Social Justice The Secret of Comedy Really Is Timing New research suggests we do find humor in tragedy, but only during a specific, limited window of time. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice The Migraines and the Music: Was Wagner Inspired by Headache Pain? Three German researchers present evidence that Wagner interwove his headache pain into his operas. Tom Jacobs
Economics Long-Distance Relationships Really Can Work While there are certain tradeoffs, researchers report long-distance romantic relationships can be highly satisfying. Tom Jacobs
Economics The Biggest Losers Aren’t Necessarily More Healthy An analysis of 21 diets finds scant evidence that losing weight promotes better health. Tom Jacobs
Economics Irony in Our Diets: Stigmatizing Obesity Increases Overeating New research suggests anti-obesity campaigns that stigmatize heaviness may be counterproductive. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice Music Lessons Boost Emotional, Intellectual Development German researchers report learning to play a musical instrument is associated with higher grades and superior cognitive skills. Tom Jacobs
Economics Women Are OK With Sex in Ads—If the Product Is Valuable New research suggests women aren’t automatically opposed to sexual imagery in advertisements, but they do object when it is used to sell cheap products. Tom Jacobs
Economics Is the Great Recession Creating a Generation of Democrats? Research suggests it’s entirely possible. Tom Jacobs
Economics Replenishing Self-Control Through Prayer German researchers report a few minutes of communion with a higher power can boost self-control. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice When Do Great Artists Hit Peak Creativity? New research suggests it occurs just a bit before they hit the two-thirds mark of their lives. Tom Jacobs