Pure Science

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Feminist beliefs, not gender equality primes, shape self-reported partner preferences, according to research published in Sex Roles. For decades, researchers have documented gender differences in partner preferences: men tend to prioritize...

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A recent study in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs has shed light on a less discussed aspect of psychedelic experiences: the feelings of shame and guilt that can arise during these journeys. Researchers found that experiencing shame or...

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A recent neuroimaging study of adolescent females with anorexia nervosa reported increased neural activation in the somatomotor cortex when viewing fearful faces following short-term weight recovery. There were no differences in reactivity...

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New research suggests that consistent aerobic exercise could be a powerful tool in reducing the biological signs associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted by scientists from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom and...

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New research published in Evolutionary Psychological Science suggests that a person’s personality can influence the way they attempt to attract someone who is already in a relationship. The study found that individuals who are naturally...

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A new study from Norway suggests that a brief educational program can help teenage boys develop more grit, a trait linked to success and well-being. Researchers discovered that a short intervention focused on building belief in one’s own...

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A study of depressed individuals found that an eight‐week treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduced the activity of 5-HT4 receptors—a specific type of serotonin receptor—in the neostriatum region of the brain....

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Human beings are inherently social. We thrive on connection, communication and shared experiences, which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, feelings of...

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Looking competent matters for electoral success, but its appeal varies by social class, according to research published in Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin. The way politicians look can influence voting decisions. Prior studies...

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A recent study published in the journal Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace has shed light on the various reasons why people use the popular dating application Tinder. Researchers discovered that individuals...

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Regular physical activity is widely recognized for its benefits to physical health, including improved heart function and weight management. Now, new research suggests that exercise may also directly enhance brain function. A study...

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Two spiritual practices that appear vastly different on the surface – the quiet focus of Buddhist jhāna meditation and the emotionally expressive Christian practice of speaking in tongues – may share a common underlying mechanism for...

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Women and their parents report that intelligence is more important than physical attractiveness in a long-term partner, yet when forced to choose, they both favor a more attractive mate—even when the less attractive option is described as...

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A new study has found that your friends might have a pretty good idea of whether you are truly ready for a serious romantic relationship. Researchers discovered that people and their friends generally agree on how prepared someone is for...

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A study of adolescents in China found that survivors of childhood trauma exhibit blunted cardiovascular responses to social stress. When exposed to social stress, these individuals experienced smaller changes in heart rate and blood...

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Researchers have discovered that our desire for dessert, even when full, is controlled by the brain. The same brain cells that tell us we are full after a meal also trigger our craving for sugary treats afterwards, according to new...

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Spending hours each day connected to the internet through our smartphones has become the norm for many. However, new research indicates that taking a break from this constant online access can lead to noticeable improvements in mental...

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A recent study published in the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law suggests that feelings of hopelessness and despair have significant consequences that extend beyond individual well-being, influencing how people participate in...

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Researchers have long been fascinated by the female orgasm. It isn’t necessary for a woman to orgasm during sexual intercourse to become pregnant. By contrast, in men, orgasm and ejaculation are synchronized. It is almost always necessary...

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A recently published case report in the Journal of Psychosexual Health describes a surprising and unusual side effect experienced by a young woman taking a common antidepressant medication. According to psychiatrists in India, a...

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Scientists have uncovered a fascinating piece of the puzzle surrounding the origins of human language, suggesting that a variant of a protein found only in modern humans might have played a role in the development of our ability to speak....

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A small study of adults with severe generalized anxiety disorder in Lebanon found that these individuals had a lower daily antioxidant intake. After six weeks of antioxidant supplementation, their anxiety symptoms decreased. The paper was...

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A new study published in Psychopharmacology suggests that while teenage exposure to THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, may have limited long-term effects on certain thinking skills, it could make individuals more susceptible...

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A study published in Political Research Quarterly has uncovered a notable link between antisemitism and conspiracy theories, with significant differences based on political affiliation. For supporters of Joe Biden, exposure to conspiracy...

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Young adults who struggle with attention difficulties may be more prone to becoming addicted to social media, and a new study suggests a possible reason why. In a study recently published in Acta Psychologica, researchers found that the...

