A study published in Neuropsychologia found that children exposed to trauma, even without behavioral symptoms, show subtle differences in brain activity related to attention and impulse control, with variations by sex, highlighting the importance of neural markers in understanding trauma's impact on development.
A study of nearly 150,000 individuals with ADHD found that those who took medication had a slightly higher chance of surviving the two-year study period than those who did not. The study suggests that managing the symptoms of ADHD could reduce the risks associated with hasty decisions and impulsive behavior. While ADHD medication may reduce the risk of unnatural-cause mortality, it may not be without risks itself. The study also found differences in mortality rates between males and females, highlighting the need for further exploration of any sex difference in the relationship between ADHD treatment and mortality.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have discovered that Goffin's cockatoos exhibit food-dunking behavior, similar to humans dipping biscuits in tea. The study found that seven out of 18 cockatoos dunked their food, with twice-baked bread being the most popular item. The birds showed a preference for wet rusk, suggesting that they dunked their food to improve its texture. The behavior requires impulse control and delayed gratification, highlighting the ingenuity of the birds in a food preparation context. This spontaneous foraging innovation has not been observed in the wild, making it a unique discovery in parrots.
A new study involving 2,000 children aged 9 and 10 suggests that daily consumption of caffeinated soda is associated with impaired impulse control, memory, and increased risk of future substance abuse. The study found that children who regularly consumed sugary, caffeinated sodas were twice as likely to have tried alcohol the following year. Cognitive tests revealed reduced brain activity in regions associated with ADHD and substance abuse disorders. The study is the first to suggest a link between soda consumption and future substance use among young children.
Donald Trump's history of using vile language and insults to intimidate and attack his opponents continues to be a problem as he faces multiple court cases. Two judges have issued gag orders to prevent Trump from making derogatory comments about his staff, witnesses, and prosecutors. However, given Trump's lack of impulse control and disregard for previous orders, it is likely that he will challenge and violate these gag orders. The potential consequences, such as fines or even jail time, may not deter him due to his wealth and belief that he can outmaneuver the legal system. The damage caused by Trump's inflammatory rhetoric is real, as evidenced by threats made by his supporters.