Risky Decisions Reflect a Tug of War in the Brain
Faced with a risky decision? An unusual new study reveals the push and pull that takes place in the brain as you weigh your options.
View ArticleThe Connection Between Sleep and Pain
A new study reveals why pain and difficulty sleeping often go hand in hand.
View ArticleHow Eye Contact Prepares the Brain to Connect
Gazing into someone else's eyes is a powerful social signal. What is it that makes eye contact special? A new study suggests that it prepares the social brain to empathize.
View ArticleThe Role of "Mindreading" Neurons
How does the brain learn from observing? New research reveals a specific set of neurons that simulate another individual's decisions.
View ArticleBabies Learn When in Sync with Their Mothers
To learn from others, babies evaluate the source. New research shows the role of brain synchrony and temperament and explains why sometimes babies just won't do what you want.
View ArticleWorry Over Social Media Use and Well-Being May Be Misplaced
Concern over possible negative effects of social media has reached a fever pitch. But new research is reassuring and suggests we may be worrying about the wrong things.
View ArticleHow Much Time in Nature Is Needed to See Benefits?
Nature has established health benefits. Now a study examines just how much exposure to the outdoors it takes to achieve those benefits and boost health and wellbeing.
View ArticleIt Is Possible to Thrive After Depression
Depression is not a life sentence. Researchers have found people who achieve high levels of psychological well-being after depressive episodes.
View ArticleThe Lasting Effects of Social Isolation in Adolescence
Extreme social isolation has long-term consequences for the adolescent brain. It might also hint at the effects of more common experiences, like bullying and feeling left out.
View ArticleNew Insight into the Limits of Self-Insight
We assume people with a clear view of themselves are better off. A recent study suggests that a little self-delusion can be very helpful.
View ArticleA Newly Discovered Link Between Brain Activity and Aging
Why do some people live into their 90s while others don't make it to 70? A new study uncovered a tantalizing possibility that might eventually allow us to slow the aging process.
View ArticleThe Right Level of Struggle for Learning
When something is too hard or too easy, we don't learn much from it. But there is a "sweet spot" of difficulty that promotes learning, and scientists have just identified it.
View ArticleHow Helpful and Generous Are We Willing to Be?
You may not be as generous as you think. Even when helping others, studies show that we don't put in the same level of effort for other people as when we work for ourselves.
View ArticleResolution #1: Be a Good Friend
Should friendships be a part of your New Year's resolutions? Here's why you should add this important relationship to your list.
View ArticleThe Connection Between Music and Sociability
Most of us respond emotionally to music, but there are a few people who don't. Studies of their brains are providing clues to how we process social reward.
View ArticleLearning to Code Requires Language Skills, Not Math
Coding is not just for the engineer or math wiz. New research hints at the cognitive bases of learning computer programming and could make it more accessible.
View ArticleLet's Call It Physical Distancing
They can't cancel friendship; times of crisis are when we need social bonds the most. We just have to be more creative about how to be there for each other.
View ArticleThe Surprising Secret to Longevity
Want to live to 100? A new book tells you how. No kale required.
View ArticleWhy Zoom Fatigue is Real and What You Can Do About It
How does a Zoom call make you feel? How about the phone? In this time of extreme virtual connection, we are only beginning to understand how technology makes us feel.
View ArticleHow Friendship Has Changed in the Pandemic
The forced isolation of the pandemic has been hard on everyone, but some groups appear to have suffered more than others.
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