Surprising Science — April 22, 2010

Memories Move Us

New research finds that the movements of our bodies “influence the recollection of emotional memories, as well as the speed with which they are recalled.”

bigthinkeditor

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

New research finds that the movements of our bodies “influence the recollection of emotional memories, as well as the speed with which they are recalled.” Scientists investigating “embodied cognition”—the affect of the body on mental activity—have already found ways in which our thoughts are influenced by the shape and form of the body, and suggest that “people who use their bodies in different ways also think differently. “

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Silhouette of a person against a blue background, overlaid with white node and line networks.

Thinking

Mechanized minds: AI’s hidden impact on human thought

While we’re busy wondering whether machines will ever become conscious, we rarely stop to ask: What happens to us?

A white lab mouse sits in a glass petri dish, cradled gently by hands clad in blue gloves. The captivating scene underscores the crucial role of lab mice in scientific research and discovery.

Life

Scientists kill 192 million lab mice each year. Is there a better way?

Can laboratories become more humane, or is it time to end animal research altogether?

Illustration of human evolution with silhouettes of ape to human walking against an abstract background with swirling red and white patterns.

The Past

A new spin on the “Stoned Ape Hypothesis”

The controversial theory about magic mushrooms and human evolution gets a much-needed update.

A human hand reaches toward a robotic hand, which includes a speech bubble with mathematical code. A pixelated pink background completes the scene.

The Future

AI chatbots may ease the world’s loneliness (if they don’t make it worse)

Man seeking meaningful relationship at the intersection of on-demand empathy and Rule 34.

A wooden box filled with assorted old black-and-white photographs and postcards.

Neuropsych

What makes a memory real?

Changing the narrative on false memories might be surprisingly simple.

Up Next

Culture & Religion

Drunk Tank

A taxpayer-funded bar in the German city of Kiel caters to a very particular clientele: unemployed alcoholics. The bar aims to keep its patrons from disturbing other citizens during drinking binges.