The word willpower conjures things like laundry day, drunk texting and chocolate cake. It is what motivates us to resist what we desire, and to tackle tasks we’d rather avoid, in the name of personal betterment. While the …
Mental Health
Finally, a Way to Read Minds
For now, the technique applies to quantitative thinking (doing math problems and calculating numbers) but the process could launch ways of reading other types of thoughts as well.
How Using Sexy Female Avatars in Video Games Changes Women
A new Stanford University study looks at the connection between hyper-sexualized gaming characters and the way female players view rape and their own bodies.
Don’t Let Them Smell You Sweat: You’ll Seem Untrustworthy
There’s a reason why you should never let ’em see — or smell — you sweat. You appear not just less confident, but less competent and less trustworthy as well.
New Genes Connected to Eating Disorders
Two families affected by anorexia and bulimia shed light on the genetic contributors to eating disorders.
Need to Undo a Jinx? Knock On Wood
A new study explores why superstitious rituals — or avoidant behaviors, as the scientists call them — can fend off bad luck.
Homeland and Bipolar Disorder: How TV Characters Are Changing the Way We View Mental Illness
Convinced that her medication for bipolar disorder clouded her judgment, Homeland’s protagonist began the show’s third season self-medicating with exercise and alternative therapies. And doctors say that decision, along with …
Post Partum Depression and Miriam Carey: Stopping the Silent Scourge
A woman who led DC police on a car chase from the White House to the Capitol suffered from post partum depression, according to her mother.
Blame Game: Why We Hate to Feel Guilty
When things go south and we’re to blame, we’re supposed to feel guilty. Right? Not necessarily.
How Eye Contact Can Backfire
We’re often told to maintain eye contact when speaking with others. But a new study published in the journal Psychological Science is poking holes in the theory that looking deep into someone’s eyes shows interest and boosts …
Bloomberg v. Pop Culture: NYC’s Campaign to Boost Girls’ Self Esteem
A new New York City public health program aims to improve body image among tweens. But will it help?
Statin Drugs Linked to Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that the popular cholesterol-lowering medications may cause memory loss and confusion, but long term use of the medications may reduce that risk.
In Case You Hadn’t Realized, The War on Drugs Is a Spectacular Failure
All over the world, drugs are cheaper, purer and more plentiful than ever