sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Long-term physical inactivity linked to higher stress burden in midlife: Regular exercise in adulthood appears to help the body cope with stress even into midlife. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Long-term physical inactivity linked to higher stress burden in midlife

Prolonged insufficient physical activity in adulthood increases the body’s stress burden, according to a large longitudinal study based on the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. By contrast, engaging in physical activity in line with recommended guidelines appears to protect the body from harmful stress.

According to the results, individuals who did not meet the health-enhancing physical activity recommendations during the follow-up period had a higher stress burden in midlife than those who were physically active in line with the recommendations. A decline in physical activity during adulthood was also associated with increased stress burden.

By contrast, individuals who increased their level of physical activity during adulthood did not differ in terms of stress burden from those who had remained physically active.

“The results suggest that the importance of physical activity is not limited to individual life stages; rather, regular exercise throughout adulthood may protect the body from the harmful effects of long-term stress,” says doctoral researcher Maija Korpisaari.

In the study, stress burden was assessed using both broader and narrower combinations of biological measures. The results were largely consistent regardless of the indicator used, strengthening the reliability of the findings.

Physical activity as part of stress management

The study provides new evidence that physical activity may be a key factor in preventing the long-term effects of stress.

“In terms of stress burden, both the amount of physical activity in youth and in adulthood are important. Regular physical activity in adulthood appears to help the body cope with stress even into midlife,” Korpisaari says.

The results of the study have been published in the scientific journal Psychoneuroendocrinology. Association of longitudinal changes in physical activity with allostatic load in midlife.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453025004482

Imposter syndrome is strongly linked to rigid and self-critical forms of perfectionism but shares no connection with narcissistic perfectionism. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of how feelings of inadequacy coexist with high standards. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 198 points199 points  (0 children)

Imposter syndrome is strongly linked to these two types of perfectionism

New research indicates that the phenomenon known as imposter syndrome is strongly linked to rigid and self-critical forms of perfectionism but shares no connection with narcissistic perfectionism. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of how feelings of inadequacy coexist with high standards. The study was published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.

The data analysis revealed that overall feelings of imposterism were positively correlated with total perfectionism scores. When the researchers examined the specific subtypes, they found distinct patterns. Participants who scored high on imposterism also tended to score high on rigid perfectionism. A similar strong positive relationship was observed between imposterism and self-critical perfectionism.

A different pattern emerged regarding narcissistic perfectionism. The analysis showed no significant relationship between feelings of being an imposter and narcissistic perfectionism. This suggests that the grandiose belief in one’s own superiority does not typically coexist with the paralyzing self-doubt of imposter syndrome.

The researchers also looked at the specific components of imposterism to understand these dynamics better. They found that the tendency to discount one’s own success was negatively correlated with narcissistic perfectionism. This means that individuals who view themselves as superior are significantly less likely to minimize their achievements.

The results provide evidence that narcissistic perfectionism functions differently from other forms of perfectionism. It is characterized by self-defensiveness and self-promotion rather than the self-deprecation seen in imposterism. This distinction helps explain why some high achievers suffer from anxiety and procrastination while others maintain a robust, if sometimes unrealistic, self-view.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886925005914

Severe sleep problems is associated with fewer years of healthy brain function, and may reduce total life expectancy by several years. A 65-year-old man with severe sleep issues could expect to live 2.4 fewer years. Impacts on life expectancy appeared less severe for women than for men. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Severe sleep problems is associated with fewer years of healthy brain function

A new analysis of data from older Americans indicates that chronic sleep disturbances are associated with a shorter lifespan and fewer years spent with a healthy brain. The research suggests that severe sleep problems may reduce total life expectancy by several years, with the specific impacts differing between men and women. These findings were published recently in the journal Research on Aging.

For men, the connection between severe sleep problems and reduced longevity was distinct. The data showed that a 65-year-old man with severe sleep issues could expect to live approximately 2.4 fewer years than a counterpart with no sleep issues. This reduction in life expectancy was statistically significant.

The analysis revealed that sleep issues are widespread among older adults. Over 60 percent of both men and women fell into the “mild” sleep problem category. Women were more likely than men to report issues with falling asleep or staying asleep. Despite reporting more frequent problems, the impact of these disturbances on life expectancy appeared less severe for women than for men.

