All posts tagged: impulsive

Early exposure to forever chemicals linked to altered brain genes and impulsive behavior in rats

Early exposure to forever chemicals linked to altered brain genes and impulsive behavior in rats

Published by José Betancourt

A study on rats found that exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) altered gene expression in the nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex regions of the brain of their offspring. In turn, this may have led to impaired cognitive performance and more impulsive decision-making. The paper was published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial processes and consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. One of these chemicals is perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS, a legacy substance that was used for decades in products such as firefighting foams and stain-resistant coatings, as well as in certain manufacturing processes. It is often called a “forever chemical” because it breaks down extremely slowly and can remain in the environment for a very long time. Although the use of PFOS was largely discontinued in the early years of the 21st century, PFOS remains widely present in both the environment and the human body. PFOS resists metabolic breakdown, resulting in prolonged accumulation in the …

People who engage in impulsive violence tend to have lower IQ scores

People who engage in impulsive violence tend to have lower IQ scores

Published by José Betancourt

A recent comprehensive review of existing scientific research suggests that individuals who engage in impulsive acts of violence tend to score lower on intelligence tests compared to non-violent individuals. The findings provide evidence that lower intellectual abilities may make it harder for people to resolve conflicts peacefully, though intelligence is just one piece of a complex behavioral puzzle. The research was published in the journal Intelligence. Scientists from various disciplines have spent decades attempting to understand the underlying factors that drive aggression and violence. While past research provides evidence that lower cognitive abilities are linked to general criminal behavior, the specific relationship between intelligence and violent acts against others has remained less clear. This gap in knowledge prompted researchers to look closer at specific types of aggression. The researchers conducted the new review to figure out if people who commit violent acts consistently show lower intellectual abilities than those who do not. They also wanted to know if this pattern holds true for different components of intelligence, such as verbal skills and nonverbal problem solving. …