Psychology
MDMA reduces alcoholism relapse, new study shows
The treatment is not only safe, but appears to be more effective than existing options.
Having children makes you happier — after they moved out
Despite what folk knowledge says, most parents are actually less happy than their childless peers -- but that doesn't apply at an older age.
Wearing a bike helmet makes your brain feel safer — even when you’re not in danger
"It is stunning to observe how suggestions can influence brain activity," the authors say.
To avoid choking under pressure, imagine you already have the prize and are merely defending it
Instead of going after the gain, reframe to focus on the potential loss. It's far more effective, researchers say.
People who believe in conspiracy theories also more likely to believe in pseudoscience
Careful, they might be watching us.
Infants expect leaders to right wrongs, and are surprised when they don’t
We have an instinctive understanding that The Boss should fix injustice in the group.
If you want to find your passion, keep a first-person perspective on life
What we experience sometimes doesn't fit with what we think about ourselves -- keeping a first-person perspective helps cut through that.
As many as 3 in 4 Americans have the “Sunday Scaries”
For the younger generation, Sunday nights are filled with anxiety over the upcoming workweek.
The hunger hormone is involved in episodic memory in rats, new research finds
Rats with artificially-reduced ghrelin signaling showed impaired performance in an episodic memory task.
Ignoring distractions or temptation is harder when you’re tired, stressed, or trying to remember something
The best course of action in such situations is simply to avoid places that could make you 'sin'.
What makes a good excuse: a philosopher’s take
We all make excuses, so might as well learn how to do them properly.
Toddlers prefer high-status winners — but avoid bullies who win by force
This may be a core property of human nature.
High school students who study music perform better at math, English, and science
The skill you learn practicing music transfer more broadly to other fields of study.
Excessive self-criticism for failing to reach one’s “full potential” causes psychological distress
Be kind to yourself, say researchers.
Spending just 2 hours a week in nature promotes health and wellbeing
You have no excuse for spending some time in nature this weekend.
Tilting your head down will make you seem more dominant — but also more aggressive
Keep your head high. Unless you want to be scary. Then keep it low.
These fishes get sad when their partner is away — pointing to the roots of romantic love
Hear that? That's the sound of an itsy-bitsy fishy heart breaking apart and it's tragic.
Weightlifting may improve sleep quality and anxiety in PTSD patients
Another study finds that physical activity improves PTSD symptoms.
