We lie for many reasons: Glory. Money. Both. Something else. Is there a science of detecting lies? Does the digital realm make lying harder? Easier? Both? More
Lying liars lie!
Category Archives: Emotions
Screaming about screen time?
We spend ever-more hours with TV, cellphones, tablets and computers, is it rude or necessary to always answer your phone? Does distraction make you dumb? What about multitasking? More
Emotional expressions: The face isn’t the whole story
At the moment of loss or victory, an athlete’s face shows intense … what? Without seeing the body, you can’t tell whether an important point was won or lost. Adding the body language makes all the difference — and can even overwhelm the message of the face! More
Losing in politics & sports
What’s the attachment to “my” team. How do we deal with the inevitable disappointment? Is murder part of the game? Could sports affiliation protect against suicide? More
To play, and therefore to mate
Are we affecting the character of future generations by the way we choose mates? If choosing attractive mates tends to make the grandchildren more attractive, what about choosing mates who like to laugh or have fun? More
Holiday blue? NOT!
Sick of the scare stories about holiday stress? Over-eating, over-this, over-that? What’s the upside of holidays, in terms of ritual and getting together with family and friends? What’s more conducive to happiness: giving or receiving? More
Prayer: How does it work?
How do victims of domestic violence benefit from prayer? A series of interviews shows a range of mechanisms: from zoning out to offering psychic protection to allowing forgiveness. A new study shows how real benefits could emerge from an appeal to an “imaginary other.” More
We’re happy to report
Heard the rumor that people are happy — or not — depending on their genes and upbringing? “My bad,” says a 24-year study from Germany, which finds the opposite. Attitudes toward money, employment and neurotic mates all play a big role resetting your “happo-stat.” More
Psychedelics are back – as therapy
Journal of Psycho-pharmacology. How do hallucinogens change consciousness? Psilocybin relieves terror of PTSD, death. Ecstasy may ease OCD. What’s new in psychedelic research? More
Psst! Who’s laughing at you? April Fools!
For some people, laughter is a threat, conveying anger, disapproval and humiliation. In the strange world of the gelotophobe, laughter can actually make you feel worse. If you fear laughter, you tend to stay away from crowds, groups, restaurants — and the pranksters afoot on April Fools’ Day. More
Senators, governors and other mammals…
Can our evolutionary roots explain that self-destructive search for sex – and sexual companionship? Could Darwinian psychology constitute the cause home-wrecking, career-blitzing fatal attractions? More
Mass killings explained?
Why do mass killers pull the trigger? What are the warning signs of “rampage” shootings? More
Body odor
After the chimp attack
We explore the sad saga of pet primates. Are these pets psychologically good for us? For them? Are humans and other primates trading diseases at home, and in the wild? More
Discussing disgust
Disgust caused by filthy food, feces, and an unfair deal all trigger the same facial expression. So is our moral disgust the same as the primitive disgust caused by toxic food? More