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A new study published in The Journal of Sex Research has shed light on how different types of perfectionism relate to the intimate lives of couples. The research found that when individuals hold themselves to high standards, they are more...

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A study examining the effects of harmine, a major component of ayahuasca, found that it produces no significant psychoactive effects in doses up to 500 mg. None of the participants experienced hallucinations or any notable psychoactive...

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The July 2024 attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump did not fuel a surge in support for partisan violence, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Instead, the findings...

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New research published in the European Journal of Social Psychology indicates that people tend to view women’s bodies through a moral lens far more often than men’s bodies. This means that when considering issues related to bodily...

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A recent case report published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs tells the story of a middle-aged man who underwent an innovative treatment combining low-dose ketamine sessions with psychotherapy. Over a three-year period, this...

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A new study reveals that Americans’ commitment to democratic norms might be weaker than previously assumed, as their willingness to accept actions that undermine these norms appears to depend significantly on whether their preferred...

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A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research has found that a single session of high intensity interval training can temporarily increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a brain protein important for...

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A new study published in the journal Neuroscience has found that long-term exposure to high-altitude conditions can slow down the way people recognize faces and change the way their brains process emotions. The research compared young...

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A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B challenges the widely held belief that fluctuations in testosterone levels directly influence changes in men’s sexual desire. Researchers who tracked the daily hormone levels and...

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A study of Chinese youths found that individuals who suffered maltreatment in childhood tended to have more sleep problems, possibly due to impaired emotion regulation processes. Participants who experienced high levels of physical and...

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A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals a significant and widespread misunderstanding among Americans regarding their fellow citizens’ views on diversity and inclusion. Researchers discovered that people consistently...

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A new study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior provides evidence that men’s sperm quality is influenced by how many potential sexual rivals they believe their partner has. Men who thought their partner was more likely to spend...

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Getting people excited about science can be a challenge, but a recent study offers a promising approach. Researchers discovered that inducing awe, specifically through immersive planetarium films, is highly effective at sparking and...

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An inert and unreactive gas may not seem like an obvious candidate for treating Alzheimer’s disease, yet a new study in mice suggests that xenon might just be the breakthrough we need. Xenon is one of the six noble gases. Its name derives...

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Receiving routine vaccinations against common infections like tetanus, shingles, and pneumonia may offer an unexpected benefit: a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s...

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A recent study published in PLOS One provides evidence that artificial intelligence can be just as helpful as a human tutor when it comes to learning mathematics. Researchers discovered that students using hints generated by ChatGPT, a...

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An analysis of data from the Twins Early Development Study revealed that the association between ADHD symptoms and emotional problems increased in magnitude from early childhood to adulthood. These two clinical conditions appear to have a...

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Smiling, often associated with happiness and joy, might be more than just a simple expression of positive emotion. A recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology suggests that smiling during moments of pain can have a...

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For many, parenthood is considered a key component of a fulfilling life. However, with an increasing number of adults remaining childfree, concerns have emerged regarding their long-term well-being. Laura Buchinger and colleagues...

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A new study has found that individuals with dark personality traits are more inclined to use inappropriate strategies when negotiating. This tendency is amplified in situations where they perceive less dependence on the other party and...

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A new review published in Sexes proposes that sexual shame reduces sexual arousal and desire, leading to poorer sexual functioning. Sexual shame itself is determined by a multitude of biological, psychological, and cultural factors. Sexual...

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What’s good for your heart is good for your brain. Just as physical activity helps keep our bodies fit and strong as we age, it also helps maintain our cognitive function – and is even linked with lower dementia risk. Yet beyond the longer...

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A new study published in the Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics has found that anti-democratic sentiments among white Americans, such as support for voting restrictions and the belief in widespread voter fraud, are strongly connected...

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A new study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity has found that inflammation in a key memory center of the brain can change motivated behavior in mice, and these changes occur differently in males and females. The research shows that...

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College students who use dating apps like Tinder to find casual encounters are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, according to new research published in Computers in Human Behavior. The study also revealed that while a desire...