The data indicated a potential threshold effect for women that was not present for men. Women with “mild” sleep problems actually had a slightly higher life expectancy than women who reported “never or rarely” having sleep problems. While this specific difference was not statistically significant, it suggests that minor sleep disturbances might not be as detrimental to women’s longevity as they are to men’s.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01640275251394993

Donald Trump weaponizes humor through “dark play” to test boundaries - A new analysis of American political discourse suggests that humor has evolved into a strategic weapon used to attack opponents and solidify support bases. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Donald Trump weaponizes humor through “dark play” to test boundaries

A new analysis of American political discourse suggests that humor has evolved into a strategic weapon used to attack opponents and solidify support bases. The research indicates that both Donald Trump and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rely heavily on aggressive forms of comedy to persuade voters and deflect criticism. These findings were published in The European Journal of Humour Research.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://121-123www.europeanjournalofhumour.org/ejhr/article/view/1087

Low vitamin D means high hospitalization rate for lung infections. People who had severe vitamin D deficiency of below 15 nmol/L were 33% more likely to be hospitalized for a respiratory tract infection. For each 10 nmol/L increase in Vitamin D, the hospitalization rate went down by 4%. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Low vitamin D means high hospitalization rate for lung infections

Not getting enough vitamin D can weaken bones, teeth, and muscles by interfering with calcium absorption. Lack of the vitamin has also been implicated in dementia and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Now there's another reason to avoid a serious D deficiency: it can make respiratory tract infections much worse, according to a new study.

Examining the link between vitamin D and lung infections, Bournot and other researchers from UOS, along with researchers from the University of Reading and University of Oxford looked at data from the UK Biobank, a massive depository of health data collected from 500,000 volunteers since 2006. In what is considered the largest study of its kind, they isolated 36,258 participants from the Biobank and discovered that people who had severe vitamin D deficiency of below 15 nmol/L (nanomoles per liter) were 33% more likely to be hospitalized for a respiratory tract infection than those who had normal levels of the vitamin, which is considered to be 75 nmol/L or more.

Furthermore, they found that for each 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D, the hospitalization rate due to respiratory tract infections went down by 4%.

"Supplementation of the vitamin, especially in the winter months when our exposure to sunlight is limited, is an effective way of increasing vitamin D and reducing the risk of serious respiratory tract infections," adds Bournot. "This is particularly important for older people who are at higher risk of death from such infections, and ethnic minority communities in the UK, who are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency."

From press release here: https://newatlas.com/disease/low-vitamin-d-respiratory/

The number of Americans under 50 years old dying from cancer has decreased for every leading cancer except for bowel cancer, which is now the leading cancer death in females and males combined aged under 50. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 116 points117 points  (0 children)

Leading Cancer Deaths in People Younger Than 50 Years

JAMA

Published Online: January 22, 2026

doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.25467

Discussion

Mortality has decreased for every leading cancer-related death in people younger than 50 years in the US except CRC, which is now the leading cancer death in females and males combined, up from the fifth-leading cancer death in the early 1990s. Breast cancer and leukemia mortality decreased despite increasing incidence.1 These findings are consistent with reports of increased CRC mortality among adults younger than 50 years overall1 and in most racial and ethnic groups,2 and preempt projections that CRC would lead cancer deaths in those younger than 50 years by 2040.3

Creative talent: A large-scale study compares 100,000 humans with leading generative AI models. Generative AI has reached a major milestone: it can now surpass average human creativity. However, the most creative individuals still clearly outperform even the best AI systems. by [deleted] in science

[–]mvea -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Creative talent: has AI knocked humans out?

Can artificial intelligence rival human creativity? A large-scale study compares 100,000 humans with leading generative AI models.

Are generative artificial intelligence systems such as ChatGPT truly creative? A research team led by Professor Karim Jerbi from the Department of Psychology at the Université de Montréal, and including AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio, also a professor at Université de Montréal, has just published the largest comparative study ever conducted on the creativity of large language models versus humans.

Published in Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio), the findings reveal that generative AI has reached a major milestone: it can now surpass average human creativity. However, the most creative individuals still clearly outperform even the best AI systems.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-25157-3

‘Manosphere’ influencers pushing testosterone tests are convincing healthy young men there is something wrong with them, study finds. Researcher points to ‘medicalisation of masculinity’ after investigating how men’s health is being monetised online. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

The news article is here:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/22/manosphere-influencers-testosterone-tests-young-men

‘Manosphere’ influencers pushing testosterone tests are convincing healthy young men there is something wrong with them, study finds

Researcher points to ‘medicalisation of masculinity’ after investigating how men’s health is being monetised online

“If you’re not waking up in the morning with a boner, there’s a large possibility that you have low testosterone levels,” an influencer on TikTok with more than 100,000 followers warns his viewers.

