Ben Becker

Humans aren’t just rational “Homo economicus.” In #UltimatumGame , unfairness sparks #anger #disgust. Our 25-yr #fMRI #metaanalysis maps the brain circuits - negative #emotions drive punishment of unfairness. In NBR Congrats Xianyang Gan! sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

How our #brain shapes and is shaped by interactions with #AI #chatbots #ChatGPT #MentalHealth #neuroscience #psychology thanks for featuring our work

Did you know your brain treats conversations with AI chatbots almost like talking to real people? 🚀🧠🤖 HKU's Professor @bn_becker explores the benefits and risks of constant engagement with digital agents for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Learn more at beckerlab.org

Opportunity: work with us at @HKUniversity as young talent (research assistant professor) in #psychology #AI #neuroscience #computational #cognition #RAP #assistantprofessor rss.hku.hk/fund/president…

Nature The brain fires up immune cells when sick people are nearby When people viewed virtual avatars with coughs or rashes, their brains triggered an immune response. nature.com/articles/d4158…

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Your Profile - strong academic background: psychology, neuroscience, biomed engineering, computer science, AI , etc - Programming fMRI, AI, machine learning, or experimental design experience - High levels of motivation, independence, and collaborative spirit

Call for PhD Applications 2026: Brain Imaging, Psychology, Mental Health and AI Prof. Benjamin Becker, The University of Hong Kong We invite highly motivated candidates to apply for PhD positions starting in 2026, supervisor, Professor Dr. rer nat. Benjamin Becker

Summary: social and network-level mechanisms of oxytocin’s fear-reducing effects in naturalistic settings, step toward precision neurotherapeutics for #social #anxiety #fear Congrats to Fu Kun, splending collaboration with Liang Zhen and Zhao Weihua link advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ad…

On the neural level, #oxytocin enhanced middle cingulate cortex activity, coupling with the #amygdala, key large-scale networks (DAN–FPN–DMN); reduced expression of a whole-brain fear neuromarker (CAFE)

Can a single dose of #Oxytocin reduce #fear in naturalistic #real-life situations? Our study in Advanced Science: it can, specifically in #social contexts. mmersive fMRI movie plus placebo-controlled design, intranasal oxytocin reduced subjective fear during social fear scenarios

In Nature Comm: #brain #fMRI marker of emotional intensity #arousal that distinguishes conscious feelings from automatic reactions, even in imagination. Insights for #AI, #BCI,mental health. Congrats to Ran Zhang and Zhou Feng #emotion nature.com/articles/s4146…

Excellent collaboration on #AI and #society with @ChrisMontag77

Big congrats to all newly minted PhD and MSc students from our lab in summer 2025, Xianyang Gan and Mercy C. Bore (PhD), Xi Yang (PhD, Maastricht University); Jingxian He, Kun Fu, Dan Liu (MSc). Well done and wishing you all the best for the future!

I wish people would stop sharing this article without evaluating it. One might not like AI but that doesn't make a paper critical of it of value because of that. That's not how science works.

HKU has reached an unprecedented milestone, climbing to 11th place in the 2026 #QS World University Rankings @worlduniranking. This achievement marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking, following its rise to 17th globally in 2025. HKU has also solidified its position as a leading institution in Asia, ranking 2nd amongst Asian universities. Professor Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, said: “This historic achievement affirms HKU’s emergence as a global elite institution, and exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence by the entire University community. As a leader in higher education, HKU actively promotes Hong Kong as a premier hub for global talent to study, innovate, and conduct research. HKU remains committed to excellence and innovation, and advancing its mission by actively supporting national strategies in developing our country into a leading nation in education. We extend our profound gratitude for the support of our nation, the HKSAR Government, the entire University community, and all of HKU's dedicated supporters.” Over the past year, HKU has achieved outstanding results in various international academic rankings, boasting the highest number of 53 Clarivate's most highly cited researchers in Hong Kong and securing the 10th position among global institutions in 2024. HKU has also welcomed over 120 distinguished international scholars from all over the world in 2024, solidifying its reputation as a global talent hub.

Sometimes you need to be told to shut the fuck up, Donny. My story of moderating psychology's civil war, complete with sock puppets, drama, and the naive belief that academics could discuss their crumbling field civilly. Spoiler: they couldn't. New post.

Prof Edmund Sonuga-Barke spoke with the @BBCOne Show [segment 11:42-16:14] on how many parents struggle to support their children with #ADHD, especially if they also have the condition. bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episod…