Behavior & Psychology

Could Updated Alcohol Warning Labels Make People Think Twice?

A national survey experiment suggests that redesigned alcohol warnings, especially those highlighting cancer risk, were perceived as more effective than current U.S. labels at encouraging people to consider drinking less.

Semaglutide Linked to Fewer Heavy Drinking Days in Small Trial

A randomized trial found semaglutide reduced heavy drinking more than placebo in adults with alcohol use disorder and obesity.

Why Timing May Matter in Childhood Obesity Programs

A new observational study suggests children may see weaker short-term progress when healthy lifestyle programs begin just before long breaks in routine, highlighting how school schedules and structure can shape health outcomes.

Scientists Found a New Way to Measure Coffee Flavor

New research suggests electrochemistry could help coffee shops more precisely measure flavor consistency, offering a new scientific lens on one of the world’s most personal daily rituals.

Study Links Ultraprocessed Foods to Lower Focus in Adults

A cross-sectional study found an association between higher ultraprocessed food intake and lower attention scores, even among adults with otherwise healthy diets.

Crowded Grocery Aisles May Change How You Shop

A new study suggests that in-aisle displays can make stores feel more cramped, reducing how often shoppers engage with products and lowering overall sales.

FDA ‘Healthy’ Label May Change What People Buy and What They Pay

A new study finds that shoppers were more likely to choose certain snacks and pay more for them when they carried a government-backed “healthy” label.

Diet or Antibiotics for IBS? New Study Suggests Both Work About the Same

Researchers found similar symptom relief from a low FODMAP diet and a common antibiotic, with gut bacteria differences helping explain why some people respond and others do not.

Why Some Cancer Treatments Can Make Food Taste Off

New research suggests certain drugs may change the balance of cells inside taste buds, altering how flavors are perceived.

Genetic Risk May Affect How Quickly Weight Comes Back

A long-term study finds that while weight loss may be similar, some people regain it faster and genetics could be one reason.

Coffee’s Gut-Brain Promise Comes With Caveats

A small human study found links between coffee, mood and the gut microbiome, but it does not prove coffee improves mental health.

A Small Menu Change Led to More Vegetarian Choices

A real-world trial found that increasing the availability of vegetarian options in workplace cafeterias shifted food choices, without affecting sales or requiring active decision-making.

Survey: Most Don't Know What Mycoprotein Is, Shaping Food Choices

A new survey finds widespread confusion about fungi-based foods, highlighting how limited understanding may influence food choices as new products enter the market.

Can Looking at Food Actually Reduce Cravings?

New research suggests that for some people, engaging with food content online may help curb immediate urges to eat, though the effect appears short-term and context-dependent.

Calorie Labels Don’t Affect Everyone the Same Way

New research finds menu labels may help some people with binge eating, while worsening symptoms for others.

Why Knowing What’s Healthy Isn’t Enough

A food literacy program improved meal planning, shopping and cooking skills in adults with diabetes, but gaps remained.

Can Gluten Be Transferred Through Kissing?

A small human study finds that while gluten can pass through saliva, the amount is typically low and easy to reduce.

Sugary Drink May Keep Your Body Slightly Activated During Relaxation

A small human study suggests glucose doesn’t change how relaxed you feel, but may keep part of the nervous system more alert.

Sugary Drink Taxes May Not Change What People Order at Fast-Food Chains

A large U.S. study found no link between soda taxes and beverage calories in drive-thru purchases, pointing to limits of policy in certain settings.

Who Reaches for the Salt Shaker? Study Suggests Small Habit May Reflect Bigger Patterns

Research in older adults found that adding salt at the table varies by gender and lifestyle, highlighting a behavior that may contribute to overall sodium intake.

Doctors Group Pushes for Cancer Warning Labels on Processed Meat

A new legal petition calls for labels on foods like bacon and hot dogs, raising questions about what the science actually shows.

Occasional Heavy Drinking Linked to Higher Risk of Liver Damage

A large U.S. study suggests drinking patterns, not just total alcohol intake, may influence liver health risk.

What You See First In A Store May Shape What You Buy

A real-world trial found that placing fruits and vegetables near store entrances increased purchases and showed modest improvements in diet quality.

Why Color-Coded Labels May Change How Healthy Food Seems

A small survey study found that red and green front-of-pack cues shaped health perceptions more strongly than standard nutrition information, but it did not test what people actually bought or ate.

Later Sleep Schedules Linked to Poorer Eating Habits in Teens

A study suggests teens who go to bed and wake up later tend to eat more, snack more and be less physically active than earlier sleepers.