The Well Every culture has supernatural agents. Here’s why. From DMT elves, to God, to the figures in our dreams — why are humans so obsessed with the supernatural? ▸ 7 min — with Patrick McNamara
Health Got a strong sense of smell? Then you probably also have this special skill. Follow your nose all the way home.
Thinking Before your real funeral, you should attend a “living funeral” At this event, you’ll be around to hear the eulogy.
Debate world champion: Why agreement is overrated Our impulse to seek out agreement is stifling us, says world debate champion Bo Seo. ▸ 4 min — with Bo Seo
Stoicism: How to turn your sadness into strength Chloé Valdary shares the ancient Stoic principle that can defeat modern despair. ▸ 7 min — with Chloé Valdary
Life Scientists use CRISPR to insert an alligator gene into a catfish Disease kills off 40% of farmed catfish. This gene protects them.
Health At least 5 people have been cured of HIV. Is the AIDS pandemic ending? CRISPR, stem cells, and even cancer drugs are helping shape an AIDS-free future.
Neuropsych The “Twinkie defense”: What we know about diet and crime In the murder trial of Dan White, the defense touched on diet as a cause for White’s actions. It has become known as the “Twinkie defense.”
13.8 We have to rethink our relationship to technology. Life depends on it We have become the greatest threat to ourselves and to life on this planet. We need a set of agreed-upon safeguards to preserve our future.
Health Small changes in how a person talks could reveal Alzheimer’s earlier Interventions can make the most difference when Alzheimer’s is detected early.
Neuropsych Testosterone boosts persistence in the face of defeat In tough competitions, men tend to give up early when they feel a low sense of control. Testosterone eradicates that effect.
Health Want to lose weight? Try eating like a pig Energy balance is the greatest arbiter of weight gain. Embrace the “oinker diet.”
Smart Skills Manifestation coaches are preaching a phony “prosperity gospel” Millennials — who were raised to expect unlimited success but found only disappointment — can be drawn to manifestation.
Neuropsych “Tend and befriend”: The simple relationship hack for burnout resilience You really can get by with a little help from your friends — if you also look beyond your personal to-do list.
The Present Why regulating “bad speech” online is one of society’s biggest conundrums It is through speaking and listening that human beings become who they are.
The Learning Curve 4 virtuoso strategies for handling your bad boss We can’t always change our horrible bosses — but we can transform the ways we interact with them.
Neuropsych The science of fright: Why we love to be scared Fear creates distraction, and that can be a positive experience.
Neuropsych Why 1960s psychiatrists started the anti-psychiatry movement A brief look at the six-decade challenge to psychiatry.
Neuropsych Your brain produces THC-like molecules called endocannabinoids A healthy endocannabinoid system is critical to the human body’s immune functions.
The Present The French have lost their minds over bed bugs Claims of a sudden infestation appear unfounded.
The Future 3 rules for robots from Isaac Asimov — and one crucial rule he missed Robots must identify themselves.
13.8 Synthetic biology has the power to cure — and kill. How will we use it? Synthetic biology has the power to cure and kill. Have we learned from our past mistakes?
The Present The invention that made us human: fire Did fire change the development of the human brain?
Neuropsych If separating conjoined twins results in death, which one should die? The separation of conjoined twins is fraught with stomach-churning biomedical and ethical challenges.
Sponsored How to overcome “oniomania” — compulsive spending disorder Treating “oniomania” or compulsive buying disorder is about protecting your finances as well as your mental health.
Hard Science Where the little helicopter on Mars fits in the history of aviation If the past is any guide, things are going to take off quickly.
Health Psychedelic drugs: how to tell good research from bad Which studies are actually worth the hype?
Life Unlocking secrets of the honeybee dance language Bees learn and culturally transmit their communication skills.