When you’re hungry, you know you’re more interested in food. But hunger also changes the way you think—and the effects can spill over into decisions that have nothing to do with eating. Researchers have discovered some surprising consequences of making important choices on an empty stomach. ⁠https://www.dundee.ac.uk/press-release/dont-make-major-decisions-empty-stomach-research-suggests ⁠ (more…)

Does your signature reveal more about you than just your name? It turns out the way you sign your name may influence what people assume about your personality, confidence, and even your success—whether those assumptions are accurate or not. Listen as I explain what your signature may be saying every time you put pen to paper. ⁠https://graciousliving.typepad.com/the_write_event/2003/11/what_does_your_.html⁠ (more…)

Walk through a crowded airport or packed stadium and something remarkable happens. Thousands of people weave around each other without collisions, almost as if everyone is reading everyone else’s mind. Yet no one is directing traffic. So how does your brain constantly predict where complete strangers are about to move—and why does it work so well? (⁠https://www.nature.com/articles/nature08260⁠) (more…)

Some mysteries have been solved by science. Others remain surprisingly stubborn. Despite all our advances in technology and research, there are still questions that continue to puzzle some of the brightest minds on Earth. Do we really have free will? Why does the placebo effect work? Have extraterrestrials ever tried to contact us? Those are just a few of the scientific mysteries you are about to explore. (more…)

Ever notice how your face turns bright red when you’re embarrassed—and makes the whole situation even worse? As awkward as blushing feels, it isn’t a design flaw. It’s actually serving a purpose that’s far more useful than most people realize. ⁠https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/bering-in-mind/why-we-blush-the-social-purpose-of-showing-embarrassment/⁠ (more…)