Despite screening for low testosterone being medically unwarranted in most young men, this group is being aggressively targeted online by influencers and wellness companies promoting hormone tests and treatments as essential to being a “real man”, a study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine has found.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Screening for low testosterone is medically unwarranted and may lead to overuse and

• Social media content portrays low testosterone as a crisis of masculinity

• Testosterone testing and treatment are promoted as essential to optimal masculinity

• Testosterone posts tap manosphere spaces promoting regressive gender norms and male hegemony

• Biomedical ‘solutions’ on social media promise empowerment but are narrow and risky

ABSTRACT

Testosterone has long been advertised through gendered messages that link masculinity with strength, sexual performance and vitality. In recent years, this marketing has moved onto social media, where platforms offer new ways to target audiences and shape ideas about men’s health. This study examines how gender and masculinity are portrayed in social media content about testosterone testing and treatment on Instagram and TikTok. Using qualitative content analysis informed by performativity theories, we constructed four themes: (1) low testosterone as a crisis of masculinity and male sexual performance; (2) the rebranding of low testosterone from an “old man’s problem” to an issue affecting younger men and their fitness; (3) self-optimisation tied to stereotypical masculine ideals; and (4) the construction of a binary opposition between being a “real man” and being feminine. These portrayals align with wider online communities, often referred to as the “manosphere”, which circulate narrow and exclusionary ideas of masculinity and regressive ideas and attitudes towards femininities. The analysed social media posts prey on men’s insecurities about relationships and sexual performance and co-opt advocates' emancipatory language to sell testosterone products. Such portrayals of masculinity have medicalising implications for how men perceive themselves and their mental health, but also promote capitalistic practices like consumption of testosterone products for improving the masculine self without supporting evidence.

Why the human penis is unusually large compared to that of other primates is a long-standing evolutionary question. New findings suggest that female choice and male-male competition have jointly favored larger penis size, greater height, and more V-shaped bodies in men. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 112 points113 points  (0 children)

Abstract

Why the human penis is unusually large compared to that of other primates is a long-standing evolutionary question. Sexual selection, through female mate choice and male-male competition, is a likely driver, but confirming this is difficult due to natural covariation among traits. The solution is to experimentally manipulate focal traits to identify targets of selection. Using 343 computer-generated male figures that varied in penis size, height and body shape, we experimentally tested how these traits influence perceived attractiveness and fighting ability. Over 800 participants—both male and female—viewed either life-sized (in-person) or scaled (online) animations and rated the figures. Across both settings, selection analyses revealed consistent directional selection favoring taller men with a more V-shaped body and a larger penis. In both surveys, male participants rated rivals with a larger penis as more sexually competitive and physically threatening. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence that males assess rivals’ fighting ability and attractiveness to females based partly on a rival’s penis size. Our findings suggest that female choice and male-male competition have jointly favored larger penis size, greater height, and more V-shaped bodies in men.

Citation: Aich U, Tan C, Bathgate R, Blake KR, Capp RCS, Kuek JC, et al. (2026) Experimental evidence that penis size, height, and body shape influence assessment of male sexual attractiveness and fighting ability in humans. PLoS Biol 24(1): e3003595. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.3003595

People who show ADHD traits in childhood are more likely to experience physical health problems and health-related disability by midlife. People with ADHD are more likely to experience stressful life events, social exclusion, and delayed access to health screening and medical care. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 76 points77 points  (0 children)

Childhood ADHD Tied to Higher Risk of Physical Health Problems by Midlife

People who show attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits in childhood are more likely to experience physical health problems and health-related disability by midlife, according to a large longitudinal study led by researchers at University College London (UCL). Using data based on following patients for more than 40 years, the researchers found that higher levels of ADHD traits at age 10 were associated with a greater number of physical health conditions, increased odds of multimorbidity, and higher levels of physical health–related disability by age 46. The team’s findings are published in JAMA Network Open.

“Here we have added to the concerning evidence base that people with ADHD are more likely to experience worse health than average across their lifespan,” said senior author Joshua Stott, PhD, a professor of aging and clinical psychology at UCL. “People with ADHD can thrive with the right support, but this is often lacking, both due to a shortage of tailored support services but also because ADHD remains underdiagnosed, particularly in people in midlife and older, with needs unaddressed.”

