mind
The life-long psychological effects your first love has on you
If love is an addiction, your first love is the first dose.
Theory of canine mind: can dogs understand human intent?
When you unintentionally step on a dog's tail, does it know that it was an accident?
The problem of other minds: a disturbing world of polite, smiling zombies
What if you are the only person in the world who can think?
Why is it so hard to give AI common sense?
There's no telling whether machine-learned common sense is five years away, or 50.
Brain hacks for saving money
Our brains believe $10 today is more tangible than $100 next year.
Bad at math? Blame your neurotransmitters
A new brain imaging study explored how different levels of the brain's excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters are linked to math abilities.
Making memories actually involves breaking our DNA, study shows
Brain cells snap strands of DNA in many more places and cell types than researchers previously thought.
The neuroscience of branding
A new episode of "Your Brain on Money" illuminates the strange world of consumer behavior and explores how brands can wreak havoc on our ability to make rational decisions.
Hack your brain for better problem solving
Tips from neuroscience and psychology can make you an expert thinker.
Why do holidays feel like they’re over before they even start?
People tend to reflexively assume that fun events – like vacations – will go by really quickly.
Can quantum physics explain consciousness?
A theoretical physicist returns to Penrose and Hameroff's theory of "quantum consciousness."
Generate brilliant ideas by relaxing your cognitive filters
Theoretical physicist Leonard Mlodinow offers three strategies for relaxing your cognitive filters to give your brilliant ideas time to shine in the spotlight of the conscious mind.
Flawed data led to our belief in a link between technology use and mental health problems
The evidence for a link between time spent using technology and mental health is fatally flawed.
Do you get pseudo-hallucinations? Test yourself here
What most people don't realize is that everyone's imagery is different.
Pupil size surprisingly linked to differences in intelligence
Maybe eyes really are windows into the soul — or at least into the brain, as a new study finds.
Why does life flash before your eyes in a life-threatening scenario?
The experience of life flashing before one's eyes has been reported for well over a century, but where's the science behind it?
Over 40% of workers are considering quitting their jobs
A year of disruptions to work has contributed to mass burnout.
Consciousness: The ‘ghost in the machine’, or nothing special?
Science has not yet reached a consensus on the nature of consciousness.
Research finds narcissists are not just self-absorbed, they’re also more likely to be aggressive
Participants with high levels of narcissism showed high levels of aggression, spreading gossip, bullying others, and more.
Body augmentation: People adjust quickly to robotic third thumb
Scientists successfully trained people to use robotic extra thumbs, suggesting body augmentation could revolutionize future humans.
New AI-based theory explains your weird dreams
Dreams are weird. According to a new theory, that's what makes them useful.
Why do we remember more by reading in print vs. on a screen?
The author of 'How We Read' Now explains.
Researchers identify genes linked to severe repetitive behaviors
A lab identifies which genes are linked to abnormal repetitive behaviors found in addiction and schizophrenia.
Is it good for you? According to Nietzsche, it’s better to ask, “Does it dance?”
Dancing, for Nietzsche, was another way of saying Yes! to life.
Our ancestors first developed humanlike brains 1.7 million years ago
A recent study analyzed the skulls of early Homo species to learn more about the evolution of primate brains.
VR experiments manipulate how people feel about coffee
A new study looks at how images of coffee's origins affect the perception of its premiumness and quality.
Is empathy always good?
Research has shown how important empathy is to relationships, but there are limits to its power.
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The great free will debate
Philosophers, theoretical physicists, psychologists, and others consider what or who is really in control.
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19 min
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Are geniuses real? The neuroscience and myths of visionaries
Labeling thinkers like Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs as "other" may be stifling humanity's creative potential.
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14 min
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Mindfulness may cause the human brain to transcend racial biases
The present-moment awareness that stems from mindfulness practices may be the cost-effective tool that our society needs.