The white matter structure in the brain reflects music sensitivity, according to a new study. The study, published in Journal of Neuroscience, shows that white matter connectivity, the tissue through which the different areas in the central nervous system communicate, is essential to understand why we like or dislike music. Also, it shows that brain…

New research tested how open monitoring meditation altered brain activity in a way that suggests increased error recognition. The research, published in Brain Sciences, tested how open monitoring meditation — or, meditation that focuses awareness on feelings, thoughts or sensations as they unfold in one’s mind and body — altered brain activity in a way…

A new nationwide study suggests that living in neighborhoods with higher availability of fast-food outlets across all regions of the United States is associated with higher subsequent risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Findings also indicated that the availability of more supermarkets could be protective against developing T2D, particularly in suburban and rural neighborhoods. The…

People borrowing money for the first time should only be given small amounts until they have proved their competence, a new study says. The paper argues that new borrowers — especially young people and those of an «impulsive» disposition — need protection to prevent them falling into long-term debt. It says lenders should have a…

When people notice one traffic hazard, they are less likely to see a simultaneous second hazard, according to new research. The finding has potential applications for both driver training and the development of automated, in-vehicle safety technologies. «This is a phenomenon called a subsequent search miss (SSM), which was first described in the context of…

Researchers have identified the optimal dish positions to help »nudge» diners into picking more planet-friendly meals in cafeterias. Conservationists at the University of Cambridge are investigating ways of «nudging» people towards eating more plants and less meat, to help curb the environmental damage caused by excessive consumption of animal products. The researchers experimented on customers…

Eating whole grain rye products instead of refined wheat alternatives can offer worthwhile health benefits. Researchers recently published a study showing that people who ate high-fiber products made from whole grain rye lost more body fat and overall weight than those who ate corresponding products made from refined wheat. The new results have been published…

A pilot study shows promising evidence that adults with MCI can learn to practice mindfulness meditation, and by doing so may boost their cognitive reserve. But there may be a safe and feasible non-pharmacological treatment that may help patients living with MCI, according to a small pilot study in the current issue of the Journal…

The smart watches seen on the wrists of roughly 1 in 5 Americans could be more than just a fun gimmick but a potentially useful research tool to track habitual physical activity levels. People who took more steps daily, as tracked by their watch, had lower blood pressure on average than those taking fewer steps.…

A large new study finds that women who lost weight after age 50 and kept it off had a lower risk of breast cancer than women whose weight remained stable, helping answer a vexing question in cancer prevention. In the United States, more than two in three adult women are overweight or obese. And while…