ScienceDaily: Living Well News

As mammals age, immune cells in the brain known as microglia become chronically inflamed. In this state, they produce chemicals known to impair cognitive and motor function. That's one explanation for why memory fades and other brain functions decline during old age. But, according to a new study, there may be a remedy to delay the inevitable: dietary fiber.

Researchers conducted a randomized experiment and found that diners at full service restaurants whose menus listed calories ordered meals with 3 percent fewer calories -- about 45 calories less -- than those who had menus without calorie information. Customers ordered fewer calories in their appetizer and entree courses, but their dessert and drink orders remained the same.

Researchers have discovered links between chemicals that are widely used in cosmetic and personal care products and changes in reproductive hormones.

In a new paper, physicians describe the barriers that stand in the way of getting expedited partner therapy to more people.

Twenty years ago, researchers made the accidental discovery that BPA had leached out of plastic cages used to house female mice in the lab, causing an increase in chromosomally abnormal eggs. Now, the same team is back to report that the array of alternative bisphenols now used to replace BPA in BPA-free bottles, cups, cages, and other items appear to come with similar problems for their mice.

People have a tendency to interpret new information in a way that supports their pre-existing beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. Now, researchers have shown that people will do the same thing even when the decision they've made pertains to a choice that is rather less consequential: which direction a series of dots is moving and whether the average of a series of numbers is greater or less than 50.

For thousands of years, humans have relied on storytelling to engage, to share emotions and to relate personal experiences. Now, psychologists are exploring the mechanisms deep within the brain to better understand just what happens when we communicate.

A new study finds that adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet is associated with lower risks of dying from any cause, dying from cardiovascular causes, and dying from cancer.

While conventional wisdom says that people don't like uncertain gains or rewards, a new study finds that uncertainty can play an important role in motivating repeat behaviors.

A new study reveals fetal growth may improve if pregnant women use portable air purifiers inside their homes.