QuoteResearch involving a Rutgers professor sheds new light on the biological basis of schizophrenia by directly measuring synaptic connections in the human brain using specialized positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-07-imaging-reveals-widespread-brain-loss.html

Quote"One of the most surprising findings was that pornography use itself was not directly linked to involuntary sexual thoughts once other factors were taken into account," the authors noted. "Instead, people with a higher sex drive and a stronger tendency for their minds to wander spontaneously reported these thoughts more often. This suggests that involuntary sexual thoughts reflect broader cognitive and motivational processes rather than a single behavior."

https://www.psypost.org/new-study-explores-the-psychological-chain-behind-involuntary-sexual-thoughts/

QuoteFeminine honor norms are cultural expectations about how women should behave to be regarded as respectable and honorable. They typically require women to uphold a reputation for sexual purity through behaviors such as dressing modestly or maintaining virginity before marriage. A woman's behavior may be seen as reflecting not only on herself but also on her family or wider social group.

While researchers often cite protecting the honor of male partners or upholding patriarchal dominance as explanations for these norms, some scientists suggest an alternative view: feminine honor norms may serve as a form of "ideological mate guarding." Because humans evolved in environments where paternity uncertainty was a reproductive risk for men, men developed adaptations to guard their mates. By promoting cultural norms that restrict female sexuality, individuals can deter infidelity without relying solely on direct, physical mate-guarding tactics.

An online experiment found that men become somewhat more supportive of feminine honor norms when they feel jealous. This was not the case with women. Additionally, individuals with a more restricted mating orientation also showed greater support for feminine honor norms. The paper was published in Cognition and Emotion.

https://www.psypost.org/men-become-somewhat-more-supportive-of-feminine-honor-norms-when-they-feel-jealous/

QuoteJohn Gray's career spans several decades, during which he has been at the forefront of political philosophy. His intellectual trajectory has been marked by a steadfast opposition to the optimistic assumptions of human progress. Through his works, he has dismantled the notion that the trajectory of humanity is one of continuous improvement.

Gray's philosophical pessimism sets him apart from other intellectuals. He argues that the belief in human progress — whether in the form of political, social, or economic improvement — is both misguided and dangerous. Gray contends that progress is a myth, one that often leads to harmful ideologies, including the rise of liberalism, which he critiques for its emphasis on individual rights and its assumption of universal human values.

Key works such as Straw Dogs: Thoughts on Humans and Other Animals (2002) challenge the foundations of humanism and anthropocentrism. Gray criticizes the way humans have historically placed themselves at the center of the universe, believing in their ability to control nature and shape history. In his view, humans are not inherently superior to other animals, and this belief in human exceptionalism only leads to destructive behaviors toward the environment and other species.

https://writerblog.co.uk/john-gray/

QuoteA Scorpion arrived at the bank of a wide, rushing river. He stared at the water, feeling uneasy. He didn't know how to swim.

Just then, he spotted a Frog resting among the reeds.

"Frog," he said, "could you carry me on your back to the other side?"

The Frog looked at him warily.

"No way. If you get on my back, you'll sting me, and I'll die."

The Scorpion slowly shook his head.

"That wouldn't make any sense," he replied. "If I sting you, you would die... but so would I, because I would drown."

The Frog, convinced by his logic, hesitated for a moment... and finally nodded.
"All right. Hop on."

The Scorpion carefully climbed onto her back, and the Frog dived into the river.

For a while, they moved forward in silence, carried gently by the current.

But when they were halfway across the river, the Scorpion raised his stinger... and struck.

The Frog felt a sharp burst of pain and realized her body was starting to fail.

"Why did you do it?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, as they both began to sink.

The Scorpion, already losing his strength, replied:

"I couldn't help it... it's my nature."

And together, they disappeared beneath the water.


https://runruneando.com/en-us/stories/the-scorpion-and-the-frog

QuoteA recent small study analyzes how the psychedelic drug LSD reshapes brain activity. The research shows that the substance boosts widespread neural synchronization while blurring the boundaries between sensory perception and abstract thought. Through computer modeling and brain scans, researchers found that LSD alters the balance of excitement and inhibition in specific brain circuits, potentially pulling the mind out of entrenched patterns.

https://www.psypost.org/how-lsd-reshapes-brain-circuitry-to-blur-the-lines-between-perception-and-though/