Fresh Science Trends

You enter a room you’ve never seen before—but something about it feels strangely familiar . Your mind whispers, “I’ve been here before,” though logic disagrees. This eerie sensation is known as déjà vu —a French term meaning “already seen.” But what really causes this mental glitch? From neuroscience to memory theory, déjà vu is a riddle with scientific roots. Let’s unpack this fascinating psychological illusion—one that bridges perception, memory, and brain circuitry. A moment twice lived—but never really before. Déjà vu is your brain replaying reality with a glitch in time. Credits: GETTY 1. What Is Déjà Vu, Scientifically? Déjà vu is a brief, intense feeling of familiarity in a situation that is objectively new. It typically lasts 10–30 seconds and is often accompanied by confusion or wonder. Unlike hallucinations, it is non-pathological and common among healthy individuals—especially ages 15–25 . Researchers classify it as a “memory anomaly” or a metacognitive eve...

Ever wondered why you make choices that defy logic—even when you know better? Blame it on your brain. Neuroscience shows that much of our decision-making is driven not by rational thought, but by subconscious processes and emotional circuits. Behind every impulsive choice lies a brain wired for survival—not logic. Neuroscience unravels the hidden forces driving your decisions. Photo by Shawn Day on Unsplash What Makes Our Decisions Irrational? The Emotional Brain vs. The Logical Brain Your brain has two main players: the limbic system (emotional) and the prefrontal cortex (rational). The limbic system often overrides logic, especially under stress, fear, or excitement. Cognitive Biases Hijack Reasoning We fall prey to biases like: Confirmation bias : seeking evidence that supports what we already believe. Loss aversion : fearing losses more than valuing equivalent gains. Availability bias : making decisions based on recent or emotionally charged memories. D...

We live in a hyper-connected world—endless notifications, social media, virtual meetings. Yet ironically, loneliness is at an all-time high . This paradox has sparked global concern among scientists who now recognize loneliness as a serious public health crisis —not just a feeling, but a biological and neurological state with far-reaching effects. Surrounded yet unseen—loneliness isn’t about being alone, but feeling disconnected in a hyperconnected world. Photo by Zhivko Minkov on Unsplash What Does Science Say About Loneliness? More Than Just Emotions—It’s Biology Loneliness activates the same neural pathways as physical pain , particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex . Your brain interprets social isolation as a threat, triggering a stress response . Chronic Loneliness Alters the Brain Studies show long-term loneliness shrinks the hippocampus , impairs cognitive function , and increases inflammation , which is linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and depression. I...

In a world of logic and control, desire remains our most unpredictable force —a biological storm that overrides reason. But what if every craving, every glance, every flutter in your chest… was chemistry in disguise? Modern neuroscience reveals that attraction is not just emotional— it's engineered at the molecular level. Desire isn't just felt—it's triggered. From pheromones to dopamine, chemistry writes the script for human attraction. Photo by maks_d on Unsplash 1. Dopamine: The Spark of Obsession This “ reward molecule ” is responsible for the thrill of new romance. When you see someone you're drawn to, dopamine spikes in your brain's reward circuit —the same pathway that responds to cocaine or a jackpot. That’s why infatuation feels addictive —because it literally is . 2. Oxytocin & Vasopressin: The Trap of Attachment Known as “ cuddle chemicals ,” these hormones flood your system during deep emotional moments— touch, eye contact, sex . Oxytocin blurs...

Based on “An open AI model could help medical experts to interpret chest X‑rays” by Namkug Kim, Nature, June 11, 2025 Can AI Revolutionize Chest X-Ray Diagnosis? A New Open-Source Model Says Yes Introduction Medical diagnostics is undergoing a quiet transformation—and this time, it's not just behind hospital doors. A groundbreaking open-source artificial intelligence (AI) model has emerged, capable of interpreting chest X-rays with accuracy rivaling human experts. But what sets it apart isn’t just its capability—it’s the open-access promise it carries for healthcare systems worldwide. Each participant reviewed eight cases. For each case, the physician would see the chest X-ray as well as diagnostic advice, which would either be accurate or inaccurate. The advice was labeled as coming either from an AI system or an experienced radiologist. Participants were then asked to rate the quality of the advice and make a final diagnosis. Image credit:  npj Digital Medicine  ( npj Digi...

A groundbreaking study has revealed that not all dietary proteins impact the gut microbiome in the same way . The research, published in The ISME Journal , uncovers how diverse protein sources can dramatically shift the composition and function of gut bacteria (Zhao L, Zhang C, et al. ISME J . 2022;16:1663). Various dietary protein sources—including legumes, nuts, meat, fish, eggs, and dairy—each exert unique influences on the gut microbiome composition and function. Image credit: iStock Key Findings: Study Overview Mice were fed diets based on six distinct protein sources: casein (milk), soy, beef, pork, chicken, and fish . Researchers then analyzed how these proteins influenced gut microbiota over time. Microbial Diversity Varies with Protein Source Casein and soy led to higher microbial diversity , often associated with better gut and immune health. Beef and pork reduced diversity and increased pro-inflammatory bacteria , hinting at a potential link to chronic disea...

