Tag: science
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Celebrity Faces Influence Gaze Following, Study Finds
A recent study has revealed that celebrity status plays a key role in directing our attention, regardless of age. The research, which explored the “celebrity effect” on gaze following, found that both younger and older adults are more likely to follow the gaze of famous individuals, such as political leaders and entertainment stars, compared to… Read more
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New Study Reveals Racial Bias in Language Models Toward African American English
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature, researchers led by Hofmann et al. have uncovered disturbing evidence that large language models (LLMs), which are increasingly used in various applications, exhibit significant racial biases against African American English (AAE). This study highlights the covert racism embedded in these technologies, which could have serious implications for their… Read more
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Digital Peer Pressure: Revisiting Asch’s Conformity Research in the Age of Online Moral Judgments
Solomon Asch’s line-judging experiments, conducted in the early 1950s, remain a cornerstone of social psychology. These studies, which explored the dynamics of social conformity, revealed profound insights into how individuals often align their responses with those of a group, even when it contradicts their own perceptions. Understanding Asch’s research is essential for grasping how conformity… Read more
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Bigger Brains, Faster Aging? New Research Reveals Evolutionary Costs of Human Brain Growth
A groundbreaking study has unveiled a fascinating link between the evolution of the human brain and its aging process, shedding light on how our cognitive abilities may come with unexpected costs. Researchers have developed a novel framework for comparing brain structures across different species, revealing that the expansive growth of the human brain, especially in… Read more
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Soda Consumption Linked to Rising Depression Rates in Young Adults
A new study has uncovered a significant link between consuming sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages (SSCBs) and an increased risk of depression, offering a fresh perspective on how our dietary choices could be affecting our mental health. The research, which tracked over 87,000 Koreans over time, reveals a clear and concerning pattern: the more sugary drinks people… Read more
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Climate Risk Perceptions Linked to Heat Exposure, Study Finds
A recent study examining the perceptions of climate risks in the Phoenix metropolitan area has revealed significant disparities in how residents view the dangers posed by extreme heat and global climate change. These differences are closely tied to factors such as income, race, neighborhood attachment, and political beliefs, underscoring the complexities of urban climate adaptation.… Read more
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Placebos That Work—Even When You Know They’re Placebos
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have found that non-deceptive placebos—treatments where participants know they’re receiving a placebo—can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This discovery offers a promising, low-effort tool for managing mental health, particularly during prolonged stressful situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved a medium-risk population and tested the effects of non-deceptive… Read more
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What’s in a Name? Why Adults Look Like Their Names but Kids Don’t
A new study has uncovered a fascinating detail about how our names might influence our appearance. Researchers found that adults are more likely to resemble their names compared to children, suggesting that this phenomenon develops over time. In a series of five studies, participants were asked to match names with faces. The results showed that… Read more
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Hidden Awareness in Patients with Severe Brain Injuries: Are We Underestimating Consciousness?
A groundbreaking study has revealed that patients with severe brain injuries, previously believed to be completely unresponsive, may still possess a surprising degree of cognitive awareness. The research, conducted across six international centers, suggests that one in four individuals diagnosed with conditions like coma or a vegetative state might be “listening” and even understanding their… Read more
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Exploring Jerusalem Syndrome: A Rare and Mysterious Psychotic Disorder
Jerusalem, Israel – Jerusalem Syndrome, a rare psychiatric phenomenon, has captured the attention of both mental health professionals and the public due to its unique characteristics. First described in the 1930s by Israeli psychiatrist Heinz Herman, the syndrome manifests as an acute psychotic state in some tourists visiting the holy city. Though debated within the… Read more