Dopamine

Experts suggest dad jokes, characterized by puns and wordplay, may reduce stress by altering body chemistry, lowering cortisol, and increasing dopamine and serotonin. Studies indicate shared humor across generations can strengthen family bonds and enhance mental resilience through co-regulation and oxytocin release.

Scientists have found that laughter acts as a mental workout, with spontaneous joyful play reducing stress by increasing endorphins and dopamine.

Research by Dr. Jacqueline Harding suggests laughter and play are crucial for children's brain development, emotional well-being, and social bonding. Laughter activates brain networks, reduces stress hormones, and increases 'happiness chemicals' like dopamine and serotonin, while fostering resilience and creativity.

AI-generated content in social media feeds is designed to maximize user engagement through hyper-personalized content, potentially leading to compulsive scrolling and mental health risks like anxiety and depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights concerns about algorithms reinforcing emotional reactivity and difficulty disengaging from platforms.

Researchers found that reproductive experience remodels the maternal brain by altering dopamine dynamics in mice. Brain-wide transcriptomic profiling reveals changes in gene expression and behaviour. This study was published in Nature.

Researchers found that a single workout can reduce cigarette cravings in smokers, with high-intensity aerobic exercise being most effective. Exercise training made people 15-21% more likely to abstain from smoking and cut back by an average of two cigarettes per day. Regular exercise also reduces anxiety and stress, which drive many people to smoke.