Lydia Denworth

New Insight into the Limits of Self-Insight

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.

The Lasting Effects of Social Isolation in Adolescence

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.

It Is Possible to Thrive After Depression

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.

How Much Time in Nature Is Needed to See Benefits?

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.

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

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.

Babies Learn When in Sync with Their Mothers

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.

The Role of "Mindreading" Neurons

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.

How Eye Contact Prepares the Brain to Connect

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.

The Connection Between Sleep and Pain

A new study reveals why pain and difficulty sleeping often go hand in hand.

A new study reveals why pain and difficulty sleeping often go hand in hand.

Risky Decisions Reflect a Tug of War in the Brain

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.