Below is a curated list of PsyPost’s most popular psychology and neuroscience studies from 2024, showcasing groundbreaking research and fascinating insights that have captivated readers throughout the year.
Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just curious about what makes us tick, these 15 must-read studies offer valuable knowledge and engaging discoveries you won’t want to miss.
People with dark personalities feel more satisfied in romantic relationships with partners who also exhibit similar dark traits
A study published in the Journal of Personality found that individuals with Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) are more satisfied in their romantic relationships when their partners possess similar traits, suggesting a mutual understanding and compatibility in their dark characteristics.
Does having children make you happier? Here’s what the research suggests
The prevailing belief in many parts of the world is that having children is key to happiness – and that people who don’t have children are unfulfilled in their lives. But is this really the case? The answer to this question is both simple and complex.
The psychology of sugar dating: New research dives deep into the realities of sugar arrangements
New research highlights the complexity of sugar dating, blending elements of transactional sex and traditional romantic relationships. The findings shed light on the motivations, benefits, concerns, and nuanced power dynamics between sugar babies and their benefactors.
Cannabis use is linked to a lower likelihood of experiencing subjective cognitive decline
Non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with reduced odds of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among U.S. adults aged 45 and older, according to new research.
A surprising factor can predict dementia up to 12 years in advance, study finds
A study involving 8,623 individuals found that reduced visual sensitivity, detectable via eye tests, can predict dementia 12 years before diagnosis.
A particular smell might play an important role in Alzheimer’s treatment
New research suggests menthol inhalation may improve cognitive abilities in mice with Alzheimer’s by regulating the immune system and reducing brain inflammation, offering a potential new avenue for treating this debilitating disease.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown function of blinking
Blinking enhances visual processing by introducing beneficial luminance changes, helping the brain reformat visual information, according to new research. The findings indicate that blinks improve visual acuity beyond merely keeping the eyes moist.
Anendophasia: Scientists uncover the weird cognitive impact of life without an inner voice
A recent study found that individuals without an inner voice struggle more with verbal memory and rhyme recognition tasks but show no significant differences in task-switching or visual discrimination compared to those with an inner voice.
A common dietary supplement can reduce aggression by up to 28%
New research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce aggression by up to 30%, highlighting the potential of nutritional interventions in managing aggression across diverse populations and settings.
Scientists uncover “extraordinary” impact of high-fat diet on anxiety via gut-brain axis
A recent study found that a high-fat diet disrupts gut bacteria, alters brain chemistry, and increases anxiety-like behavior in rats, highlighting the complex gut-brain connection and the mental health impacts of dietary choices.
Emophilia is a distinct psychological trait and linked to infidelity
A recent study found that emophilia is a distinct psychological trait, not heavily correlated with other personality traits, and is linked to a higher number of romantic relationships and instances of infidelity.
Scientists discover “glue” that holds memory together in fascinating neuroscience breakthrough
Scientists found that the molecule KIBRA helps stabilize memory by binding to PKMζ, an enzyme that strengthens brain connections, allowing memories to last for years despite the constant turnover of proteins in the brain.
Caffeine’s impact on brain’s mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway could reduce alcohol’s addictive effects
Researchers found that caffeine blocks alcohol’s ability to increase dopamine in brain reward areas, potentially reducing alcohol’s rewarding effects. This suggests caffeine could play a role in preventing or treating alcohol addiction.
Genetic analysis reveals role of melatonin in ADHD symptom severity
New insights into the relationship between sleep and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children suggest that melatonin, a key hormone in sleep regulation, might play an important role in managing symptoms.
Lonely individuals tend to think and talk in an unusual way, study finds
Lonely individuals show atypical neural and linguistic responses to celebrities, diverging from group norms. Their unique perceptions reflect a lack of shared reality, reinforcing feelings of isolation and highlighting deviations in social cognition linked to loneliness.
