Cyberchondria: Online Diagnosis Leads to Obsessive Fear
Beware using the Web for self-diagnosis, you'll probably end up with a lot of unnecessary stress, according to a recent study by Microsoft. Christie Nicholson reports
Dec 02, 2008•3 min
60-Second Mind
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Episodes
Eat, Exercise and Be Merry
Research shows that people who write down what they are grateful for may exercise more. Rachel Mahan reports
Nov 24, 2008•3 min
Beating Loneliness at Its Own Game
Researchers have found that indulging in feelings of nostalgia curiously combat the sad feelings that accompany loneliness. Christie Nicholson reports
Nov 17, 2008•3 min
A Bitter Placebo to Swallow
Research shows that the items surrounding a successful medical treatment, like the type of drink we use to wash down a pill, can sometimes be as effective as the pill itself. Christie Nicholson reports
Nov 10, 2008•3 min
More Sex for Women?
A recent analysis of survey responses shows who's cheating: Women, young couples and the over-60 crowd are closing the infidelity gap. Rachel Mahan reports
Nov 03, 2008•3 min
The Real Monsters on Halloween
A study shows that young children have a tough time knowing if monsters are real or pretend. Christie Nicholson reports.
Oct 27, 2008•3 min
Restoring Movement in Paralyzed Limbs
A study published in Nature shows how an artificial connection restores movement in paralyzed limbs. Christie Nicholson reports
Oct 20, 2008•3 min
Cell Phones Sometimes Cause Real Pain
People increasingly complain of being "electrosensitive," claiming that the electromagnetic fields emitted from mobile phones cause them real pain. Christie Nicholson reports
Oct 13, 2008•3 min
Musicians Think Differently from the Rest of Us
New research shows that musicians simultaneously use both sides of their brain more often than nonmusicians
Oct 06, 2008•3 min
Business, Lies and E-mail
New research finds that business students lie more often in e-mail than when communicating using pen and paper. Christie Nicholson reports
Sep 29, 2008•2 min
Exposed Untruths Continue to Shape Voter Impressions
Misinformation on the campaign trail, once disseminated, is hard to undo--especially when it reinforces one's preconceptions. Christie Nicholson reports
Sep 22, 2008•3 min
Spooky Science: Does a Fear of Ghosts Help Keep Us Honest?
Does the fear of "someone watching" help put us on the straight and narrow path?
Sep 15, 2008•3 min
Observers of Walking Figures See Men Advancing, Women in Retreat
When viewing figures walking, a curious illusion appears. People perceive male strollers as moving toward them, whereas the female walkers appear to be moving away, regardless of the figure's actual direction. Christie Nicholson reports
Sep 08, 2008•3 min
Is Fidelity in our Genes?
A gene that promotes monogamy in rodents may do the same in humans. Researchers think variation in this gene may help predict your man's ability to commit
Sep 01, 2008•3 min
Hotel Guests Throw in the Towel on the Environment
When it comes to using towels in hotels, it's herd mentality, not eco-principles, that leads patrons on a greener path. Christie Nicholson reports
Aug 25, 2008•3 min
For Online Consumption, the Web Is All About Cool
Back in 2006 the concept of the "long tail" stated that the Web will turn consumers into lovers of niche products and services, and that the days of the blockbuster are over. But the data tell a different story. Christie Nicholson reports
Aug 18, 2008•3 min
Olympic Gold Medal: Is the Body Language of Triumph (or Defeat) Biological?
A study published in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA concludes that our reaction to Olympic victory is innate. Christie Nicholson reports
Aug 11, 2008•3 min
Rest Assured: The Brain Practices the Day's Lessons as We Sleep
Studies show we may be doing a lot more than just resting while we sleep. In fact the brain is hard at work, consolidating, sifting and moving the information we acquired during the day. Christie Nicholson reports
Aug 05, 2008•3 min
A study shows prescription OD accidents are on the rise
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine shows that fatal medicinal mistakes at home rose substantially in two decades. Christie Nicholson reports
Jul 28, 2008•3 min
A Whiff of Disaster, Dulled by Dopamine
Research published in Nature Neuroscience uncovers a remarkable mechanism a female mouse uses to save her babies from dangerous miscarriage.
Jul 21, 2008•3 min
Dicey Proposition: Animals Are Self-Aware
Researchers continue to search for a way inside the mind of an animal. One promising study looked at monkeys that make bets
Jul 14, 2008•3 min
E-Therapy: Working It Out Online
A new study in The American Journal of Psychiatry evaluates the merits of digital therapy. Christie Nicholson reports.
Jul 07, 2008•3 min
When Craving Is Better Than Getting
A study published in Nature Neuroscience shows that our own calming thoughts can significantly dampen the arousal we feel when we are anticipating positive rewards. Christie Nicholson reports.
Jun 30, 2008•3 min
Why Are Conservatives Happier Than Liberals?
Conservatives have greater subjective life satisfaction than liberals, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Two New York University researchers performed three studies to find out why. Christie Nicholson reports.
Jun 24, 2008•3 min
Of Two Minds, One Consciousness
Studies of split-brain patients provide insight into how we form thoughts--specifically how the left brain will create its own narrative based on information it never received. Christie Nicholson reports.
Jun 16, 2008•3 min
No Fair! My Serotonin Level Is Low
The chemical messenger serotonin, thought to be implicated in depression and anxiety, may change the way we see fairness in social situations. Christie Nicholson reports.
Jun 09, 2008•3 min
Craving for Sex May Trip Other Hungers in Men
Watching women in bikinis tends to make men more impulsive when it comes to monetary decisions. Christie Nicholson reports.
Jun 02, 2008•3 min
Is Civilization the Result of Humans' Need to Share?
A 2007 study published in Science shows that young human children perform as well as apes on intelligence tests, but that kids beat apes in social skills. The lead researcher explains why this difference is crucial. Christie Nicholson reports.
May 27, 2008•3 min
Our Cars, Ourselves
Increasingly, GPS and voice-activated systems in cars are turning a fairly private place into an open vessel for our habits--and as such, a possible boon for advertisers. But they are also becoming something else: our counselors
May 19, 2008•3 min
You Say "Ga," I say "Ba," but Everyone Hears "Da"
A fascinating auditory illusion proves that the visual cue of moving lips plays an important role in accurately hearing what people say.
May 12, 2008•3 min
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