5/19
Michele W. Berger
Senior Science News Officer
mwberger@upenn.edu
Psychology
Both nature and nurture contribute to signatures of socioeconomic status in the brain
Both nature and nurture contribute to signatures of socioeconomic status in the brain
In the first study of its kind, Penn researchers and an international team of collaborators found that genetics and environmental factors contribute to how socioeconomic status shapes the architecture of the brain.
The past, present, and future of the Positive Humanities
The past, present, and future of the Positive Humanities
A new Oxford Handbook from Penn’s James Pawelski and Louis Tay of Purdue explores this emerging field, which brings together positive psychology, philosophy, the humanities, and the arts.
Social connections influence brain structure of rhesus macaques
Social connections influence brain structure of rhesus macaques
Researchers from Penn, Inserm, and elsewhere observed that the number of grooming partners an individual animal had predicted the size of brain areas associated with social decision-making and empathy.
Perceptions shaped social behavior during the pandemic
Perceptions shaped social behavior during the pandemic
Research from Penn psychologists found that Americans who most feared losing their connections continued interacting with others, paradoxically acting in ways that risked prolonging disease-mitigating social restrictions.
Why are alcohol- and drug-related deaths rising in the U.S. and not elsewhere?
Why are alcohol- and drug-related deaths rising in the U.S. and not elsewhere?
With insights from anthropology and neuroscience, Penn researchers Michael Platt and Peter Sterling find that, in comparison, 16 other wealthy nations offer communal assistance at every life stage, support that protects individuals and families long term.
In Wordle, a case for ‘pure’ play
In Wordle, a case for ‘pure’ play
In a Q&A with Penn Today, Cait Lamberton of the Wharton School discusses some possible reasons for Wordle’s popularity.
Mentor support for the first-generation college experience
Mentor support for the first-generation college experience
Three decades apart, senior Rachel Swym and alumna Leanne Huebner found a common bond in their rural backgrounds and first-generation, highly aided college experience.
A novel theory on how conspiracy theories take shape
A novel theory on how conspiracy theories take shape
In a new book, Dolores Albarracín, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, and colleagues show that two factors—the conservative media and societal fear and anxiety—have driven recent widespread conspiracies, from Pizzagate to those around COVID-19 vaccines.
Mask-wearing and moral values
Mask-wearing and moral values
Tiffany Tieu led a study on the psychology of mask-wearing and its relationship with a person’s moral values, using Penn undergraduates as the subjects.
The philosophy of visual studies
The philosophy of visual studies
Founded 20 years ago, the interdisciplinary major of visual studies creates a bridge for students to combine interests, including philosophy, art history, architecture, fine arts, and psychology.
Media Contact
In the News
Psychology Today
Why kids need freedom to explore
Angela Duckworth of the School of Arts & Sciences pens an article saying allowing children to explore and sample interests rather than specialize can be beneficial.
FULL STORY →
NPR
Americans are stuck in unhealthy pandemic habits. Here's how to reboot
Katy Milkman of the Wharton School offered advice about how to change unhealthy habits formed during the pandemic. "We know when a shock arises and forces a change in our behavior for an extended period of time, there tend to be carryover effects because we're sticky in our behaviors," she said.
FULL STORY →
The New York Times
‘Kony 2012,’ 10 years later
Jonah Berger of the Wharton School said the film “Kony 2012” went viral because it tapped into basic human motivations through storytelling, social currency, and emotion.
FULL STORY →
Vox.com
How to get better at making every type of decision
Katy Milkman of the Wharton School spoke about strategies for decision-making, which includes focusing on a clear objective, expending less energy on small choices, making decisions in advance when possible, getting a range of opinions, being in touch with one’s emotions, making pros and cons lists, and re-framing decisions as opportunities.
FULL STORY →
Shape.com
What does it mean to be neurodivergent?
David Mandell of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the origins of the neurodiversity movement. “There are lots of people who differ in the ways that they think, respond to stimuli, or make sense of the world. We should acknowledge that these differences exist and try to make the world as comfortable as possible for everyone,” he said.
FULL STORY →
Scientific American
New Year’s resolutions are notoriously slippery, but science can help you keep them
Katy Milkman of the Wharton School interviewed Ayelet Fishbach of the University of Chicago about the science of motivation.
FULL STORY →