News

Stress

How Stress Hurts Heart Rate Synchronization in Couples

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on February 14, 2026 in The Asymmetric Brain

When one partner is stressed, the other feels it too—not just emotionally, but on a biological level. New research on heart rate synchronization helps explain how.

When one partner is stressed, the other feels it too—not just emotionally, but on a biological level. New research on heart rate synchronization helps explain how.

Procrastination

The Hidden Talents of the Procrastinator

Susan Krauss Whitbourne PhD, ABPP on February 14, 2026 in Fulfillment at Any Age

Waiting for someone who is chronically late can be annoying—but what if their procrastination has hidden benefits? New research suggests it might.

Waiting for someone who is chronically late can be annoying—but what if their procrastination has hidden benefits? New research suggests it might.

Ethics and Morality

Dog Training Methods Reflect Owners' Stance on Animal Ethics

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on February 14, 2026 in Animal Emotions

Research shows that people with an animal rights mindset preferred positive force-free training, while anthropocentrists preferred physical correction protocols.

Research shows that people with an animal rights mindset preferred positive force-free training, while anthropocentrists preferred physical correction protocols.

Stress

Staying Close in Dual-Earning Families

America Edwards, Ph.D. on February 13, 2026 in The Ties That Connect Us

New research shows how everyday face-to-face and digital connection shapes stress, loneliness, and resilience in dual-earning families.

New research shows how everyday face-to-face and digital connection shapes stress, loneliness, and resilience in dual-earning families.

Bias

Serving Strangers in a Virtual Restaurant

Matilde Tassinari Ph.D. on February 12, 2026 in VRtual Societies

In a virtual restaurant, your avatar’s face (and your customer’s behavior) may reshape bias.

In a virtual restaurant, your avatar’s face (and your customer’s behavior) may reshape bias.

Addiction

Psychedelics, Plasticity, and Addicted Brains

Mark S. Gold M.D. on February 11, 2026 in Addiction Outlook

In the future, psychedelics may be used to treat addictions because they can shake up the brain. Along with therapy, addictions may become faster and easier to treat.

In the future, psychedelics may be used to treat addictions because they can shake up the brain. Along with therapy, addictions may become faster and easier to treat.

Smoking

Why So Many People with Schizophrenia Smoke

Sarah An Myers on February 11, 2026 in Living as an Outlier

Nearly 70 percent of people with schizophrenia disorders smoke. A new research review explains why their brains may be uniquely vulnerable and what could be done to help them quit.

Nearly 70 percent of people with schizophrenia disorders smoke. A new research review explains why their brains may be uniquely vulnerable and what could be done to help them quit.

Trauma

The Trauma of an Unexpected Cesarean Section

Alana Siegel Psy.D. on February 11, 2026 in Traumatized

More attention should be paid to the stress of a woman's birthing experience.

More attention should be paid to the stress of a woman's birthing experience.

Neuroticism

Why Do Neurotic People Have So Many Negative Feelings?

Art Markman Ph.D. on February 11, 2026 in Ulterior Motives

Research suggests that high neuroticism (compared to low) leads people to experience more negative and less positive feelings. A new study suggest why that happens.

Research suggests that high neuroticism (compared to low) leads people to experience more negative and less positive feelings. A new study suggest why that happens.

Leadership

Good Leadership Requires the Virtue of Humanity

Ronald E. Riggio Ph.D. on February 11, 2026 in Cutting-Edge Leadership

Applying virtue ethics to the study and practice of leadership.

Applying virtue ethics to the study and practice of leadership.

Authenticity

Why Gay Men Code-Switch Their Voice When Dating

Chris Tompkins MA on February 11, 2026 in LGBTQ Affirmative Psychology

Vocal code-switching is common among gay men but rarely discussed. We explore what drives the practice and how to stop reinforcing old beliefs about worth.

Vocal code-switching is common among gay men but rarely discussed. We explore what drives the practice and how to stop reinforcing old beliefs about worth.

ADHD

Cannabis and ADHD

Gary Wenk Ph.D. on February 10, 2026 in Your Brain on Food

Cannabis use may improve some ADHD symptoms while making others worse.

Cannabis use may improve some ADHD symptoms while making others worse.

Dementia

New Study Means the Age of Dementia Prevention Begins Now

Michael Merzenich Ph.D. on February 10, 2026 in Build Your Brain

A new 20-year study shows it’s possible to prevent an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. These results should usher in a new age in which dementia is seen as a preventable chronic condition.

A new 20-year study shows it’s possible to prevent an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. These results should usher in a new age in which dementia is seen as a preventable chronic condition.

Education

Screen Time Isn't the Problem

Diana E. Graber M.A. on February 9, 2026 in Raising Humans in a Digital World

Limiting screen time isn't enough anymore. Here's what the latest research says kids actually need, and why most schools aren't providing it.

Limiting screen time isn't enough anymore. Here's what the latest research says kids actually need, and why most schools aren't providing it.

Anxiety

New Nationwide Study Shows a Simple App Can Change Your Mind

Courtney Beard Ph.D. on February 9, 2026 in From Lab to Real World

A new nationwide study shows that a simple Smartphone app can help people stop catastrophizing and improve their functioning.

A new nationwide study shows that a simple Smartphone app can help people stop catastrophizing and improve their functioning.

Anxiety

30-Second Sprints: A New Way to Tame Panic Attacks

Christopher Bergland on February 9, 2026 in The Athlete's Way

New research shows that 30-second bursts of intense cardio can reduce panic symptoms by teaching your nervous system that "fight-or-flight" responses aren't always dangerous.

