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Emotions

Not all fears are created equal: The brain's response to spiders (and other fear triggers)

Not all fears are created equal: The brain's response to spiders (and other fear triggers)

Fear is a natural defense. A response to danger, that unsettling sense of potential threat, or anything that feels new, hidden, or just plain mysterious. Fear keeps us cautious and alert, helping us decide on the best reaction to survive—whether that’s fighting back, making a hasty exit, or

Interoception: How brain-body awareness impacts female orgasm

Interoception: How brain-body awareness impacts female orgasm

The orgasm is among the most powerful natural experiences for humans, involving the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. While once debated as irrelevant to women's sexual functioning, new research reveals its importance. Beyond pleasure, orgasms enhance satisfaction, strengthen relationships, and contribute

How the brain makes shopping decisions

How the brain makes shopping decisions

Online shopping has become a central part of modern life, but the hidden processes that drive our choices remain largely unexplored. But how does the brain help us decide when shopping online? And how is the brain subject to marketing strategies with us brain-owners not even realizing it? This study

Predictions: How we anticipate others' actions

Predictions: How we anticipate others' actions

Our ability to predict others' behavior is essential in daily life. This complex skill allows us to navigate social interactions by anticipating what others might do, even when the situation is unclear. Recent research shows that the brain manages this complexity by forming multiple predictions about others' actions,

MDMA: Neuroplasticity and PTSD healing

MDMA: Neuroplasticity and PTSD healing

Post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD) impacts millions of people annually, with immense personal and societal costs. There is an urgent need for transformative solutions. Despite the profound need, existing therapies and medications fall short. Only about half of patients complete trauma-focused psychological therapies, and their success rate is similarly limited. Medications

Space week day 2: Safeguarding astronaut minds

Space week day 2: Safeguarding astronaut minds

As space missions extend into deep space, the psychological well-being of astronauts is just as vital as their physical and technical readiness. Space exploration has progressed far beyond the moon landings of 1969, with plans for missions like a +1,000-day journey to Mars. Astronauts then face even year-long missions

Theme Food II: Brain changes in eating disorders

Theme Food II: Brain changes in eating disorders

Understanding how brain structure and function are altered in eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, is essential for advancing and improving treatment strategies. A recent study offers the first comparative analysis using advanced MR imaging to compare brain structure and function in women with these eating disorders