Automating History’s First Draft
Computers can tell what will matter (slightly) better than humans can
Stories by Matthew Hutson
Comparing Beauty in Math and Art
People pair mathematical proofs with paintings and pieces of music similarly
Interactive IQ Test May Better Predict Real-World Achievement
A click-and-drag version of a common intelligence assessment more closely resembles real problem-solving
Doglike Robots Learn New Tricks
Quadruped robots simulate their skills before going out in the real world
Implicit Biases toward Race and Sexuality Have Decreased
New findings suggest that internalized attitudes can change—but not for all identity groups
Family Traditions Boost Happiness
The holidays can bring joy or dread, but family rituals make them enjoyable, research suggests
Bad First Impressions Are Not Set in Stone
People are more willing to change their mind about people they initially deem “nasty” versus those they deem “nice”
Honest Liars: Dishonest Leaders May Be Perceived as Authentic
Donald Trump’s election suggests supporters view an outsider’s lies as symbolic protests against the establishment
Artificial Intelligence Is Learning to Keep Learning
A new machine-learning technique mimics the brain’s ability to adapt to new circumstances
Facebook Use Linked to Gender Equality
Social network activity may reduce the male-female power imbalance
Wealthy Families Invest More in Sons
High-income parents spend more on blue backpacks than pink ones, research suggests
Why People Dislike Really Smart Leaders
Those with an IQ above 120 are perceived as less effective, regardless of actual performance
How Much Sacrifice Is Your Reputation Worth?
People would rather endure jail, death or a bucket of worms than be viewed as immoral
In-Person Requests Are More Effective Than Electronic Ones
People respond better to face-to-face requests than e-mails
Why It’s So Hard to Keep a Secret
The real reason has more to do with mental meandering than actively hiding information
Interviews May Lead Us Astray When Hiring Someone
Subjective meet and greets don’t necessarily predict job performance
Conspiracy Theorists May Really Just Be Lonely
People prone to believing in elaborate cover-ups could just be seeking more meaning in life
Put a Bird on It
Customizing possessions boosts performance
Why We Love Dad’s Old Sweater
“Authentic objects” keep us company
Living a Lie: We Deceive Ourselves to Better Deceive Others
New research provides the first evidence for a theory first put forward in the 1970s