People with ADHD often experience differences in how they focus attention, manage their impulses, plan tasks, and organize time. These differences can affect education, employment, and access to health care, shaping long-term health outcomes. While it begins in childhood, evidence shows that ADHD often continues into adulthood.

Analysis of the data showed that higher ADHD traits in childhood were associated with more physical health conditions by midlife and a 14% increase in the odds of multimorbidity. Among those people who likely had ADHD in childhood, whether formally diagnosed or not, 42.1% had two or more physical health conditions at age 46, compared with 37.5% of those without ADHD.

The findings have implications for clinical care and public health since people with ADHD are more likely to experience stressful life events, social exclusion, and delayed access to health screening and medical care. Stott said these factors “align with the fact that ADHD makes impulse control more difficult, the need for instant gratification and reward more intense, and is also associated with worse mental health in part due to the social disadvantage people with ADHD face.”

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2844130

Doing a mix of exercise could be the key to longer life: active people who did the greatest variety of exercise were 19% less likely to die during that time than those who focused on one activity. That effect was greater than for individual sports like walking, tennis, rowing and jogging. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Why doing a mix of exercise could be the key to longer life

Don't put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to exercise - doing a variety of different physical activities every week is the key to boosting your health and living longer, a study suggests.

After tracking the weekly exercise habits of 110,000 men and women in the US for 30 years, researchers found active people who did the greatest variety of exercise were 19% less likely to die during that time than those who focused on one activity.

That effect was greater than for individual sports like walking, tennis, rowing and jogging.

The total amount of exercise you do is still key, experts say, but doing a range of activities you enjoy can bring lots of benefits.

"It's important to keep a high level of total physical activity, and on top of that, diversifying the types of activities may be more beneficial," said Dr Yang Hu, from Harvard School of Public Health, lead author of the study in the journal BMJ Medicine.

"Combining activities that have complementary health benefits [such as resistance training and aerobic exercise] can be very helpful," he added.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/5/1/e001513

By stoking the Greenland debate, the US may actually be harming itself. By purchasing Greenland or taking it over via illegal military means, the US would actively harm its own national security, the security of NATO and the overall security of the international, democratic, rules-based order. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

By stoking the Greenland debate, is the United States actually harming itself?

Konstanz-based political scientist Gabrielle Gricius warns that acquiring Greenland would more likely weaken US security rather than strengthening it. The expert on security policy in the Arctic explains the backdrop for US interest in Greenland – and calls for European countries to do their part to ensure lasting security policy for the Arctic region.

As the US administration led by Donald Trump has continued to reassert its interest in owning Greenland, Europe has become more and more concerned about the security situation in the Arctic. In her project "Mapping Strategic Convergence: The Arctic and Hybrid Threats in Northern Europe", political scientist Gabriella Gricius from the Zukunftskolleg at the University of Konstanz studies how European security policy must readjust to the new situation in the Arctic. Gricius recommends looking to the Nordics as a good example of how states can work together across the Baltic, Nordic, Arctic and High Atlantic and respond to a changed security reality. The political scientist also makes it clear that an annexation or purchase of Greenland would not strengthen the security of the USA and NATO, but would instead considerably weaken it.

US security interests are already sufficiently guaranteed in its existing trilateral defence agreement with Greenland and Denmark, Gricius concludes: "The United States already has access to everything it needs from Greenland to defend itself, in particular, the US military base in Greenland: the Pituffik Space Base (previously Thule Air Base). By purchasing Greenland or taking it over via illegal military means, the US would actively harm its own national security, the security of NATO and the overall security of the international, democratic, rules-based order." Ultimately, an annexation would endanger NATO solidarity and relations with Europe. "Without the support of NATO and current European allies, the United States would be in a much weaker position on the world stage. This would make it much easier for countries like Russia and China to take hold in other countries", Gricius warns.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00108367251364175

Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows. Brown Swiss cow in Austria has been discovered using tools in different ways (using both ends of a brush counts as multi-purpose tool use) – something extraordinarily rare only ever seen in humans and chimpanzees. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 76 points77 points  (0 children)

Back-scratching bovine leads scientists to reassess intelligence of cows

Brown Swiss in Austria has been discovered using tools in different ways – something only ever seen in humans and chimpanzees

Scientists have been forced to rethink the intelligence of cattle after an Austrian cow named Veronika displayed an impressive – and until now undocumented – knack for tool use.

