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Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 8, 2026 at 9:55am

Approaching sounds can warp your perception of time

Everyone's perception of time is unique. It is a subjective experience shaped by factors such as age, emotions, memory and environmental contexts. And it may also be influenced by background noise, as scientists have demonstrated in a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Previous research has shown that approaching noise can stretch our perception of time. But in this paper, researchers discovered that even when people were concentrating on a different sound, moving sounds in the background still changed their sense of time.
Their experiment revealed that people who listened to the approaching background sound overestimated the length of the tones by about 15%. "We discovered that an approaching background sound significantly accelerated the perceived time when compared to a receding sound," the study authors wrote in their paper.

Participants in the receding background noise group underestimated the time by about 6%. Those in the scrambled noise group produced intermediate results. The differences between this group and the others were not statistically significant.

So what does all this mean? This study showed for the first time that background moving sounds modulate time estimation.

The researchers framed the results in an evolutionary context. They said that an overestimation of time when an object is approaching means that our brains are put into a state of alertness to either avoid or catch something. An underestimation of time when a sound is moving away from us occurs because a retreating object is less likely to be perceived as a threat, and therefore it requires less attention.

The researchers also demonstrated the Vierordt effect, a well-known phenomenon that explains how our memory biases our estimation of time. Participants consistently guessed that the shortest tones (1 second) were longer than they were, while the longest tones (6 seconds) were guessed to be shorter.

Achille Pasqualotto et al, Approaching background sounds extend the duration of foreground auditory stimuli, Scientific Reports (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-58785-4

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 8, 2026 at 9:39am

Neuroscientists observe electrical signals in the soma and dendrites of living mice

The human brain contains billions of neurons, specialized nerve cells that communicate with each other via electrical and chemical signals. Every neuron is made up of its body (i.e., soma), where most cellular processes occur; a long projection called an axon that sends signals to other neurons; and tree-like branches called dendrites, which receive and process incoming information.

Originally, dendrites were viewed as "passive" components that merely collect incoming signals and do not process information. More recently, however, studies have gathered evidence suggesting that they play a more active role in the transformation of incoming signals and the brain's plasticity (i.e., its ability to alter its structure, connections and activity patterns in response to experiences).

Specifically, neuroscientists discovered that when a neuron receives signals from other cells, dendrites integrate them and influence whether the neuron will produce a rapid electrical impulse called an action potential. After they are initiated, action potentials can also propagate backward from a neuron's soma into dendrites, a phenomenon known as back-propagating action potentials (bAPs).

So far, observing these fast electrical events across intricate dendritic networks inside the brains of living animals has proved challenging. In a new Nature Neuroscience paper, researchers introduced an approach that allowed them to monitor these events in living mice, yielding new insights into how brain cells integrate incoming information.

The researchers found that under the conditions they examined, voltage signals were coordinated across dendritic branches, instead of each branch behaving as an independent electrical unit. In addition, they suggest specific patterns of earlier neuron activity led to the filtering or alteration of bAPs, the electrical signals traveling back from the soma into dendrites.

"We propose that this dendritic filtering of bAPs may have a critical role in the regulation of bursting and in activity-dependent plasticity," wrote the authors in their paper.

J. David Wong-Campos et al, Voltage dynamics of cortical dendrites in vivo, Nature Neuroscience (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-026-02339-4.

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 7, 2026 at 1:08pm

Study reveals how the uterine microbiome may impact pregnancy success
Women with unsuccessful ART had a more diverse, less   Lactobacillus‑dominated endometrial microbiome and higher expression of endometrial receptivity genes than women who conceived. Butyrate produced by endometrial bacteria upregulated receptivity markers but also induced inflammation and impaired epithelial barrier function, indicating that microbiome–immune balance, not receptivity markers alone, is critical for implantation success.

Researchers have uncovered new evidence that the communities of bacteria living in the uterus may play an important role in determining whether pregnancy is successful following assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF. Among the key findings was one notable surprise, which suggests the biological signals that have long been used to govern the timing of embryo transfer may be misleading.

The study examined women with unexplained infertility who underwent ART and found that those who did not become pregnant had a different endometrial microbiome (the collection of microbes associated with the lining of the uterus) than women who achieved pregnancy. In particular, women with unsuccessful treatment outcomes had a more diverse microbiome, with fewer beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria and higher levels of other bacterial species.

Unexpectedly, the researchers also discovered that women who did not become pregnant showed higher levels of gene expression for several genes that are commonly used as markers of endometrial receptivity, which is the state in which the uterus is considered ready to receive an embryo. These markers are widely studied in fertility medicine and are sometimes used to help identify the optimal timing for embryo transfer, meaning the new result calls into question how effective this forecasting method is likely to be.
Lactobacillus‑dominated endometrial microbiome and higher expression of endometrial receptivity genes than women who conceived. Butyrate produced by endometrial bacteria upregulated receptivity markers but also induced inflammation and impaired epithelial barrier function, indicating that microbiome–immune balance, not receptivity markers alone, is critical for implantation success.

