Rise of the Robo Scientists
Machines can devise a hypothesis, carry out experiments to test it, and assess results--without human intervention
Cognition3110 articles archived since 1845
Play Up That Ugly Trait
Data analysis from the popular online dating site OkCupid finds that the women who get the most attention from men are rated by many men as unattractive. Christie Nicholson reports...
Does Calorie-Labeling at Restaurants Lead to Healthier Eating?
An economist from Duke University explains why serving up more information in fast food restaurants might not change people's menu choices
Writing Exercise May Lessen Performance Anxiety's Effects
Students who addressed their performance anxiety in a writing exercise prior to an exam improved their scores, whereas other students who did not engage in the exercise saw their results drop...
Boosting Self-Esteem Trumps Other Pleasures
College students rated getting a good grade or a compliment higher than other, seemingly more pleasurable activities. Karen Hopkin reports
A Love-Hate Relationship?: "Feel-Good" Oxytocin May Have a Dark Side
The hormone promotes warm social feelings but can also promote in-group favoritism and ethnocentrism, suggesting there is a lot we don't know yet about the "cuddle chemical"
For Whom the Nobel Tolls: An Evening Out with James Watson
An evening out with James Watson and colleagues
In Search of the Radical Solution: A Q&A with Venture Capitalist Vinod Khosla on New Energy Technology
The greatest energy payoffs, says investor Vinod Khosla, will come from fundamentally reinventing mainstream technologies
What Causes Someone to Act on Violent Impulses and Commit Murder?
Some people are able to control anger or frustration and channel these feelings to nondestructive outlets. Others, like the gunman accused of killing six people during the assassination attempt on Rep...
The anatomy of Rep. Giffords's brain injury
The bullet that sheared through US politician Gabrielle Giffords's brain set up a cascade of neurological events.
![The Chances of Recovering from Brain Trauma: Past Cases Show Why Millimeters Matter [Slide Show]](https://static.scientificamerican.com/sciam/cache/file/81AF099C-4432-40C5-8DF1708FDCCF57D3_agenda.jpg?w=275&h=154&fit=crop)
The Chances of Recovering from Brain Trauma: Past Cases Show Why Millimeters Matter [Slide Show]
As doctors continue to monitor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords's condition, previous cases of brain injury resulting from bullets and other assaults can help explain what happens to the nervous system during major injuries--and how those rare recoveries are possible...
The Chances of Recovering from Brain Trauma: Past Cases Show Why Millimeters Matter [Slide Show]
As doctors continue to monitor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords's condition, previous cases of brain injury resulting from bullets and other assaults can help explain what happens to the nervous system during major injuries--and how those rare recoveries are possible...
How Can Science Help Make Sense of the Arizona Massacre?
From detecting violent behavior before it happens to the medical treatment of victims afterward, research elucidates the consequences of the senseless gun attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and others...
Youngsters Immune to the Contagious Yawn
Seeing someone else's sleepy facial contortions does not affect young children or kids with autism
Why Sleep Is Good for You
See-through fish are helping neuroscientists settle a scientific debate about whether slumber improves the brain's performance
What Is a Medically Induced Coma and Why Is It Used?
Medically induced comas are only used when other options are lacking
The Insanity Verdict on Trial
The insanity defense, rarely used, is widely misunderstood
The Popularity of Predictive Medical Testing
A recent survey performed by the Tufts Medical Center finds that many would take a predictive test for prostate cancer. Christie Nicholson reports