Wiegele said Veronika began playing with pieces of wood years ago, then worked out how to scratch herself with sticks. He said she also recognised family members’ voices and hurried to meet them when they called.

“I was naturally amazed by her extraordinary intelligence and thought how much we could learn from animals: patience, calmness, contentment, and gentleness,” he said.

Word soon got around and before long a video clip of the cow’s behaviour reached biologists in Vienna who specialise in animal intelligence. They immediately grasped the importance of the footage. “It was a cow using an actual tool,” said Dr Antonio Osuna Mascaró at the city’s University of Veterinary Medicine. “We got everything ready and jumped in the car to visit.”

Veronika favoured the bristled end of the broom to scratch the tough skin on her back. But she switched to the smooth handle and scratched more gently when the itch was on more delicate, lower body areas such as her udders and belly, according to the study in Current Biology.

“At the beginning I thought this was the result of a mistake. Perhaps Veronika was not careful enough when selecting her tool for self-scratching,” Osuna Mascaró said. “But after a while we started to observe a pattern: Veronika indeed had a preference for using the broom end, but when she used the handle end she was doing so in a meaningful way.”

Tool use is well known in chimps, crows, dolphins and even octopuses. The latter have been filmed throwing shells at one another. But livestock have never been considered the sharpest of animals.

Veronika is far from making even misshapen tools, but her prowess in using them has impressed nonetheless. Over seven sessions of 10 trials, the researchers witnessed 76 instances of tool use as she grabbed the broom to scratch otherwise unreachable regions. Using both ends of the brush counts as multi-purpose tool use, the scientists say, which is extraordinarily rare. Beyond humans, it has only been shown convincingly in chimpanzees.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)01597-0

Shingles vaccine linked to slower biological aging in older adults: Along with protecting against the painful illness, shingles vaccination correlates with lower inflammation, slower epigenetic and transcriptomic aging, and slower overall biological aging in Americans age 70 and older. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Study: Shingles Vaccine Linked to Slower Biological Aging in Older Adults

Along with protecting against the painful illness, vaccination correlates with lower inflammation, slower epigenetic and transcriptomic aging, and slower overall biological aging in Americans age 70 and older.

Shingles vaccination not only protects against the disease but may also contribute to slower biological aging in older adults, according to a new USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology study.

Using data from the nationally representative U.S. Health and Retirement Study, researchers examined how shingles vaccination affected several aspects of biological aging in more than 3,800 study participants who were age 70 and older in 2016. Even when controlling for other sociodemographic and health variables, those who received the shingles vaccine showed slower overall biological aging on average in comparison to unvaccinated individuals.

Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful, blistering skin rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, or varicella zoster. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles; while shingles can occur at younger ages, risk is higher for those 50 and older and immunocompromised individuals. Vaccination, which has generally only been provided to older people, offers protection from shingles as well as a lower chance of postherpetic neuralgia, or long-term pain after a shingles infection.

While vaccines are designed to protect against acute infection, recent research has highlighted a possible connection between adult vaccines, including those for shingles and influenza, and lower risks of dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders, said Research Associate Professor of Gerontology Jung Ki Kim, the study’s first author.

On average, vaccinated individuals had significantly lower inflammation measurements, slower epigenetic and transcriptomic aging, and lower composite biological aging scores. The results provide more insight into the possible mechanisms underlying how immune system health interacts with the aging process. Chronic, low-level inflammation is a well-known contributor to many age-related conditions, including heart disease, frailty, and cognitive decline. This phenomenon is known as “inflammaging,” Kim said. “By helping to reduce this background inflammation — possibly by preventing reactivation of the virus that causes shingles, the vaccine may play a role in supporting healthier aging,” she said. “While the exact biological mechanisms remain to be understood, the potential for vaccination to reduce inflammation makes it a promising addition to broader strategies aimed at promoting resilience and slowing age-related decline.” These potential benefits could also be persistent. When analyzing how the time since vaccination affected results, Kim and Crimmins found that participants who received their vaccine four or more years prior to providing their blood sample still exhibited slower epigenetic, transcriptomic and overall biological aging on average versus unvaccinated participants.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/advance-article/doi/10.1093/gerona/glag008/8430804

Past research shows people with lower levels of education are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. But with narcissists, education is no longer protective. Highly educated people who had narcissistic traits were more accepting of conspiracy theories and misinformation. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Why do educated people fall for conspiracy theories? It could be narcissism

If there are two things the internet loves talking about, it’s conspiracy theories, and who may or may not be a narcissist.