Analysis of almost three million children captures when ‘mathematical gender gap’ first emerges and could help focus efforts to stop girls from falling behind. The moment a girl steps into a classroom should be the moment she begins to shine—not fall behind. Bridging the gender gap in math starts with early, empowering support. Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash Closing the Math Gap: How Early Support Can Empower Every Girl A groundbreaking study of nearly three million children in France has uncovered something both surprising and hopeful: girls don’t start out behind in math—they fall behind during their very first year of school. At the start, boys and girls perform equally well. But by year’s end, a gap appears. The good news? That means it’s not ability that holds girls back—it’s something we can change. This isn’t a story of limits. It’s a call to action. The study suggests that early classroom environments, subtle expectations, and even math anxiety may play roles in ...

Parkinson’s Disease: From Tremors to Triumph — Everything You Must Know Behind every shaky hand is an unshakable spirit. Let’s understand Parkinson’s, not just as a disease, but as a fight we can win together. Credits: (link-redirecting)  Illustrated infographic presenting the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease What Is Parkinson’s? The Science Behind the Shakes Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive brain disorder that slowly affects movement, balance, and mood. It happens when special brain cells that produce dopamine start to die. Dopamine is the chemical that helps your body move smoothly. When these cells die, movement signals in the brain get weak, leading to the symptoms of Parkinson’s. This explains not just what PD is, but also why people shake or slow down. Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore More Than Just Tremors Parkinson’s symptoms are divided into Motor (movement) and Non-Motor (hidden) symptoms. Motor Symptoms (The visible signs): Tremors: Often st...

Raising kids in 2025 is no small feat—between juggling work-from-home schedules, dodging screen-time battles, and decoding Gen Alpha slang, parents are stretched thin. Enter AI chatbots, the surprisingly relatable sidekicks that have become go-to allies for frazzled moms and dads. These digital helpers, like ChatGPT or Meta AI, aren’t just tech gimmicks; they’re practical, always-on parenting partners delivering real-time advice with a human touch. So, how did chatbots become the ultimate parenting wingman? Let’s break it down. Chatbots Credits:  @FST  via  Google Gemini The magic starts with AI’s jaw-dropping smarts. Modern chatbots, powered by beefy language models, can tackle everything from crafting a balanced lunch for a picky preschooler to suggesting ways to survive a tween’s eye-roll phase. A 2025 tech blog raved about a parent using AI to whip up a custom bedtime routine, complete with calming activities tailored to their kid’s quirks. Unlike Googling vague advi...

The Language of Lying: How Understanding Deception Can Strengthen Your Trust Radar Pause and reflect: Have you ever sensed that something wasn’t quite right in someone’s story—and later discovered you were correct? That’s not luck. It’s your natural ability to read between the lines, an ability we all can sharpen. By learning to recognize the subtle language of lying, you’re not just catching deception—you’re protecting genuine trust, deepening your emotional intelligence, and creating stronger relationships rooted in truth. Why We Lie: And Why Knowing This Empowers Us The quiet language of trust: listening beyond words.” Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash . Let’s start with honesty: everyone lies sometimes. But understanding why can help you respond with empathy and clarity, rather than suspicion. Here’s what science shows about our human reasons for lying: Self-Preservation: Sometimes, people lie out of fear—to avoid harm or punishment. Social Harmony: Small lie...

When you hear the word “cholesterol,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s a source of worry—a silent threat lurking in your bloodstream, ready to cause heart attacks and strokes. The term “cholesterol” is often linked with “bad health,” “fatty diets,” and “heart disease,” creating a cloud of fear and misunderstanding around a substance your body actually needs. The truth? Cholesterol is far more complex than the simple “good” or “bad” label it’s often given. And understanding this complexity is crucial because your heart deserves nothing less than the full, honest truth. Just like this simple bowl of noodles, cholesterol might seem straightforward, but the truth about its impact on your heart health is anything but plain. Let’s unpack the facts and separate the myths — because your heart deserves clear, honest answers. Photo by Miles Burke on Unsplash This blog will dive deep into what cholesterol really is, why it matters, how it affects your health, and what you can do to maintain t...

2024’s Biggest Breakthroughs in Physics: A Story of Discovery and Wonder Dark Energy Expansion Graph : Animation illustrating the changing rate of expansion due to dark energy. NASA Goddard's Scientific Visualization Studio In 2024, the realm of physics witnessed a series of groundbreaking discoveries that not only challenged our understanding of the universe but also opened new avenues for technological advancement. From the enigmatic behavior of dark energy to the realization of exotic states of matter, each breakthrough tells a story of human curiosity and ingenuity. An Overview Curated by  @FST  via AI 1. Dark Energy: A Changing Force in the Cosmos Representation of Dark Energy Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech For decades, dark energy has been the mysterious force accelerating the universe's expansion. However, observations from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) suggest that this force may be weakening over time . This revelation challenges the long-held belief ...