Behavioral Health

Names prompt distinct brain activity in preschoolers

A study from Penn and CHOP found that when preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder hear their name, their neural patterns match those of their typically developing peers. The finding held regardless of whether the child’s mom or a stranger called the name.

Michele W. Berger

The placebo cure

Drug researchers use control groups to measure the efficacy of their drug tests. What happens when the control group responds? Science proves the placebo effect is indeed medicine itself.

Tina Rodia



In the News


CBC News

From vaccines to Froot Loops: Why RFK Jr.’s health-related theories have sparked so much controversy

According to the Annenberg Public Policy Center, COVID vaccine-related deaths reported in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System are unverified. David Mandell of the Perelman School of Medicine says that numerous studies have disproven a link between child vaccination and increased risk of autism.

FULL STORY →



Forbes

Insomnia may be more common than you think. Here’s what to know

According to Penn Medicine, about 1 in 4 Americans experiences difficulty with sleep each year.

FULL STORY →



Health.com

Can you really learn from mistakes? New research shows it's harder than you think

Yvette Sheline of the Perelman School of Medicine explains why the best way to learn is being rewarded by success.

FULL STORY →



National Geographic

Here’s why planning a trip can help your mental health

Matthew Killingsworth of the Wharton School explains how the anticipation of having a vacation planned can lead to increased happiness.

FULL STORY →



The Guardian

Trouble sleeping? This therapy can help with insomnia

Michael Perlis of the Perelman School of Medicine says that the distinctive difference between CBT and CBT-I is the inclusion of the principles and practice of sleep medicine.

FULL STORY →



Delaware News Journal

She feared schizophrenia would leave her son dead or in jail. Then, he nearly killed a man

Yvette Sheline of the Perelman School of Medicine says that genetics play a role in schizophrenia, although there’s no agreed-upon single cause.

FULL STORY →