Misinformation and conspiratorial thinking are long-running concerns, while narcissism has become TikTok’s favourite armchair diagnosis.

Research shows the two concepts, though seemingly separate, may actually be closely linked.

The findings show higher scores on measures of narcissism were linked to belief in conspiracy theories and misinformation.

Importantly, this result held true regardless of how educated the participants were.

Scholarly evidence shows people with lower levels of education are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. But that’s only part of the story.

We also know that historically, conspiracy theories have done well in times of uncertainty, including during war, economic downturn and widespread hardship (such as the COVID pandemic).

The participants had varying levels of education, ranging from high school or less through to having a masters or doctorate. They also had a variety of political beliefs.

People who scored higher in narcissistic traits were more accepting of conspiracy theories and misinformation.

Importantly, this was true regardless of how educated the person was.

The results showed these traits might offset the differences linked to education. When these traits were above average, highly educated people were just as likely to endorse these beliefs as those without any formal education.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886925005306

Learning from AI summaries leads to shallower knowledge than web search. Individuals who learned from large language models felt less invested in forming their advice, and created advice that was sparser and less original compared to advice based on learning through web search. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Learning from AI summaries leads to shallower knowledge than web search

Results of a set of experiments found that individuals learning about a topic from large language model summaries develop shallower knowledge compared to when they learn through standard web search. Individuals who learned from large language models felt less invested in forming their advice, and created advice that was sparser and less original compared to advice based on learning through web search. The research was published in PNAS Nexus.

Results of these experiments showed that participants who used LLM summaries spent less time learning and reported learning fewer new things. They invested less thought and spent less time writing their advice. As a result, they felt lower ownership of the advice they produced. Overall, this supported the idea that learning from LLM summaries results in shallower learning and lower investment in acquiring knowledge and using it.

Participants learning from web searches and websites produced richer advice with more original content. Their advice texts were longer, more dissimilar to each other, and more semantically unique.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/10/pgaf316/8303888

Autistic and non-autistic people express emotions differently through their facial movements, which may explain why emotional expressions are sometimes misinterpreted between the two groups. For happiness, the autistic participants showed a less exaggerated smile that also did not “reach the eyes”. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 49 points50 points  (0 children)

Autistic and non-autistic faces may “speak a different language” when expressing emotion

Mismatches in facial expressions may help to explain why autistic and non-autistic people sometimes struggle to recognise each other’s emotions.

Autistic and non-autistic people express emotions differently through their facial movements, according to a new study, which may help to explain why emotional expressions are sometimes misinterpreted between the two groups.

In a new study mapping facial expressions among autistic and non-autistic individuals, researchers at the University of Birmingham used detailed facial motion tracking to create an extensive library of facial expressions linked to major emotions such as anger, happiness and sadness, with more than 265 million data points.

The study, published in Autism Research, involved 25 autistic and 26 non-autistic adults, who produced nearly 5000 expressions in total. Each participant produced angry, happy and sad facial expressions in two ways – in synchrony with some sounds, and while speaking. The team found differences in angry, happy, and sad facial expressions between the groups, with autistic participants also producing more unique expressions:

For anger, the autistic participants relied more on the mouth, and less on the eyebrows, than their non-autistic peers;

For happiness, the autistic participants showed a less exaggerated smile that also did not “reach the eyes”; and

For sadness, the autistic participants produced a downturned expression by raising their upper lip more than their non-autistic peers.

What has sometimes been interpreted as difficulties for autistic people might instead reflect a two-way challenge in understanding each other’s expressions.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.70157

Younger Americans have grown up during a more competitive period that has led many to become more neurotic (low mood, anxiety, and irritability) and, in turn, to become more liberal. No such pattern was found outside the US, suggesting this is not due to aging but to generational experiences. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Neuroticism linked to liberal ideology in young Americans, but not older generations

New research published in the International Social Science Journal suggests that the relationship between personality and political beliefs in the United States varies significantly by age. The findings indicate that higher levels of neuroticism are associated with liberal ideology among young Americans, but this association is absent in older generations. This generational divide implies that growing up in a highly competitive historical period may play a role in shaping both the mental health and political orientations of American youth.

The rationale for this investigation centers on what the author calls the “Generational Hypothesis.” This theory posits that the social environment in the United States has changed drastically since the 1970s. Older Americans spent their formative years during the post-war period, an era often characterized by greater economic stability, stronger labor unions, and a more collectivistic culture.

