what people say they want in a partner rarely matches who they actually choose. On the Modern Wisdom podcast, Dr. Paul Eastwick explains why online dating filters often fail to predict real-world chemistry.
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February 15, 2026 at 3:31 AM
Psychology professor challenges the idea that dating is a marketplace
Scientists use machine learning to control specific brain circuits
Scientists use machine learning to control specific brain circuits
A Japanese research team has developed YORU, an AI tool that detects animal social behaviors as distinct visual objects. This open-source software allows biologists to trigger real-time neural responses in millisecond timeframes.
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February 15, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Scientists use machine learning to control specific brain circuits
One holiday sees a massive spike in emergency contraception sales, and it isn’t Valentine’s Day
One holiday sees a massive spike in emergency contraception sales, and it isn’t Valentine’s Day
A "perfect storm" of celebration and limited access drives a surge in emergency contraception sales after New Year’s Eve, according to an analysis of US retail data published in the BMJ.
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February 14, 2026 at 11:27 PM
One holiday sees a massive spike in emergency contraception sales, and it isn’t Valentine’s Day
Religiosity may protect against depression and stress by fostering gratitude and social support
Religiosity may protect against depression and stress by fostering gratitude and social support
A new study suggests religion boosts mental health by building gratitude and social support. Researchers analyzing U.S. data found these two factors fully explain the link between faith and reduced depression and stress.
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February 14, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Religiosity may protect against depression and stress by fostering gratitude and social support
Virtual parenting games may boost desire for real children, study finds
Virtual parenting games may boost desire for real children, study finds
Can a video game change your mind about having kids? A new study suggests that emotional bonds with virtual characters in simulation games may boost real-world fertility desires among young adults.
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February 14, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Virtual parenting games may boost desire for real children, study finds
Donald Trump is fueling a surprising shift in gun culture, new research suggests
Donald Trump is fueling a surprising shift in gun culture, new research suggests
A new study suggests that the 2024 presidential election prompted Black adults and liberals to change their firearm habits. These groups reported stronger urges to carry weapons and store them for quick access due to safety concerns.
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February 14, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Donald Trump is fueling a surprising shift in gun culture, new research suggests
This mental trait predicts individual differences in kissing preferences
This mental trait predicts individual differences in kissing preferences
Why do some find kissing more arousing than others? New data suggests that those who frequently imagine intimate scenarios are more likely to rely on kissing as a catalyst.
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February 14, 2026 at 5:37 PM
This mental trait predicts individual differences in kissing preferences
Strong ADHD symptoms may boost creative problem-solving through sudden insight
Strong ADHD symptoms may boost creative problem-solving through sudden insight
A new study finds that people with high levels of ADHD symptoms solve creative problems differently. They rely more on sudden insight than step-by-step analysis, often outperforming those with moderate symptoms.
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February 14, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Strong ADHD symptoms may boost creative problem-solving through sudden insight
Who lives a good single life? New data highlights the role of autonomy and attachment
Who lives a good single life? New data highlights the role of autonomy and attachment
A new study suggests that single adults experience greater well-being when their basic psychological needs are met. The findings indicate that autonomy, secure attachment, and viewing singlehood as a choice are key predictors of satisfaction.
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February 14, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Who lives a good single life? New data highlights the role of autonomy and attachment
Waist-to-hip ratio predicts faster telomere shortening than depression
Waist-to-hip ratio predicts faster telomere shortening than depression
New research challenges the link between depression and aging. A study of UK twins found that mental health had little impact on telomere shortening, but carrying excess weight around the waist significantly accelerated cellular decline.
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February 13, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Waist-to-hip ratio predicts faster telomere shortening than depression
New research links childhood inactivity to depression in a vicious cycle
New research links childhood inactivity to depression in a vicious cycle
Researchers found that depression and sedentary behavior appear to reinforce each other in children. The also study indicates these patterns can eventually impact the mental well-being of parents.
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February 13, 2026 at 9:16 PM
New research links childhood inactivity to depression in a vicious cycle
Feelings of entrapment and powerlessness link job uncertainty to suicidality
Feelings of entrapment and powerlessness link job uncertainty to suicidality
Beyond just the lack of money, the shame and stigma associated with financial struggle prevent help-seeking and deepen the social isolation that can lead to suicide, researchers found.
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February 13, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Feelings of entrapment and powerlessness link job uncertainty to suicidality
No association found between COVID-19 shots during pregnancy and autism or behavioral issues
No association found between COVID-19 shots during pregnancy and autism or behavioral issues
A new study finds no link between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental delays. Researchers observed equivalent communication, motor, and social skills in toddlers regardless of whether their mothers received the vaccine.
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February 13, 2026 at 5:13 PM
No association found between COVID-19 shots during pregnancy and autism or behavioral issues
Your attachment style predicts which activities boost romantic satisfaction
Your attachment style predicts which activities boost romantic satisfaction
New research challenges the idea that novelty is always superior, finding that for anxiously attached partners, familiar routines are more strongly linked to daily satisfaction than new adventures.
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February 13, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Your attachment style predicts which activities boost romantic satisfaction
Ultra-processed foods in early childhood linked to lower IQ scores
Ultra-processed foods in early childhood linked to lower IQ scores
Toddlers who consume processed meats and sugary snacks may face cognitive hurdles later in childhood. Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests unhealthy eating at age two is linked to lower intelligence scores at school age.
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February 13, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Ultra-processed foods in early childhood linked to lower IQ scores