Everyone employs bias—otherwise known as cognitive shortcuts—in their lives every day. Imagine you’re scrolling through your social media feed and immediately dismiss a news article because it comes from a source you don’t typically trust. Or maybe you’re convinced your favorite restaurant is the best in town, remembering all the great meals you’ve eaten there while forgetting that mediocre dinner last month. [Read more…]
Can We Train Students’ Brains to Be Less Biased?
October 7, 2025 By
How to Improve Sleep Among Long-Term Care Residents
September 19, 2025 By
Approximately 1.2 million Americans live in certified nursing homes, and another 1 million live in assisted living facilities. It’s common for residents in these facilities to have roommates, 24/7 medical devices, and round-the-clock nursing care. Not surprisingly, people living in these environments frequently experience sleep disturbances. [Read more…]
A Sense of Purpose Promotes Cognitive Health
September 18, 2025 By
The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050—a 41 percent increase. As the U.S. population grows older, cognitive decline is a significant concern. [Read more…]
Technology Use May Slow Cognitive Decline
June 9, 2025 By
The baby boomers are the first generation that has navigated adulthood using digital technology. The oldest baby boomers were around 25 when the first e-mail was sent; they were the first generation to have home computers and personal smartphones. [Read more…]
Does Social Class Influence Generosity?
June 7, 2025 By
For decades, researchers have debated how social class affects a person’s likelihood of helping others.
There are two main schools of thought on the topic. One hypothesizes that because lower-income individuals rely more on social networks, they are more likely to be generous. The other hypothesizes that because higher-income individuals have more resources, they are more likely to be generous. [Read more…]
Yoga Supports Wellness at the Molecular Level
June 5, 2025 By
Yoga is growing in popularity. In 2022, nearly 17 percent of adults in America reported practicing yoga, a significant increase compared to 10 years earlier, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Read more…]
Research Confirms That Chores Are Good for Kids
April 1, 2025 By
Put away the silverware. Fold the towels. Feed the dog. Bring in the mail.
There is a myriad of ways in which kids – starting as early as age 2 – can help out around the house. While some of this “helping” isn’t actually that helpful, there is strong evidence that you should require your kids to do chores anyway. [Read more…]
Is Cold-Water Swimming Really Good for Your Brain?
March 27, 2025 By
If you live near a body of water in the northern latitudes, you likely have heard of your local polar bear club — usually made up of a group of hearty swimmers who take part in cold water swimming. [Read more…]
You Can Help Delay Dementia With Your Diet
December 20, 2024 By
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, like thinking, remembering, and reasoning, at levels that interfere with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia affects the health and well-being of millions of older adults; with baby boomers reaching their senior years, that number is expected to grow substantially. [Read more…]
The Gender Gap in Online Reviews
December 17, 2024 By
Americans are shopping online in record numbers this holiday season, according to an analysis by Adobe Analytics. Online shopping certainly comes with added convenience: No traffic, no long lines, and a larger selection of available items—not to mention you can shop while wearing pajamas from the comfort of your sofa. But it can also be tricky to figure out exactly what you’re getting: How will that sweater fit? What do those sheets actually feel like? And do those sneakers really run small? [Read more…]
The Benefits of Deep Breathing and Why It Works
October 9, 2024 By
Feeling anxious? Angry? Frustrated? Disappointed?
The evidence clearly shows there is something you can do—no matter where you are or what the circumstances are. Take a few slow, deep breaths.
In most stressful situations, human nature actually drives us to take deep breaths. If you’re getting ready to give a speech to a large crowd or standing at the starting line for a community running race, you may find yourself taking a deep breath without even thinking about it. [Read more…]
Why Laughter Is Such Good Medicine
September 6, 2024 By
You know the feeling (hopefully!): Something silly sets you off – a movie, a joke, or maybe someone near you slips and falls – and you burst into laughter.
It feels good to laugh. And since the 1970s, medical experts have learned that laughter can boost pain tolerance and improve overall well-being. [Read more…]