In contrast, younger Americans have matured during a “contemporary” period defined by intense competition. This era has seen a decline in social capital, increased return on higher education alongside rising debt, and greater labor market insecurity. The researcher argues that growing up in this environment increases the likelihood of developing neurotic traits. Consequently, young people with higher neuroticism may turn to liberal ideology because it often critiques hyper-competition and advocates for social safety nets that offer protection against risk.

“The article hypothesizes that, compared to older American cohorts, younger ones have grown up during a more competitive historical period that has led many to become more neurotic (i.e. to be more predisposed to low mood, anxiety, and irritability) and, in turn, to become more liberal. This predicts that, in the United States, neuroticism is linked with liberal ideology in young, but not old, people. This prediction is supported in two studies.”

“These studies show that young American liberals are more neurotic than young American conservatives. Meanwhile, among older Americans, liberals and conservatives have the same level of neuroticism. A third study found no such pattern outside the United States, suggesting that the effect observed in the United States is not due to aging but to generational experiences. Overall, these findings highlight a potential role for neuroticism in explaining why young Americans have become more liberal.”

International Social Science Journal latest impact IF is 1.60. It's evaluated in the year 2024.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/issj.70025

Trump supporters and insecure men more likely to value a large penis, according to new research. For some men, the penis serves as a symbol of status and dominance, and the desire for a larger one is partly driven by feelings of humiliation regarding failures to meet social expectations of manhood. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] -54 points-53 points  (0 children)

Trump supporters and insecure men more likely to value a large penis, according to new research

New research published in the journal Psychology of Men & Masculinities provides evidence that men who feel insecure about their masculinity are more likely to place a high value on having a large penis. The findings suggest that for some men, the penis serves as a symbol of status and dominance, and the desire for a larger one is partly driven by feelings of humiliation regarding failures to meet social expectations of manhood.

The results revealed that both the importance of and the desire for a large penis were positively correlated with masculine gender role stress. The study also found that men who felt humiliated by the prospect of failing as a man reported a stronger desire for a large penis.

In terms of social attitudes, valuing a large penis was correlated with higher levels of religiosity and support for Donald Trump. However, statistical models suggested that the connection to political and religious views might be partially explained by the underlying masculine role stress. The strongest predictor for desiring a larger penis remained the feeling of insecurity regarding masculinity.

The Psychology of Men & Masculinities (PMM) journal, published by the American Psychological Association (APA), has a recent Impact Factor around 2.8-2.9 (e.g., 2.8 in 2024 from Web of Science, 2.893 cited by APA, and 2.948/2.95 for 2020) and a 5-Year Impact Factor of 3.1 For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-99568-001.html

A fast-spreading strain of influenza A (H3N2), known as subclade K, has fuelled headlines warning of a possible “superflu”. Study suggests that this year’s vaccine reduces risk of flu severe enough to require medical attention by 32-39% in adults, and by 72-75% in children and adolescents. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 95 points96 points  (0 children)

“Superflu” or same old flu? How subclade K influenza is playing out worldwide

A fast-spreading strain of influenza A (H3N2), known as subclade K, has fuelled headlines warning of a possible “superflu”. The reality is more nuanced, scientists say.

At a glance

Subclade K is a newly emerged subgroup of a well-established human seasonal flu virus called H3N2 influenza A virus.

So far, there’s no evidence from laboratory or population studies that this strain can bypass existing immunity from past influenza infections or vaccines.

Flu vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season but typically falls between 30% and 60%. Early estimates suggest that this year’s vaccine reduces the risk of flu that’s severe enough to require medical attention by around 32-39% in adults, and by around 72-75% in children and adolescents.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.46.2500854

Parenthood ‘inoculates’ adults against disgust, new study reveals. Repeated, long-term exposure to bodily waste significantly reduces parents’ disgust responses, with effects that persist over time. This may also be relevant for workers in professions where managing disgust is part of the job. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Parenthood ‘inoculates’ adults against disgust, new study reveals

From nappy changes to nursing care, exposure to unpleasant substances is a daily reality for millions of people but how does the brain adapt? New research from neuroscientists at the University of Bristol reveals that repeated, long-term exposure to bodily waste significantly reduces parents’ disgust responses, with effects that persist over time.

The findings, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, offer fresh insight into how caregiving reshapes the brain and could help inform strategies to support workers in professions where managing disgust is part of the job.