Researchers investigated butyrate, a molecule produced by certain bacteria found in the endometrium. Using lab models that mimic the conditions of embryo implantation, the researchers showed for the first time that butyrate can directly increase the expression of receptivity markers.

However, butyrate also promoted inflammation and weakened the barrier function of endometrial cells. These changes could thus interfere with successful implantation.
Together, the studies suggest that pregnancy success depends on a delicate balance between the immune environment of the uterus and the composition of its microbiome, and that timing the point of embryo transfer to maximize the chance of successful implantation is not as easy as might have been assumed.

F Giangrazi et al, Contribution of endometrial microbiome to inflammation-mediated infertility in women undergoing ART, Human Reproduction (2026). DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaf252

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 7, 2026 at 12:57pm

Learning languages could net you a younger brain, study says

Thinking about taking a Spanish or French class? There's a hidden benefit to picking up another language—their brain might age more slowly, a new study says.
People who speak additional languages have brains that appear 6 to 13 years younger than those of people who speak only one language, researchers reported at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum in Barcelona, Spain.

In simple terms, people who spoke more languages tended to have brains that looked younger than expected for their chronological age
Multilingual individuals showed brain connectivity patterns corresponding to brains 6–13 years “younger” than monolinguals. Greater number of languages, higher proficiency, and earlier acquisition were each associated with more delayed brain aging. Benefits appeared across ages, suggesting cumulative, gradient effects of language learning on brain aging markers.

 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 7, 2026 at 12:40pm

Speaking another language could slow aging in the brain

People who speak more than one language seem to have younger brains, according to research presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2026. Our brains are made up of billions of nerve cells that need to communicate with one another. As we age, connectivity in our brains tends to deteriorate and, as a result, our memory and the speed of our thinking also decline.
The new research found that the more languages people speak, the younger their brains appear. Learning an extra language at a younger age and becoming highly fluent in another language also seem to slow brain aging.

The researchers recently published a study showing that in countries where people typically speak more than one language, people seem to age more slowly. In the new study, the researchers carried out a detailed analysis of a group of people from the Basque region of Spain who spoke between one and four different languages, including combinations of Spanish, Basque, French and English.
Multilingual adults showed reduced brain age relative to chronological age, estimated via magnetoencephalography-based connectivity and an AI-derived brain aging clock. Speaking two, three, or four languages was associated with brains appearing ~6, ~7, and ~13 years younger, respectively. Earlier acquisition and higher proficiency further correlated with delayed brain aging, independent of age, sex, and education.

In simple terms, people who spoke more languages tended to have brains that looked younger than expected for their chronological age. The effect was not only related to the number of languages spoken. Higher language proficiency and earlier acquisition of a second language were also associated with more delayed brain aging.

This suggests that multilingual experience matters as a gradient: It is not simply about being bilingual or not, but about the depth and duration of language experience.

fens2026.abstractserver.com/pr … s/presentations/5474

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 7, 2026 at 12:36pm

Uterine aging linked to poorer pregnancy outcomes after 49 despite donor eggs
Women ≥49 years using donor oocytes show reduced clinical pregnancy and live birth rates and increased miscarriage compared with women 35–40, despite similar endometrial thickness. A decline in trilaminar endometrial pattern with age supports an independent uterine aging effect. Donor eggs mitigate but do not fully offset reproductive aging, especially beyond 49 years.

Beatrice Crestani et al, Advanced maternal age independently affects live birth and increases miscarriage risk in donor oocyte cycles, Human Reproduction (2026).

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 7, 2026 at 12:21pm

Bees reveal emotion-like reactions, from 'lip licking' to head shaking, in new videos

New research proving bumblebees exhibit emotion-like behaviors—previously thought to exist only in mammalian species—has implications for how scientists understand the consciousness of insects.
Bumblebees displayed distinct orofacial patterns after tasting different solutions: glossa protrusions following sugar, and head shaking plus mouth wiping after salty or bitter liquids. These behaviours indicate valence-like (liking vs disliking) responses, suggesting emotion-like internal states in insects and refining views of insect cognition and consciousness.
Facial expressions are an important window into the internal states of animals. There's always been a tension between thinking of insects as animals or some sort of mini-robots. This is another step toward showing there's an inner life to being a bee
The study of 18 colonies of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) found the insects could show observable "liking and disliking" behaviours, as opposed to "wanting" actions or feeding reflexes.

