Mr B
@psychphsg.bsky.social
Plymouth High's Psychology Twitter feed: Mainly re-tweeting research of interest with a hint of exam orientated content too. (All opinions are the authors)
Reposted by Mr B
This is absolutely wild, and super important.
There are zillions of studies claiming that fMRI signals indicate increased brain activity, and it looks like that's often just wrong.
If confirmed, this means we've misinterpreted a lot of research.
There are zillions of studies claiming that fMRI signals indicate increased brain activity, and it looks like that's often just wrong.
If confirmed, this means we've misinterpreted a lot of research.
"40 percent of MRI signals do not correspond to actual brain activity"; "Since tens of thousands of fMRI studies worldwide are based on this assumption, our results could lead to opposite interpretations in many of them.”
www.tum.de/en/news-and-...
www.tum.de/en/news-and-...
40 percent of MRI signals misinterpreted
Interpretation of numerous MRI data may be incorrect: blood flow is not a reliable indicator of brain activity.
www.tum.de
December 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
This is absolutely wild, and super important.
There are zillions of studies claiming that fMRI signals indicate increased brain activity, and it looks like that's often just wrong.
If confirmed, this means we've misinterpreted a lot of research.
There are zillions of studies claiming that fMRI signals indicate increased brain activity, and it looks like that's often just wrong.
If confirmed, this means we've misinterpreted a lot of research.
Reposted by Mr B
Two very important graphs.
Net migration reached record levels in 2023 - and has since halved.
The vast majority of arrivals comprises students and workers.
Arrivals in small boats and asylum seekers - less than 5%.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Net migration reached record levels in 2023 - and has since halved.
The vast majority of arrivals comprises students and workers.
Arrivals in small boats and asylum seekers - less than 5%.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
September 14, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Two very important graphs.
Net migration reached record levels in 2023 - and has since halved.
The vast majority of arrivals comprises students and workers.
Arrivals in small boats and asylum seekers - less than 5%.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Net migration reached record levels in 2023 - and has since halved.
The vast majority of arrivals comprises students and workers.
Arrivals in small boats and asylum seekers - less than 5%.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Mr B
Cortical thickness in serotonin-linked brain regions tied to psychological problems in children
Cortical thickness in serotonin-linked brain regions tied to psychological problems in children
A large brain imaging study finds that children reporting more behavioral and emotional problems tend to show differences in cortical surface area and thickness in serotonin-linked brain regions, suggesting serotonin may shape brain development in ways that relate to mental health.
www.psypost.org
September 12, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Cortical thickness in serotonin-linked brain regions tied to psychological problems in children
Reposted by Mr B
Surprising new findings force scientists to rethink decades of brain-plasticity theories
Surprising new findings force scientists to rethink decades of brain-plasticity theories
For decades, neuroscientists believed amputation triggered sweeping changes in the brain’s body map. New evidence from long-term patient scans reveals that these representations remain remarkably intact, reshaping understanding of phantom limb pain.
www.psypost.org
September 12, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Surprising new findings force scientists to rethink decades of brain-plasticity theories
Reposted by Mr B
Harvard scientists pinpoint how sleep stabilizes memory in fascinating neuroscience breakthrough
Harvard scientists pinpoint how sleep stabilizes memory in fascinating neuroscience breakthrough
New research from Harvard scientists suggests that sleep helps the brain strengthen newly learned motor skills by boosting spindle activity in the exact regions involved during learning. The greater the increase in this activity, the more participants improved after napping.
www.psypost.org
September 13, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Harvard scientists pinpoint how sleep stabilizes memory in fascinating neuroscience breakthrough
Reposted by Mr B
Study links phubbing sensitivity to attachment patterns in romantic couples
Study links phubbing sensitivity to attachment patterns in romantic couples
Psychologists find that not everyone responds to partner phone use the same way. A daily diary study shows attachment-anxious individuals report stronger feelings of rejection and are more likely to retaliate when phubbed, underscoring how early relational patterns shape digital conflicts.
www.psypost.org
August 28, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Study links phubbing sensitivity to attachment patterns in romantic couples
Reposted by Mr B
"Pseudoscience Red Flags
1. Unfalsifiable Claims.
2. Reversing the Burden of Proof
3. Special Pleading (Explaining Away Negative Findings)
4. Cherry-Picking Data
5. Misusing Science Jargon
6. Overconfidence and Absolute Language
and so on ..."
www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/crit...
1. Unfalsifiable Claims.
2. Reversing the Burden of Proof
3. Special Pleading (Explaining Away Negative Findings)
4. Cherry-Picking Data
5. Misusing Science Jargon
6. Overconfidence and Absolute Language
and so on ..."
www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/crit...
