Cognition
Americans Stubbornly Continue to Overestimate Their Intelligence
Nearly two-thirds believe they're smarter than average.
There's a Name for That: The Imp of the Perverse
Experiencing unpleasant intrusive thoughts is a common, and unthreatening, phenomenon, but how we deal with it can be dangerous.
Closer Friends, Sharper Memory
New research finds people over 80 with great memories also have stronger personal relationships.
Keep Your Brain Sharp: Eat Chocolate
New research provides more evidence linking cocoa consumption to enhanced cognitive functioning.
Marijuana Use May Not Lead to Cognitive Decline
A large study of twins suggests family-related factors may contribute to both pot smoking and a drop in IQ.
The Dark Side of Music
Two new studies point to various ways music can influence our behavior.
The Very Real Dangers of Tasers
Scientific research reveals the harmful effects of Tasers, on both body and mind.
AI Will Have to Figure Out Which Triangles Are the 'Trianglest'
Understand that human thinking is fuzzy around the edges, which is totally different from how computers compute.
To Stay Focused, Listen to Mozart
New research from Japan finds listening to a Mozart minuet helps people ignore extraneous information.
'The Internet Made Me Do It': Stop Blaming Social Media for Our Behavioral Problems
At the most fundamental level, all the Internet really does is make it possible for people to share information and ideas faster and more efficiently than earlier modes of communication.
Could Family Longevity Protect Against Dementia?
New research shows that if your parents lived longer lives than those in their peer group your risk of cognitive impairment is reduced.
Why Chess Should Be Required in U.S. Schools
It's a game that motivates us to win, but also teaches us how to deal with defeat.
Mindfulness Training Boosts Test Scores
New research finds a mere two weeks of mindfulness training leads to improved scores in tests of reading comprehension and working memory.
Music of Vivaldi Boosts Mental Vitality
Have a challenging mental task ahead of you? Try using Spring from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons as background music.
Thinking vs. Knowing: When Facts Get in the Way
"Knowing" often serves as a crutch for "thinking," suggests the author of "Liberal Arts at the Brink" in this essay. That can have bad consequences when we accept those shortcuts in our leadership.
The Brain-Focusing Power of the Lab Coat
Need to pay close attention to a tricky task? Try slipping on a simple white lab coat.
Thinking Creatively: Just Add Milk
Shaking up everyday rituals — even the order of preparing a breakfast dish — may be a way to stimulate innovative thinking.
Sex on the Brain Proves Costly for Men
New research suggests the mere idea of an encounter with a woman can impair men’s cognitive performance.
Another Cognitive Benefit for Musicians, Athletes
New research from Germany finds honing one’s music or sports skills enhances at least one important mental ability.
So Bad You Just Gotta Be Good
Those tone-deaf belters humiliating themselves for our amusement help explain why we think we’re better than the experts.
Objectification Hinders Some Women's Cognitive Ability
New research suggests sexual objectification hinders some women's cognitive ability.
For Older Women, Up Side to Body Fat
A new study suggests body fat may moderate post-menopausal mental decline.