Tag: behaviour

Our attention span is shorter than ever before. What are the consequences?

Get the explanation as to why we are so bad at concentrating for an extended period of time... That is, if your attention span goes that far.

How Ouija boards really work

“Impressive” study reveals what is actually happening when a supposed spirit communicates via a Ouija board.

You will probably hang out in 25 places this year: Here is why

Decisions and plans drive our day-to-day movements. But new research shows that fundamental limits constrain how, as humans, we spend our time.

How to nudge consumers to make greener choices

Customers can be nudged into choosing environmentally friendly alternatives when shopping online.

Why compulsive gamblers can’t control themselves

Dopamine makes us more conscious of ourselves which may explain why compulsive gamblers, sex addicts and people with ADHD are more impulsive than others.

Laughter helps policemen cope with their work

The atmosphere is great, and the squad car is filled with jokes. It’s all necessary to handle a stressful kind of work, says a researcher.

Genes influence political engagement

Your ideological position, and your participation in demonstrations and elections, are partly determined by your genes.

Research points to personality's effect on our health

Angry and hostile people are more prone to cardiovascular disease than others, while anxious and depressive types have a high risk of developing dementia. Studying the connection between personality and illnesses is a hot topic among scientists.

Fat makes pigs more social and less aggressive

A high-fat diet changes social behaviour, reveals new study. This should be considered when advising the public on nutrition, say researchers.

Why does poor mimicry work?

Hoverflies mimic the appearance of wasps to avoid being eaten. But even to our untrained eyes they seem to be doing a shoddy job. So why does it work anyway?

Spiders find jobs that match their personalities

When cooperative spiders select specialties in the service of their colony you might think they had consulted career advisors.