A Simple Guide to Spotting Pseudoscience
Learn what pseudoscience is, why it’s persuasive, and how to recognize it so that you can stay open-minded without being misled.
www.psychologytoday.com
August 29, 2025 at 4:02 AM
"Pseudoscience Red Flags
1. Unfalsifiable Claims.
2. Reversing the Burden of Proof
3. Special Pleading (Explaining Away Negative Findings)
4. Cherry-Picking Data
5. Misusing Science Jargon
6. Overconfidence and Absolute Language
and so on ..."
www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/crit...
1. Unfalsifiable Claims.
2. Reversing the Burden of Proof
3. Special Pleading (Explaining Away Negative Findings)
4. Cherry-Picking Data
5. Misusing Science Jargon
6. Overconfidence and Absolute Language
and so on ..."
www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/crit...
Reposted by Mr B
Toddler irritability tied to gut microbiome diversity in the first weeks of life
Toddler irritability tied to gut microbiome diversity in the first weeks of life
A new study has found that babies with more diverse gut bacteria at two weeks old tend to show more negative emotions as toddlers. The findings highlight how early-life microbial environments may influence emotional development years later.
www.psypost.org
August 7, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Toddler irritability tied to gut microbiome diversity in the first weeks of life
Reposted by Mr B
New study links celebrity worship to narcissism, materialism, and perceived similarity
New study links celebrity worship to narcissism, materialism, and perceived similarity
People who strongly admire celebrities tend to score higher in materialism and vulnerable narcissism, according to a new study. The findings also suggest that feeling similar to a celebrity may play a key role in developing intense admiration.
www.psypost.org
August 5, 2025 at 8:03 PM
New study links celebrity worship to narcissism, materialism, and perceived similarity
Reposted by Mr B
Is trauma really carried in our DNA? The scientific story is more complicated
Is trauma really carried in our DNA? The scientific story is more complicated
Our bodies have a remarkable ability called "phenotypic plasticity," which allows our environment to shape how our genes are expressed. This is the key to understanding inherited trauma—not as a permanent scar, but as a changeable biological response to our world.
www.psypost.org
July 28, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Is trauma really carried in our DNA? The scientific story is more complicated
Reposted by Mr B
Lucid dreamers report reduced fear after confronting phobias in their sleep
Lucid dreamers report reduced fear after confronting phobias in their sleep
A new study suggests that lucid dreaming might help people reduce fear by allowing them to confront frightening scenarios in their sleep. Participants who faced their fears during lucid dreams often reported feeling less afraid after waking up.
www.psypost.org
July 28, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Lucid dreamers report reduced fear after confronting phobias in their sleep
Reposted by Mr B
Psychopathic traits linked to distinct brain networks in new neuroscience research
Psychopathic traits linked to distinct brain networks in new neuroscience research
Researchers used structural brain imaging to explore how psychopathy is linked to externalizing behaviors. The study found that variations in brain connectivity—especially in emotion and attention networks—may help explain why some individuals with psychopathic traits engage in antisocial behavior.
www.psypost.org
July 20, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Psychopathic traits linked to distinct brain networks in new neuroscience research
Reposted by Mr B
When birds saw humans give an injured bird special treatment.😅
July 6, 2025 at 10:47 PM
When birds saw humans give an injured bird special treatment.😅
Reposted by Mr B
Hispanic adolescents experience later sleep timing and greater social jet lag than peers, study finds
Hispanic adolescents experience later sleep timing and greater social jet lag than peers, study finds
Hispanic adolescents reported later sleep timing, greater social jet lag, shorter weekday sleep, higher caffeine intake, and more evening screen time than peers. Screen use and stress, but not caffeine, were linked to delayed sleep and sleep misalignment.
www.psypost.org
July 4, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Hispanic adolescents experience later sleep timing and greater social jet lag than peers, study finds
Reposted by Mr B
Peppermint tea boosts memory and attention—but why?
Peppermint tea boosts memory and attention—but why?
Can a cup of peppermint tea sharpen your mind? A new study suggests it can—but not in the way scientists expected. Improved memory and attention followed the tea, but increased brain blood flow wasn't the reason why.
www.psypost.org
July 2, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Peppermint tea boosts memory and attention—but why?
Reposted by Mr B
ChatGPT and “cognitive debt”: New study suggests AI might be hurting your brain’s ability to think
ChatGPT and “cognitive debt”: New study suggests AI might be hurting your brain’s ability to think
Researchers at MIT investigated how writing with ChatGPT affects brain activity and recall. Their findings indicate that reliance on AI may lead to reduced mental engagement, prompting concerns about cognitive “offloading” and its implications for education.
www.psypost.org
July 1, 2025 at 10:14 PM
ChatGPT and “cognitive debt”: New study suggests AI might be hurting your brain’s ability to think
Reposted by Mr B
This highlights how often basic psychology and health conclusions are made based on WEIRD populations.
Much more cross-cultural comparisons are needed.
Congrats to the authors, super interesting!
