A new study finds evidence of a troubling connection between sports gambling and risky alcohol consumption. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest that individuals who bet on sports, esports, and daily fantasy sports are significantly more likely to engage in binge drinking compared to those who do not gamble or who gamble on other activities. As sports betting becomes more accessible through mobile apps and websites, its correlation with risky behaviors, particularly excessive...
Alzheimer's disease, a major cause of dementia, currently affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, a number expected to triple by 2050. A recent study published in the Annals of Neurology explores the relationship between stressful life events and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, focusing on how the timing and nature of these stressors might influence disease onset. The study finds that not all stressful events are equally impactful, with midlife or childhood stressors...
Individuals with stronger depressive symptoms and those who experienced stressful life events tend to show alterations in volume of the nucleus acumbens, according to new research. Additional changes in the volume and functional connectivity of specific brain regions were also observed. The study was published in Psychological Medicine. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed...
Recent research published in The Journal of Sex Research has uncovered intriguing findings about how different types of pornographic content are related to sexual satisfaction and function among young adults. The findings indicate that while pornography themed around passion and romance is linked to higher sexual satisfaction, content focusing on power, control, and rough sex tends to be linked to lower sexual satisfaction and function, particularly among cisgender men. Pornography is widely...
Have you ever wondered if the minor forgetfulness you experience is a normal part of aging, or perhaps an early sign of something more serious, like Alzheimer’s disease? A new study published in npj Digital Medicine offers hope for early detection of Alzheimer's disease through memory self-tests conducted on smartphones. Researchers have developed a dedicated app that can accurately identify mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer's. This research, a collaborative effort by...
In a recent study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, researchers from the University of British Columbia explored how virtual reality (VR) erotica affects women's anxiety levels. This first-of-its-kind study found that women experienced an increase in anxiety after viewing sexual films in VR compared to 2D films, especially when the VR films presented a first-person perspective. Previous studies have established the efficacy of VR-based treatments for anxiety disorders, yet...
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers have provided insight into the potential benefits of psychedelics like magic mushrooms and LSD in enhancing sexual function. Participants reported improvements in various aspects of their sexual well-being lasting several weeks post-experience, suggesting these drugs could offer more than just a mind-altering trip. Psychedelics gained prominence in the mid-20th century for their potential in treating mood disorders and addiction....
A study involving 9 and 10-year-olds discovered that children who consume caffeinated soda drinks daily are twice as likely to begin sipping alcohol within the next 12 months compared to those who consume these drinks less frequently. Additionally, these children appeared to be more impulsive and had poorer working memory. The paper was published in Substance Use & Misuse. Caffeinated soda drinks are carbonated beverages that contain caffeine, a stimulant that can increase alertness and...
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference associated with specific experiences and characteristics. For decades, autism research has focused on behavioural, cognitive, social and communication difficulties. These studies highlighted how autistic people face issues with everyday tasks that allistic (meaning non-autistic) people do not. Some difficulties may include recognising emotions or social cues. But some research, including our own study, has explored specific advantages in autism....
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers shed light on the actual nature of political debates among Americans, challenging the prevalent perception shaped by social media. Contrary to the belief that political discussions primarily occur online, often engaging strangers in heated exchanges, the study reveals that most political conversations are about "kitchen table issues" like taxes, happening mostly in person with acquaintances. Importantly, the misperception of...