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Brain Waves

Exploring how we think, learn and connect.

Friends
How Friendship Has Changed in the Pandemic

Lydia Denworth on February 24, 2021

The forced isolation of the pandemic has been hard on everyone, but some groups appear to have suffered more than others.

The forced isolation of the pandemic has been hard on everyone, but some groups appear to have suffered more than others.

Relationships
Why Zoom Fatigue is Real and What You Can Do About It

Lydia Denworth on July 31, 2020

How does a Zoom call make you feel? How about the phone? In this time of extreme virtual connection, we are only beginning to understand how technology makes us feel.

How does a Zoom call make you feel? How about the phone? In this time of extreme virtual connection, we are only beginning to understand how technology makes us feel.

Friends
Let's Call It Physical Distancing

Lydia Denworth on March 18, 2020

They can't cancel friendship; times of crisis are when we need social bonds the most. We just have to be more creative about how to be there for each other.

They can't cancel friendship; times of crisis are when we need social bonds the most. We just have to be more creative about how to be there for each other.

Education
Learning to Code Requires Language Skills, Not Math

Lydia Denworth on March 12, 2020

Coding is not just for the engineer or math wiz. New research hints at the cognitive bases of learning computer programming and could make it more accessible. 

Coding is not just for the engineer or math wiz. New research hints at the cognitive bases of learning computer programming and could make it more accessible. 

Postpartum Depression
The Connection Between Music and Sociability

Lydia Denworth on February 28, 2020

Most of us respond emotionally to music, but there are a few people who don't. Studies of their brains are providing clues to how we process social reward.

Most of us respond emotionally to music, but there are a few people who don't. Studies of their brains are providing clues to how we process social reward.

Friends
Resolution #1: Be a Good Friend

Lydia Denworth on December 30, 2019

Should friendships be a part of your New Year's resolutions? Here's why you should add this important relationship to your list.

Should friendships be a part of your New Year's resolutions? Here's why you should add this important relationship to your list.

Empathy
How Helpful and Generous Are We Willing to Be?

Lydia Denworth on December 9, 2019

You may not be as generous as you think. Even when helping others, studies show that we don't put in the same level of effort for other people as when we work for ourselves.

You may not be as generous as you think. Even when helping others, studies show that we don't put in the same level of effort for other people as when we work for ourselves.

Education
The Right Level of Struggle for Learning

Lydia Denworth on November 5, 2019

When something is too hard or too easy, we don't learn much from it. But there is a "sweet spot" of difficulty that promotes learning, and scientists have just identified it.

When something is too hard or too easy, we don't learn much from it. But there is a "sweet spot" of difficulty that promotes learning, and scientists have just identified it.

Aging
A Newly Discovered Link Between Brain Activity and Aging

Lydia Denworth on October 16, 2019

Why do some people live into their 90s while others don't make it to 70? A new study uncovered a tantalizing possibility that might eventually allow us to slow the aging process.

Why do some people live into their 90s while others don't make it to 70? A new study uncovered a tantalizing possibility that might eventually allow us to slow the aging process.

Relationships
New Insight into the Limits of Self-Insight

Lydia Denworth on September 30, 2019

We assume people with a clear view of themselves are better off. A recent study suggests that a little self-delusion can be very helpful.

We assume people with a clear view of themselves are better off. A recent study suggests that a little self-delusion can be very helpful.

Adolescence
The Lasting Effects of Social Isolation in Adolescence

Lydia Denworth on September 17, 2019

Extreme social isolation has long-term consequences for the adolescent brain. It might also hint at the effects of more common experiences, like bullying and feeling left out.

Extreme social isolation has long-term consequences for the adolescent brain. It might also hint at the effects of more common experiences, like bullying and feeling left out.

Depression
It Is Possible to Thrive After Depression

Lydia Denworth on July 31, 2019

Depression is not a life sentence. Researchers have found people who achieve high levels of psychological well-being after depressive episodes.

Depression is not a life sentence. Researchers have found people who achieve high levels of psychological well-being after depressive episodes.

Health
How Much Time in Nature Is Needed to See Benefits?

Lydia Denworth on June 13, 2019

Nature has established health benefits. Now a study examines just how much exposure to the outdoors it takes to achieve those benefits and boost health and wellbeing.

Nature has established health benefits. Now a study examines just how much exposure to the outdoors it takes to achieve those benefits and boost health and wellbeing.

Media
Worry Over Social Media Use and Well-Being May Be Misplaced

Lydia Denworth on May 30, 2019

Concern over possible negative effects of social media has reached a fever pitch. But new research is reassuring and suggests we may be worrying about the wrong things.

Concern over possible negative effects of social media has reached a fever pitch. But new research is reassuring and suggests we may be worrying about the wrong things.

Social Learning Theory
Babies Learn When in Sync with Their Mothers

Lydia Denworth on April 25, 2019

To learn from others, babies evaluate the source. New research shows the role of brain synchrony and temperament and explains why sometimes babies just won't do what you want.

To learn from others, babies evaluate the source. New research shows the role of brain synchrony and temperament and explains why sometimes babies just won't do what you want.

Mind Reading
The Role of "Mindreading" Neurons

Lydia Denworth on April 11, 2019

How does the brain learn from observing? New research reveals a specific set of neurons that simulate another individual's decisions.

How does the brain learn from observing? New research reveals a specific set of neurons that simulate another individual's decisions.

Neuroscience
How Eye Contact Prepares the Brain to Connect

Lydia Denworth on February 25, 2019

Gazing into someone else's eyes is a powerful social signal. What is it that makes eye contact special? A new study suggests that it prepares the social brain to empathize.

Gazing into someone else's eyes is a powerful social signal. What is it that makes eye contact special? A new study suggests that it prepares the social brain to empathize.

Bias
Risky Decisions Reflect a Tug of War in the Brain

Lydia Denworth on January 18, 2019

Faced with a risky decision? An unusual new study reveals the push and pull that takes place in the brain as you weigh your options.

Faced with a risky decision? An unusual new study reveals the push and pull that takes place in the brain as you weigh your options.