Key findings include:
The bumblebees displayed distinctly different orofacial behaviors after consuming sweet liquids versus bitter and salty liquids.
Post-consumption glossa ("tongue") protrusions—akin to "licking their lips"—occurred after eating sugar solutions.
Aversive head shaking and mouth wiping occurred after tasting salty and bitter liquids.
This emotion-like behaviour has never been observed outside mammals.
We don't yet understand what the bees truly experience, but we can observe emotion-like behaviours.
In terms of how the brain is organized, there's no major difference between a bee and a fly—this means there's more to consider in terms of how we might treat or react to insects. By human standards, the bee brain is tiny—weighing less than a milligram—and yet our evidence suggests the remarkable bee brain can support a form of bee inner life.

Peng, Fei et al, Bumblebees' orofacial reactions to tastes provide evidence for affective evaluation, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2529114123. doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2529114123

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 7, 2026 at 11:32am

Instead of studying the Dark Triad as a single entity, the researchers decided to examine each trait and its stress outcomes individually. They recruited college students ages 18–26 without heart conditions to ensure the heart rate and blood pressure readings during the stress test were accurate. The students were also asked to avoid coffee and exercise before the test.

The study team first created a relaxing environment for the students as they completed the Short Dark Triad survey. They then spent 10 quiet minutes while a blood pressure cuff measured their baseline heart rate and blood pressure five times.

Next, they were given a mental math test, performing arithmetic under pressure while a researcher corrected them and asked them to start over every time they made a mistake. Throughout the task, their heart rate and blood pressure were continuously measured. After the math task, students reported how much stress and anxiety they actually felt.

The data indicated that people with psychopathy and narcissism stayed calmer both mentally and physically when they were under pressure.

People with high psychopathy scores found the task much less stressful to complete, and those with narcissism reported feeling significantly less anxious than others. Initially, Machiavellianism didn't seem to change how people reacted to the stress at all, but when all three traits were analyzed together in the same model, it revealed that people with this trait felt more anxious during the stress test.

These findings suggest narcissism and psychopathy might actually be linked to better heart health through a biological pathway in the body, which needs further exploration. The researchers suggest future studies should include a wider range of participants across different ages and health conditions to see if the protective shield effect still holds true.

Adam O'Riordan et al, Examining the association between the dark triad personality traits and cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychological stress, International Journal of Psychophysiology (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2026.113420

Part 2

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Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 7, 2026 at 11:31am

Some dark personality traits may help the body handle stress more easily, finds new study
Better immunity to stress is a superpower most of us would like to possess. Surprisingly, people with certain dark personality traits do have better protection against stress than most people.
A recent study has found that people with the Dark Triad of personality traits—narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism—respond to stress differently.
The research findings revealed a clear pattern. Students who scored higher in narcissism reported feeling less anxious under pressure and showed smaller increases in blood pressure, suggesting that their bodies were less reactive to stress. Those with higher levels of psychopathy also reported lower stress levels and experienced smaller increases in heart rate. Machiavellianism, on the other hand, showed no meaningful relationship with how people experienced or reacted to pressure.
The first trait, narcissism, centers on an exaggerated sense of self-importance. People high in narcissism often feel entitled to special treatment and have a strong desire for dominance and superiority over others. The second trait, psychopathy, combines emotional coldness with impulsivity.

People high in psychopathy are more likely to break rules, manipulate others for personal gain and engage in criminal behavior. The third trait, Machiavellianism, is all about calculated manipulation. People high in Machiavellianism use cunning social strategies to get what they want, even if it comes at the expense of others.

While these traits are considered to have negative social consequences, some research suggests they might also act as protective factors, helping people cope with and respond to stress in adaptive ways.

This idea comes from the reactivity hypothesis, which suggests that people who experience sharp increases in heart rate or blood pressure during stressful moments may be more likely to develop heart problems later in life.

Some studies have found that people with these personality traits show smaller physical reactions when stressed, which could point to greater resilience or even better heart health. However, the results have been inconsistent, with some studies showing these traits led to lower stress reactions and others showing higher ones.
Part 1

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on July 7, 2026 at 11:24am

So why do we all feel repulsed by cannibalism today? The study offers a surprising answer: What seems like an arbitrary moral rule may actually be nature's warning sign. In their words, cannibalism taboos may have "emerged not as arbitrary moral prohibitions, but as predictable cultural responses to epidemiological constraints." These cultural responses imply that disgust at eating people could be a form of collective immune defense.
"Taboo acts as an evolutionary safeguard." Groups that did not curb cannibalism, he notes, simply did not survive. Cultural rules that ban eating kin—even when you're starving—might have spread because they helped societies avoid ruinous outbreaks.

This view reframes the horror of cannibalism as a kind of early epidemiology lesson. A taboo that seems like cruelty (or superstition) might really be a survival tactic. It also helps explain why humans went to such lengths to prevent even a trace of cannibalism; the authors suggest almost any exposure could be catastrophic in the long run. And with new climate-driven famines on the horizon, these ancient lessons may become relevant again.

Michal Misiak et al, The cannibalistic trade-off: Why human cannibalism emerges and why taboos suppress it, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2605120123

Part 2

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