Humans often assume we’ve cornered the market on complex communication. But a new study suggests that another highly social species—the elephant—shares our ability to use intentional nonverbal gestures to influence others’ behavior. Researchers recently discovered that elephants can deliberately use trunk gestures to ask humans for food, passing behavioral tests typically reserved for primates. It’s…
Read MoreAutism and Facial Micromovements Explained
Autism and Facial Expressions: What We Often Miss Facial expressions are the universal language of emotion. But for many autistic individuals, their emotional signals can be so subtle they go unnoticed. A recent study from Rutgers University shows that tiny facial micromovements—invisible to the naked eye—carry rich emotional meaning. This discovery reshapes how we understand…
Read MoreJunk Food Fuels Violence? The Science of Diet & Aggression
When it comes to understanding violent or aggressive behavior, we often focus on psychology or environment. But there’s a hidden factor most people overlook: diet. Read: Another perspective on understanding anger Recent studies suggest that junk food consumption can influence emotional stability, aggression, and even violent tendencies—especially among teens and young adults. In this article,…
Read MoreSmiling Boosts Mood- Even When it’s Forced
A recent study from the University of Essex entitled, “Smiling and Frowning Induced by Facial Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (fNMES) Modulate Felt Emotion and Physiology” explored whether electrically induced smiling could influence emotions. Participants had electrodes placed over their zygomaticus major muscles—those that lift the corners of the mouth. A gentle electrical current forced a…
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