Brain and Behavior
I never intended to be a homeschooler. But as with COVID-19, sometimes life hands us surprises. Instead of grumbling about it I decided to do what I do best (research!) and help my family survive and even thrive in this new season. —– Disclaimer: The perspectives and opinions expressed in the following article are solely… read more
Leadership is a crucial attribute to have in today’s world if a person wants to be successful, and now there could be a new mindset theory to boost leadership qualities! Most people have only heard of Fixed or Growth Mindsets, but the Benefit Mindset is now coming into fruition. The Benefit Mindset focuses on “being… read more
Altruism looks good on the outside, but usually comes at a cost. This type of prosocial behavior can be a conundrum because offering generosity takes from the giver, gives to the taker, and gives to the giver. Confused? New research from the June 2020 issue of Science Advances helps us sort it all out. “Prosocial… read more
The first half of 2020 has brought unprecedented changes in social constructs, education, and financial status, just to name a few. The worldwide coronavirus epidemic has affected and continues to affect every citizen of the globe, regardless of fame, status, or wealth. For the average family, COVID-19 meant kids no longer attended brick-and-mortar school, job… read more
Summertime means more outside adventures for young and old alike. And along with the hiking, biking, and boating come increased emergency room visits for concussion and other traumatic brain injury. According to the Human Brain Mapping journal, depression is the number-one psychiatric symptom associated with traumatic brain injury, and research shows brain training can help.… read more
In these days of economic and health distress, family members from young to old are understandably struggling with anxiety. Grandparents are fearful of getting sick, lonely and isolated. Children are bored and yet overwhelmed with the new demands of schooling at home. Parents are struggling to cover the bills while juggling work changes, income cuts,… read more
We all want to experience more happiness. Yet in this uncertain world, moments of happiness can seem fleeting at best. That rush of joy when you finally drive away in your new car…or the gasp of delight over those glittering birthday earrings…even the pleasure of a bargain-find, perfectly fitted new jacket… According to researchers with… read more
Just picture it…a loving couple gaze across the candlelit table at one another, fingers entwined. She leans in for a kiss when the moment is interrupted by a buzzing vibration next to his elbow. In one swift moment the romance dissipates as he picks up his smartphone and smoothly shifts his connection away from the… read more
(Back by popular demand…re-post from 1 year ago!) It was the evening of January 1st when my oldest son garnered the family’s attention at the dinner table. “It’s New Year’s Day,” he announced with a dramatic flair, “and I’ve got something important to tell you all.” While his tone was serious, I detected a twinkle… read more
Steven came home late that winter evening and dropped down on the couch with a triumphant grin. Another playoff success! With a regionals win under his belt for a second year in a row, Steven was dreaming of a State Championship to highlight his senior year. He rubbed his temples, trying to soothe away the… read more
Pop culture and media try to convince us that smiling people are happier…and you would be too, if you smiled more. But can the act of smiling actually influence the way you feel? The psychological hypothesis of facial feedback proposes that facial movements do in fact influence one’s emotional state. Yet since this theory was… read more
Scientific research reports a correlation between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and abnormal gut microbiota. In a clinical trial of Microbiota Transfer Therapy (MTT), 18 participants diagnosed with ASD underwent a comprehensive program including bowel cleanse, antibiotics, antacids, and fecal microbiota transplant. After the 18-week research trial scientists reported improvements in ASD symptoms and reduced gastrointestinal… read more