Much more cross-cultural comparisons are needed.
Congrats to the authors, super interesting!
How much sleep do you really need? It appears to depend on your culture
How much sleep do you really need? It appears to depend on your culture
Is eight hours really the magic number for everyone? New research finds that optimal sleep duration for health may depend on cultural context. People who sleep in line with local expectations tend to report better health across countries.
www.psypost.org
May 26, 2025 at 1:13 PM
This highlights how often basic psychology and health conclusions are made based on WEIRD populations.
Much more cross-cultural comparisons are needed.
Congrats to the authors, super interesting!
Much more cross-cultural comparisons are needed.
Congrats to the authors, super interesting!
Reposted by Mr B
Neuroscientists discover how “aha” moments rewire the brain to enhance memory
Neuroscientists discover how “aha” moments rewire the brain to enhance memory
A study using brain scans shows that flashes of insight reorganize neural patterns in the visual cortex and engage memory and emotion regions, helping embed the solution more deeply in long-term memory.
www.psypost.org
May 22, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Neuroscientists discover how “aha” moments rewire the brain to enhance memory
Reposted by Mr B
First-ever brain mitochondria map reveals energy secrets of the mind
First-ever brain mitochondria map reveals energy secrets of the mind
New research offers the first detailed look at how the brain’s energy producers, mitochondria, are distributed and specialized across different brain areas.
www.psypost.org
April 26, 2025 at 10:10 AM
First-ever brain mitochondria map reveals energy secrets of the mind
Reposted by Mr B
Age, education, and income are surprisingly weak predictors of mate preferences
Age, education, and income are surprisingly weak predictors of mate preferences
Think success shapes your dating standards? A new study finds that factors like income, education, and age barely predict romantic expectations, while self-image matters more.
www.psypost.org
April 26, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Age, education, and income are surprisingly weak predictors of mate preferences
Reposted by Mr B
Taller students tend to perform slightly better in school, new research finds
Taller students tend to perform slightly better in school, new research finds
Taller students tend to score slightly higher on standardized tests than their shorter classmates, according to a new study of New York City public schools.
www.psypost.org
April 27, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Taller students tend to perform slightly better in school, new research finds
Reposted by Mr B
Violent offenders more likely to perceive ambiguous faces as angry, study shows
Violent offenders more likely to perceive ambiguous faces as angry, study shows
A new study in Psychological Medicine found no evidence that violent offenders have impaired fear processing, but showed they are more likely to perceive ambiguous faces as angry.
www.psypost.org
April 27, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Violent offenders more likely to perceive ambiguous faces as angry, study shows
Reposted by Mr B
7 learning myths, busted. 🧠❌
From left- and right-brain thinking to the notion that they can multitask effectively, your students have likely picked up mistaken beliefs about how learning works. Here are 7 of the most common myths—plus the research you can use to dispel them.
#EduSky #EdResearch
From left- and right-brain thinking to the notion that they can multitask effectively, your students have likely picked up mistaken beliefs about how learning works. Here are 7 of the most common myths—plus the research you can use to dispel them.
#EduSky #EdResearch
7 Learning Myths Your Students Probably Believe
From left- and right-brain thinking to the notion that talent beats persistence, these common myths can hinder student learning. Here’s how teachers can help.
buff.ly
February 23, 2025 at 2:21 AM
7 learning myths, busted. 🧠❌
From left- and right-brain thinking to the notion that they can multitask effectively, your students have likely picked up mistaken beliefs about how learning works. Here are 7 of the most common myths—plus the research you can use to dispel them.
#EduSky #EdResearch
From left- and right-brain thinking to the notion that they can multitask effectively, your students have likely picked up mistaken beliefs about how learning works. Here are 7 of the most common myths—plus the research you can use to dispel them.
#EduSky #EdResearch
Reposted by Mr B
A study uncovered an "ugly leniency effect" in which unattractive faces were more likely to be judged innocent, regardless of time pressure or thinking style.
Unattractive faces may get a break: Study reveals “ugly leniency effect” in guilt judgments
A study uncovered an "ugly leniency effect" in which unattractive faces were more likely to be judged innocent, regardless of time pressure or thinking style.
www.psypost.org
February 23, 2025 at 7:04 PM
A study uncovered an "ugly leniency effect" in which unattractive faces were more likely to be judged innocent, regardless of time pressure or thinking style.
Reposted by Mr B
When people watched a video highlighting the fact that all humans share 99.9% of their genes, their feelings towards individuals from different countries significantly improved.
Easy way to fight prejudice? Teach this simple fact, study suggests
When people watched a video highlighting the fact that all humans share 99.9% of their genes, their feelings towards individuals from different countries significantly improved.
www.psypost.org
February 21, 2025 at 11:24 PM
When people watched a video highlighting the fact that all humans share 99.9% of their genes, their feelings towards individuals from different countries significantly improved.