Scientists reveal why human language isn’t like computer code

Human language may seem messy and inefficient compared to the ultra-compact strings of ones and zeros used by computers—but our brains actually prefer it that way. New research reveals that while digital-style encoding could theoretically compress information more tightly, it would demand far more mental effort from both speaker and listener. Instead, language is built around familiar words and predictable patterns that reflect our real-world experiences, allowing the brain to constantly anticipate what comes next and narrow down meaning step by step.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260219040811.htm

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

The brain switch that could rewrite how we treat mental illness

Scientists exploring how the brain responds to stress discovered molecular changes that can influence behavior long after an experience ends. They also identified natural resilience systems that help protect certain individuals from harm. These findings are opening the door to treatments that focus on building strength, not just correcting problems. The work is also fueling a broader effort to keep science open, independent, and accessible.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251213042402.htm

Human brains light up for chimp voices in a way no one expected

Humans don’t just recognize each other’s voices—our brains also light up for the calls of chimpanzees, hinting at ancient communication roots shared with our closest primate relatives. Researchers found a specialized region in the auditory cortex that reacts distinctly to chimp vocalizations, but not to those of bonobos or macaques, revealing an unexpected mix of evolutionary and acoustic influences.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043042.htm

Humans are built for nature not modern life

Human biology evolved for a world of movement, nature, and short bursts of stress—not the constant pressure of modern life. Industrial environments overstimulate our stress systems and erode both health and reproduction. Evidence ranging from global fertility declines to chronic inflammatory diseases shows the toll of this mismatch. Researchers say cultural and environmental redesign, especially nature-focused planning, is essential.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251207031335.htm

The hidden brain bias that makes some lies so convincing

People are more likely to believe lies when there’s the possibility of a reward. Neuroimaging shows that the brain shifts into reward or risk mode depending on whether the context involves a gain or a loss. Friends show synchronized brain activity that can predict successful deception. Social bonds and incentives can subtly warp how we judge honesty.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105629.htm

Feeling stressed? Science finds a simple way to take back control

Feeling in control may be the key to conquering daily stress. Penn State researchers found that people were 62% more likely to resolve everyday hassles on days when they felt greater control. This link grew stronger over time, suggesting we get better at managing stress as we age. Simple actions like setting priorities and reframing challenges can help boost that sense of control and reduce overall stress.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092833.htm

From poison to power: How lead exposure helped shape human intelligence

Long before humans built cities or wrote words, our ancestors may have faced a hidden threat that shaped who we became. Scientists studying ancient teeth found that early humans, great apes, and even Neanderthals were exposed to lead millions of years ago. This toxic metal can damage the brain, yet modern humans developed a tiny genetic change that protected our minds and allowed language and intelligence to flourish.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015230952.htm

Breakthrough compounds may reverse nerve damage caused by multiple sclerosis

Researchers have identified two compounds, K102 and K110, that could repair the nerve damage from multiple sclerosis. These drugs help regenerate the protective myelin sheath and balance immune responses. Licensed by Cadenza Bio, the discovery represents a leap from lab research to potential clinical therapy. If successful, it could transform how neurodegenerative diseases are treated.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011102259.htm

Strong friendships may literally slow aging at the cellular level

Scientists discovered that lifelong social support can slow biological aging. Using DNA-based “epigenetic clocks,” they found that people with richer, more sustained relationships showed younger biological profiles and lower inflammation. The effect wasn’t about single friendships but about consistent connections across decades.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092917.htm

The surprising brain chemistry behind instant friendships

UC Berkeley scientists found oxytocin is key for quickly forming strong friendships, but less critical for mate bonds. In prairie voles, a lack of oxytocin receptors delayed bonding and reduced partner selectivity, changing how the brain releases oxytocin and affecting social behavior.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250813083608.htm

It’s not that you look—it’s when: The hidden power of eye contact

A groundbreaking study from Flinders University reveals that it's not just making eye contact that matters, but precisely when and how you do it. By studying interactions between humans and virtual partners, researchers discovered a powerful gaze sequence that makes people more likely to interpret a look as a call for help. Even more surprising: the same response pattern held true whether the "partner" was human or robot, offering insights into how our brains instinctively process social cues.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000854.htm

Transition point in romantic relationships signals the beginning of their end

The end of a romantic relationship usually does not come out of the blue but is indicated one or two years before the breakup. As the results of a psychological study have demonstrated, the terminal stage of a relationship consists of two phases. First, there is a gradual decline in relationship satisfaction, reaching a transition point one to two years before the dissolution of the relationship.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250321163543.htm

The dangerous pursuit of muscularity in men and adolescent boys

Men and adolescent boys are increasingly at risk of resorting to the dangerous use of anabolic steroids in a bid to achieve the desired muscular build modeled on social media, warn body image experts. A new review that focused specifically on men found that exposure to social media posts depicting ideal muscular male bodies is directly linked to a negative body image and greater odds of resorting to anabolic-androgenic steroid use.

from Relationships News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241030150853.htm