Women with PTSD may have increased health risk

UCSF researchers found that women who have post-traumatic stress disorder are more likely age faster, and they have a higher risk for diseases than men.

When it pays to be overconfident

Overconfidence helps people gain respect, prominence and influence, according to UC Berkeley study. It also showed that overconfidence led to higher social status.

The first of these things is not like the others

When faced with a snap decision, people will reliably pick the first option they're given, according to UC Berkeley researchers.

Parents are happier people

Psychologists from UC Riverside find that parents experience greater happiness and meaning in life than nonparents.

Researchers decipher 'selective hearing'

A UCSF neurosurgeon and an electrical engineer say they now understand how the 'cocktail party' effect works, a finding that resolves a mystery that has plagued psychologists for more than a century.

When uncontrolled anger becomes a soldier's enemy

A UC Irvine professor's assessment tool could aid psychological adjustment of combat veterans.

Go on, count your blessings

Sonja Lyubomirsky of UC Riverside has identified some key attributes in the inherently happy and well adjusted, and finds that imparting those approaches to others can help even some depressed people.

Super memory, obsessive behavior: Do they share brain space?

Memory researchers at UC Irvine are developing a large collection of remarkable research subjects, who themselves maintain a remarkably large collection of memories.

The more flustered you are, the more faithful, study finds

Instead of being ashamed of cringeworthy moments, embrace your embarrassment; it’s a sign you are more trustworthy and more generous, according to a UC Berkeley study.

Knowing the ending enhances the story

Reading the final chapter of a book first or finding plot-spoiling movie reviews online before going to the cinema could actually enhance your entertainment experience, rather than lessen it, according to a UC San Diego study.

An easy way to solve loneliness

As people age, they are more prone to loneliness, which can take a huge physical toll. A UCLA study shows that meditation can reduce loneliness and strengthen the body's immune system

Studying immortality

A philosopher at UC Riverside will oversee a $5 million study of "immortality." The study will last three years and be scientifically rigorous, involving research projects, conferences and translations of philosophical work.

Sleep deprivation drives up anxiety, study shows

Not getting enough shuteye can amplify the brain's anticipatory reactions, upping overall anxiety levels, according to UC Berkeley researchers.

Which ads are winners? Your brain knows better than you do

Advertisers and public health officials may be able to access hidden wisdom in the brain to more effectively sell their products and promote health and safety, UCLA neuroscientists report in the first study to use brain data to predict how large populations will respond to advertisements.

'Text therapy' may ease isolation

Text messaging often gets a bad rap for contributing to poor spelling and high-risk behavior such as reckless driving. But a UC Berkeley study has found an upside to texting, especially for people who feel stressed out, isolated, and alone.

Couples in the same place emotionally stay together, study says

Despite life's ups and downs, couples whose feelings are in sync consistently over time are more likely to stay together, finds a UC Davis study.

With depression, helping others may in turn help you

Random acts of kindness can snowball into more positive mood overall, according a UC Riverside study.

Embarrassment seen as a sign of many virtues

People who tend to be easily embarrassed are perceived by others as more generous, cooperative and trustworthy, according to a study by a UC Berkeley doctoral student in psychology.

Researchers question learning styles theory

A group of four psychologists, including professors from UC San Diego and UCLA, have reviewed historical data and say there is little scientific evidence to support the learning-styles theory.

Tweens aim for fame above all

A UCLA study shows that kids between the ages of 9 to 11 see fame as their number one value. Researchers say a major shift is needed to avoid a negative impact on the future goals and successes of youth.

Pet therapy without the pet

Oncologists at UC Irvine are studying whether robotic stuffed animals can help reduce stress and anxiety in chemotherapy patients. The cuddly robots obey commands, and they're hypoallergenic, too.

Lack of sleep weakens vaccine effectiveness

A UCSF study shows that people who get less than six hours of sleep don't have the adequate response to the standard three-dose hepatitis B vaccine. The study is the first real-world look at the link between sleep duration and immune response to vaccines.

Military marriages stay strong in face of challenges

Despite being tested by long hours and frequent relocations and separations, military marriages are no more likely to end in divorce than civilian marriages, a UCLA study shows.

Meditation improves emotional behaviors in teachers, study finds

A novel UCSF study, in collaboration with Buddhists, found that schoolteachers who underwent a short but intensive program of meditation were less depressed, anxious or stressed and more compassionate and aware of others' feelings.

Are rich people more unethical?

A UC Berkeley study suggests that people who are socially and financially better off are more likely to lie, cheat, and otherwise behave unethically compared to individuals who occupy lower rungs of the socioeconomic ladder.

Babies may benefit from moms' lasting melancholy

Infants generally thrive physically and mentally if the emotional condition of their mothers, whether healthy or depressed, remains stable before and after birth, say UC Irvine researchers.

Decoding the brain's cacophony

A profile of UC Santa Barbara neuroscientist Michael Gazzaniga, known for his studies, and stories, about the brain's split personality.

Drivers waste fuel, not cars

UC Riverside researchers are developing a new way to boost fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent. Their secret? Changing our behavior so we are more attuned to maximizing mileage while behind the wheel.

Washing away good and bad luck

Experiments by UC Riverside researchers showed risk taking depends on whether participants recalled a past episode of good or bad luck and whether they washed their hands before engaging in a risky decision making task.