What Is Less Scary in the Dark?
There is a way that the dark makes us feel safer—and this has implications for our health
Stories by Cindi May
The Problem with "Learning Styles"
There is little scientific support for this fashionable idea—and stronger evidence for other learning strategies
How to Reconcile with a Romantic Partner
Study suggests the best strategy depends on gender
Mindfulness Training for Teens Fails Important Test
A large trial in schools showed no evidence of benefits, and hints it could even cause problems
Are Women More Emotionally Expressive Than Men?
A large multinational study provides some surprises
Students are Better Off without a Laptop in the Classroom
What do you think they’ll actually use it for?
Most People Consider Themselves to Be Morally Superior
A "self-enhancement" effect that can have negative consequences for all of us
How to Measure the Creativity of a 1-Year-Old
The “unusual box test,” and what it means
Why People Try Repulsive Things
The surprising power of curiosity
A Scientific Theory of Humor
The “entropy” of nonsense words is linked to their funniness, research finds
Rude Behavior Spreads Like a Disease
Scientists study the contagion of obnoxiousness
What It Takes for a "Beast" to Find a "Beauty"
The longer people know each other, the less physical attractiveness seems to matter
The Problem with Female Superheroes
From helpless damsel to powerful heroine, but still hypersexualized
The Secret of Better Meetings: Fun
Humor boosts the effectiveness of meetings, a study finds
For Couples, Success at Work is Affected by Partner’s Personality
Researchers identify the personality trait that plays a positive role
The Surprising Problem of Too Much Talent
A new finding from sports could have implications in business and elsewhere
A Learning Secret: Don’t Take Notes with a Laptop
Students who used longhand remembered more and had a deeper understanding of the material
When Are Jokes about a Tragedy Funny?
Humor is tragedy plus time — but how much time?
The Cheerleader Effect
Seeing faces in groups makes them appear more attractive
To Win a Sports Bet, Don't Think Too Much
Detailed analysis fogs the future