/channels/taxonomy/term/16116/all en /channels/channels/news/pandemic-worriers-shown-have-impaired-general-cognitive-abilities-335240 <h4>The impairments observed may explain poor decisions about COVID-prevention measures</h4> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our psychological limits. Some have been more affected than others by the stress of potential illness and the confusion of constantly changing health information and new restrictions. A new study finds the pandemic may have also impaired people’s cognitive abilities and altered risk perception, at a time when making the right health choices is critically important.</p> Wed, 01 Dec 2021 15:01:56 +0000 webfull 175210 at /channels /channels/channels/news/stress-heightens-fear-threats-past-269279 <p>Recognizing threats is an essential function of the human mind — think “fight or flight” — one that is aided by past negative experiences. But when older memories are coupled with stress, individuals are likely to perceive danger in harmless circumstances, according to a paper published today in the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.</p> Tue, 08 Aug 2017 14:45:59 +0000 webfull 129565 at /channels