Heat can make people do some strange things. It can change your mood, cloud your judgment, and even affect the way you treat other people. Scientists have discovered that hot weather has a surprisingly powerful influence on the human mind—and the effects show up in places you would never expect. Listen as I explain what’s really going on and why it’s important to know. ⁠https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/06/heat-affects-mental-health⁠ (more…)

Ever wonder why you’re always told to wait about 10 seconds before turning your phone, computer, router, or tablet back on after rebooting it? Is there really something magical about 10 seconds, or is it just one of those tech myths everyone repeats? The answer has to do with what happens inside your device after the power goes off—and why waiting just a little while can make all the difference. ⁠https://www.howtogeek.com/165110/do-i-really-have-to-unplug-my-cable-modem-for-at-least-10-seconds/⁠ (more…)

Humans are remarkably bad at predicting how long something will take. Whether it’s a home project, a work assignment, or even a quick trip across town, we almost always underestimate the time involved. Psychologists have studied this tendency for decades—and understanding why it happens can help you make better plans, meet more deadlines, and avoid unnecessary frustration. ⁠https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/planning-fallacy⁠ (more…)

Anyone who has ever owned a dog has probably wondered what goes on inside that furry little head. Does your dog feel guilty after chewing up your favorite shoes? Does it know when you’ve had a bad day? Does it love you the way you love it? We often assume we know what our dogs are thinking, but many of our assumptions are completely wrong. Understanding how dogs actually perceive the world can transform the relationship you have with your pet. (more…)

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…)