Couples who savor happy moments together have stronger, longer-lasting relationships

Couples who intentionally slow down and soak in their happy moments together may be building a powerful shield for their relationship. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that partners who regularly savor shared experiences—whether reminiscing about a favorite memory, enjoying a dinner together, or looking forward to something exciting—report greater relationship satisfaction, less conflict, and stronger confidence in their future.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213223908.htm

Scientists used brain stimulation to make people more generous

A new study suggests that generosity may be more than a moral lesson—it could be shaped by how different parts of the brain work together. By gently stimulating two brain regions and syncing their activity, researchers found that people became more willing to share money with others, even when it meant earning less themselves.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213020407.htm

The human brain may work more like AI than anyone expected

Scientists have discovered that the human brain understands spoken language in a way that closely resembles how advanced AI language models work. By tracking brain activity as people listened to a long podcast, researchers found that meaning unfolds step by step—much like the layered processing inside systems such as GPT-style models.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000308.htm

New research shows emotional expressions work differently in autism

Researchers found that autistic and non-autistic people move their faces differently when expressing emotions like anger, happiness, and sadness. Autistic participants tended to rely on different facial features and produced more varied expressions, which can look unfamiliar to non-autistic observers. The study suggests emotional misunderstandings are a two-way street, not a one-sided deficit.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118233549.htm

This common dinner rule makes meals more awkward

Waiting to eat when your food arrives first feels polite—but it may be mostly for your own peace of mind. Researchers found people feel far more uncomfortable breaking the “wait until everyone is served” rule than they expect others would feel watching it happen. Even being told to go ahead doesn’t fully ease the discomfort. Serving everyone at once could reduce awkwardness and make meals more enjoyable.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112001005.htm

Japanese scientists just built human brain circuits in the lab

Researchers in Japan built a miniature human brain circuit using fused stem-cell–derived organoids, allowing them to watch the thalamus and cortex interact in real time. They found that the thalamus plays a decisive role in maturing the cortex and organizing its neural networks. Signals from the thalamus triggered synchronized activity in specific neuron types, while others remained unaffected. The system closely mimics human brain development and could transform how scientists study neurological disorders.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106224630.htm

Why warm hugs feel so good to your brain

Feeling warm or cold doesn’t just register on the skin—it changes how connected we feel to our own bodies. Research shows that temperature sensations help shape body ownership, emotional regulation, and mental well-being. Disruptions in thermal perception are linked to conditions like depression, trauma, and stroke-related body disconnect. These insights could lead to new sensory-based mental health treatments and more lifelike prosthetics.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228074455.htm