Current Biology is a peer-reviewed journal “widely valued among life scientist for its unique blend of important research papers and informed, lively commentary.”
According to this Current Biology article, research via MRI scans revealed that self-described conservative students have a larger amygdala than liberals. The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that is active during states of fear and anxiety. Liberals have more gray matter at least in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain that helps people cope with complexity.
Thus, to a conservative, “The world really is a frightening place.” Given the differences in their brains, “it is hardly surprising that liberals and conservatives should spend so much time talking across each other and never achieving real dialog or consensus.”
Liberals, who do not experience the world as a fearful place, turn on Fox News and feel repulsed by what looks to a liberal as shameless fear mongering.
Conservatives turn on Fox News and feel reassured that someone understands their fears. As one of my conservative friends told me, “Fox News, and Trump, tell people what they want to hear.”
Adding: Here’s another, more recent article entitled, “Fear and Anxiety Drive Conservative Political Attitudes.”
