Neuroscience
Researchers Make a Phantom Sixth Finger Grow and Shrink
An unsettling illusion points to both philosophy and robotics
Stories by Matthew Hutson
Behavior
Family Traditions Boost Happiness
The holidays can bring joy or dread, but family rituals make them enjoyable, research suggests
Behavior
Students Who Gesture during Learning ‘Grasp’ Concepts Better
Hand movement appears to help in teaching about statistical models
Behavior
‘Saving the World’ Inspires More Female Founders
How different messages motivate entrepreneurs
Behavior
Ethics Lesson May Hold outside the Classroom
One college class discussion had weeks-long effects on meat consumption
Behavior
People Don’t Learn to Trust Bots
AI elicits better cooperation through deception
Cognition
Technique Takes Sleepers from Zzz to Aha!
Reactivating remembered problems during sleep can trigger solutions
Computing
Automating History’s First Draft
Computers can tell what will matter (slightly) better than humans can
The Sciences
Comparing Beauty in Math and Art
People pair mathematical proofs with paintings and pieces of music similarly
Behavior
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
Computing
Doglike Robots Learn New Tricks
Quadruped robots simulate their skills before going out in the real world
Behavior
Implicit Biases toward Race and Sexuality Have Decreased
New findings suggest that internalized attitudes can change—but not for all identity groups
Behavior
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”
Behavior
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
Computing
Artificial Intelligence Is Learning to Keep Learning
A new machine-learning technique mimics the brain’s ability to adapt to new circumstances
Behavior
Why Are There So Few Female Leaders?
Women are more likely to be viewed as leaders after longer interactions
Behavior
Facebook Use Linked to Gender Equality
Social network activity may reduce the male-female power imbalance
Behavior
Wealthy Families Invest More in Sons
High-income parents spend more on blue backpacks than pink ones, research suggests
Behavior
Why People Dislike Really Smart Leaders
Those with an IQ above 120 are perceived as less effective, regardless of actual performance
Behavior
How Much Sacrifice Is Your Reputation Worth?
People would rather endure jail, death or a bucket of worms than be viewed as immoral