New research shows that 30-second bursts of intense cardio can reduce panic symptoms by teaching your nervous system that "fight-or-flight" responses aren't always dangerous.

Artificial Intelligence

Why the New AI Safety Report Reveals Our Mind's Limitation

Cornelia C. Walther Ph.D. on February 9, 2026 in Harnessing Hybrid Intelligence

Will AI surpass our natural intelligence in the future? Maybe. Rather than focussing on gloom or glory we must upgrade our ability to see and address the real risks of a hybrid era

Will AI surpass our natural intelligence in the future? Maybe. Rather than focussing on gloom or glory we must upgrade our ability to see and address the real risks of a hybrid era

Dementia

Can Full-Fat Dairy Lower Dementia Risk?

Karen E. Todd RD, CSCS, EP-C, CISSN on February 8, 2026 in Feed Your Brain

A 25-year observational study of 27,000 adults, a higher-fat cheese and cream diet, showed a link to lower dementia risk. An interesting connection, but not proof.

A 25-year observational study of 27,000 adults, a higher-fat cheese and cream diet, showed a link to lower dementia risk. An interesting connection, but not proof.

Gender

How to Be an Atoxic Man

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on February 8, 2026 in The Asymmetric Brain

Atoxic masculinity and the eight rules for being a good man.

Atoxic masculinity and the eight rules for being a good man.

Mating

The New 6-7 Dating Trend Has Clear Meaning

Bruce Y. Lee M.D., M.B.A. on February 7, 2026 in A Funny Bone to Pick

The 6-7 phrase that went viral last year may have had an unclear meaning. By contrast, the meaning of the new 6-7 dating trend seems pretty darn clear. But is it for you?

The 6-7 phrase that went viral last year may have had an unclear meaning. By contrast, the meaning of the new 6-7 dating trend seems pretty darn clear. But is it for you?

Ethics and Morality

The Morality of Predator Control

Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on February 7, 2026 in Animal Emotions

Three experts assess the mindset and morality of lethal control​ and human responsibilities toward nonhuman animals​, and in doing so, they expose the "con" in conservation.

Three experts assess the mindset and morality of lethal control​ and human responsibilities toward nonhuman animals​, and in doing so, they expose the "con" in conservation.

Menopause

ADHD Women Face More Perimenopausal Symptoms

Ludovico Saint Amour di Chanaz Ph.D. on February 6, 2026 in Brain Curiosities 

New research shows that ADHD affects more than just attention.

New research shows that ADHD affects more than just attention.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Foundation Model Predicts Diseases From Brain Scans

Cami Rosso on February 5, 2026 in The Future Brain

BrainIAC, a breakthrough AI foundation model, is able to predict brain age, dementia, time-to-stroke, and brain cancer from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

BrainIAC, a breakthrough AI foundation model, is able to predict brain age, dementia, time-to-stroke, and brain cancer from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Sleep

Sound Machines for Sleep Do More Harm Than Good

Ed Ergenzinger J.D., Ph.D. on February 5, 2026 in Night Sweats and Delusions of Grandeur

Sound machines promise better sleep, but new research suggests they may quietly steal your REM and deep sleep.

Sound machines promise better sleep, but new research suggests they may quietly steal your REM and deep sleep.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Can Adult Relationships Shape Memories of Childhood Trauma?

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW on February 5, 2026 in Invisible Bruises

Childhood trauma is assumed to be something that permanently shapes us, but what if adult relationships play a role in shaping these memories? A recent study explores that question.

Childhood trauma is assumed to be something that permanently shapes us, but what if adult relationships play a role in shaping these memories? A recent study explores that question.

Health

Why So Many People Don't Get Flu Shots

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on February 4, 2026 in Evidence-Based Living

New research finds vaccination decisions aren't primarily driven by weighing facts, but by what researchers call "gist"—the feelings people have about vaccination.

New research finds vaccination decisions aren't primarily driven by weighing facts, but by what researchers call "gist"—the feelings people have about vaccination.

Narcissism

You Better Watch Out if You Snub a Narcissist

Susan Krauss Whitbourne PhD, ABPP on February 3, 2026 in Fulfillment at Any Age

People high in narcissism really do not like to be ignored. A new study shows the passive-aggressive tactics to watch out for if it's a narcissist you've mistakenly ostracized.

People high in narcissism really do not like to be ignored. A new study shows the passive-aggressive tactics to watch out for if it's a narcissist you've mistakenly ostracized.

Animal Behavior

How to Train Your Dog: A Size-Appropriate Guide

Lindsay Weisner Psy.D. on February 2, 2026 in The Venn Diagram Life

Most people don’t consider the ease or difficulty of training a dog when they choose their dog -- perhaps you should.

Most people don’t consider the ease or difficulty of training a dog when they choose their dog -- perhaps you should.

Animal Behavior

The Role of Play in Animal Welfare

Mary Bates Ph.D. on February 2, 2026 in Animal Minds

Play is important for animals in captivity, both as an indicator of their emotional states and as a contributor to their long-term welfare.

Play is important for animals in captivity, both as an indicator of their emotional states and as a contributor to their long-term welfare.

Bias

When Science Is a Projection of Researcher Bias

Ian MacRae on February 1, 2026 in Silicon Psyche

Don't be fooled by a graph. New research shows that a scientist's policy preferences can influence their results. Look past the model and find the ground truth.

Don't be fooled by a graph. New research shows that a scientist's policy preferences can influence their results. Look past the model and find the ground truth.