It’s often said that we’re “learning by experience” when we try new things, practice skills, and make mistakes. In other words, our memories of past experiences can shape our perceptions of ourselves, the world, and even the future. Though we can all probably think of examples that back up this phenomenon, how this works in […]
Scientists have identified the common denominator behind three different processes that all boost brain function. Injections of the anti-aging hormone klotho, infusions of young blood, and exercise have each been shown to promote cognitive rejuvenation in older mice, but until now, researchers didn’t know precisely why. On August 16, three teams — two from the […]
Archaeological secrets from thousands of years ago in northeast Africa have been unearthed thanks to modern-day scientific innovations. A process known as chemical imaging recently revealed “hidden mysteries” about ancient Egyptian paintings located in tomb chapels close to the Nile River — and portable devices made it possible to analyze the 3,000-year-old art on-site in […]
Anyone who listens to music — which is around 90% of the population — has likely experienced its power to soothe, stir up emotion, connect, and jog memories. Whatever the mood or moment, the soundtrack possibilities are endless. But the power of music stretches far beyond merely comforting or entertaining its listener — studies show […]
Science has long shown that play is beneficial to humans: In children, the behavior aids in emotional and cognitive development, and in adults, playfulness has been linked to an increased ability to cope with stress. Now, a recent study has added to that body of research by investigating which neural circuits are involved in play […]
Are you the type to lie in bed at night dwelling on conversations from the day — perhaps reliving an awkward moment at a dinner party or wondering if you said the right thing during a Zoom call with a colleague? It’s a common practice, and unfortunately, it can lead to the common conclusion that people […]
In addition to their fame, Babe Ruth, Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, and David Bowie have something else in common: left-handedness. The characteristic is quite a rare one, as only about 10% of the population are southpaws, according to one meta-analysis. Left-handedness lore abounds, and if you know (or are) a lefty, you’re likely familiar with […]
Where is love? Turns out Oliver Twist isn’t the only one asking — the question has been on scientists’ minds as well (though they likely don’t express it in quite as pretty a soprano). Now, a new study out of Finland’s Aalto University has identified where six types of love reside in the brain. The […]
Google “cats in hats” and you’ll be met with a surfeit of long-suffering kitties donning baseball caps, bonnets, bowlers, tiaras, you name it. And now, adorable woolen beanies that can measure the animals’ brain waves are also in the mix. A first-of-its-kind study out of the University of Montreal fitted cats with a specially crocheted, […]
We know humans have the capacity to cultivate more positive outlooks, and it turns out we may share that beneficial ability with a much smaller, feathered species. According to a recent peer-reviewed paper, when Cornish cross chickens are given access to learning opportunities, their “optimism” increases. Previous research (as well as anecdotal evidence from anyone […]
Kids with summer birthdays get it: It can be frustrating when the timing of a major life event yields unwanted outcomes, like not being able to celebrate with friends in class. But for fish, the timing of their birth can lead to more serious consequences — like whether they live or die. So, these young […]
“Smile in your liver,” Bali medicine man Ketut Liyer urges Elizabeth Gilbert in the author’s iconic memoir, Eat, Pray, Love. The sentiment is heartwarming, but it likely left some readers wondering: How do you smile, or express any emotion at all, in your liver? While many modern-day humans aren’t familiar with this concept, the ancient […]