Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today

1. Stimulating brain with ultrasound can influence decisions
   A study in macaques reveals that targeting a brain region with noninvasive, low-intensity ultrasound can alter a specific decision-making process.
2. Could 'mirror neurons' explain brain mechanisms of empathy?
   When rats see other rats in pain, their brains activate the same group of nerve cells that become active when they themselves are in pain, research shows.
3. How does bereavement impact the immune system?
   Losing a loved one increases the risk of mortality. A recent review investigates whether changes to the immune system might help explain this effect.
4. Does a common pain reliever reduce empathy?
   A recent study concludes that acetaminophen might reduce our ability to empathize with someone who is having a positive experience.
5. IBS: Telephone- and web-based CBT relieve symptoms
   A trial finds that both web- and telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome better than standard care alone.