6 reasons dogs truly are man’s best friend

Research suggests dog ownership may improve heart health, decrease depression, and even help you live longer.

(Photo: Erin McClellan/U.S. Air Force)
  • Dogs have been man's best friend for at least the past 15,000 years.
  • Science now shows that this symbiotic relationship has been as beneficial for humans as their canine companions.
  • Benefits of dog ownership include familial ties, a reduce risk of schizophrenia, and improved cardiovascular health.
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A unique brain signal may be the key to human intelligence

Scientists exploring human neurons directly learn some remarkable things.

Image source: vitstudio/Shutterstock
  • Most research regarding human brains is performed with rodent brains on the assumption that it may also apply to us.
  • An unusual study looked at recently resected human brain tissue that turned out to contain some big surprises.
  • Human neurons' unexpected electrical signals and their behavior shed new light on human intelligence.
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A New Year’s resolution to make a difference: Help others.

Charity and volunteering not only benefit the recipient but help you become happier and healthier in the new year.

(Photo: Pxhere)
  • Most New Year's resolutions are self-directed and enjoy a failure rate of about 80 percent.
  • Research has shown that selfless giving can enhance happiness, improve your health, and even extend your life.
  • Resolving to help others can help you keep your resolution this year.
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compassion cognitive science goal-setting happiness health life morality motivation personal growth community

Does ‘night mode’ shift your brain out of sleep mode?

A new study suggests that a device's night mode may damage sleep hygiene even more.

(Photo: Pexels)
  • The social consensus claims that blue-light emitting devices interrupt sleep by curbing melatonin production.
  • However, new research suggests that the ruddy hues of "night mode" may have a more detrimental effect on quality sleep.
  • While causal effect remains unknown, the correlation between screen time and poor sleep habits is nonetheless strong.
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brain cognitive science evolution health physiology public health sleep mental health neuroscience technology

Meet Stella — the pup who knows how to use 29 human words

"What a shock," said no dog lover ever.

Hunger4Words
  • A speech language pathologist has taught her puppy Stella to use 29 words.
  • Stella "speaks" by stepping on large buttons programmed with recordings of words.
  • The dog expresses her desires, comments on household events, and offers opinions.
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communication discovery intelligence language cognitive science teaching animals