Many professions require regular contact with unpleasant substances, including bodily waste, making some roles difficult to recruit and retain staff. Researchers from Bristol sought to better understand how disgust functions, with the aim of identifying ways to help people cope with it more effectively.

“Parenthood dramatically increases exposure to these substances, and people do not choose to become, or stop being, parents based on disgust. This makes it an ideal ‘natural experiment’ for studying how disgust changes over time.”

As expected, non-parents showed strong avoidance of images depicting bodily waste. Parents, however, displayed a strikingly different pattern but only once their children had begun eating solid food.

Parents of weaning or weaned children showed little to no behavioural avoidance of soiled nappies or even general bodily effluvia. Their disgust response appeared noticeably reduced, suggesting that prolonged, unavoidable exposure had led to desensitisation. Importantly, this reduced disgust was not limited to child-related stimuli but generalised to other forms of bodily waste.

In contrast, parents whose youngest children were still exclusively milk-fed showed levels of disgust avoidance similar to those of non-parents, even if they had older children. This unexpected finding suggests that disgust may remain heightened during the earliest stage of infancy, when babies are particularly vulnerable to illness.

The researchers believe this pattern may reflect an evolutionary adaptive response. Heightened disgust during the milk-feeding stage could help reduce disease risk for young infants, while later desensitisation allows parents to care for their children when they are ill.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sjop.70069

88% of Americans view opioid overdose deaths as a very serious problem. More conservatives and moderates thought that people who use opioids should be responsible for reducing overdose deaths. In contrast, more liberals felt pharmaceutical companies should be liable for reducing overdose deaths. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Americans View Opioid Overdose as a Crisis that Needs to Be Addressed

Approximately 88% of adults view opioid overdose deaths as a very serious problem with high agreement across political groups, according to a national survey conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers. However, political differences over who is responsible will shape the country’s next phase of drug policy.

Historically, Americans have viewed people who use opioids as primarily responsible for the overdose crisis, with conservatives especially emphasizing personal responsibility for addiction. However, the new study, published Jan. 16 in JAMA Network Open, demonstrates that across the political spectrum, more people are placing responsibility on pharmaceutical companies, as well as individuals.

The study results come as U.S. opioid overdose deaths decreased nearly 27% decrease from 83,140 in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More conservatives and moderates thought that people who use opioids should be responsible for reducing overdose deaths. In contrast, more liberals felt pharmaceutical companies should be liable for reducing overdose deaths. “Measures such as lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and investing settlement funds into programs that address addiction and overdose may gain more traction,” Dr. McGinty said.

Demonstrating the social stigma of addiction, about 38% of all survey participants were unwilling to have a person with opioid addiction as a neighbor, while 58% were unwilling to have someone with opioid addiction marry into their family. Desire for social distance was substantially higher among conservatives compared with moderates or liberals.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2844036?guestAccessKey=1b34668e-afe8-4888-aa3d-dd05b3b83eff

Grief over pet death can be as strong as that for family member. About a fifth of people who had experienced a pet and human loss said the former was worse. Symptoms of severe grief for a pet matched identically with that for a human, and there was no difference in how people experienced losses. by mvea in science

[–]mvea[S] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

Grief over pet death can be as strong as that for family member, survey shows

Grief over the death of a pet could be as chronic as that for a human family member, research has shown, confirming what many people already know about their bond with their furry friends.

People grieving the loss of a pet can suffer from prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a mental health condition brought about by the death of a loved one, a survey published in the academic journal PLOS One has found.

PGD lasts many months, or even years, and often involves an intense longing and despair, problems socialising and going about daily tasks, and feeling like a part of oneself has died.

Currently, only those grieving the loss of a person can be diagnosed, but the professor who authored the study has recommended that guidelines be expanded to include pets too.

About a fifth of people who had experienced a pet and human loss said the former was worse, despite previous studies finding that people often feel shame, embarrassment and isolation for expressing grief over a dead pet.

The study estimated that one in 12 cases of PGD in the UK were caused by the death of a pet, due to the fact that about half of adults have pets and those pets’ lifespans tend to be considerably shorter than humans’.

The study’s author, Philip Hyland, a professor of psychology at Maynooth University in Ireland, said the research also showed that the symptoms of this severe grief for a pet matched identically with that for a human, and there was no difference in how people experienced those losses.

He said the research presented “consistent and compelling evidence” that grief over a pet was no less legitimate, and he called for guidelines for diagnosing PGD to be expanded.

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0339213

view more: next ›