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psychology

James Cook (1728-79) English navigator, witnessing human sacrifice in Taihiti (Otaheite) c1773 during his second Pacific voyage 1772-1775. Engraving from 1815 edition of Cook's Voyages.

Life

Has ritual human sacrifice shaped societies and class systems?

An analysis of 93 Austronesian cultures suggests ritual human sacrifice has played a role in keeping societies less egalitarian. But not everyone is convinced  

51¶¯Âþ

Toxic form of tau protein foils memory formation in Alzheimer's

Health

Toxic form of tau protein foils memory formation in Alzheimer's

51¶¯Âþ

stammer artwork

Health

Stuttering isn't only psychological – and a cure might be coming

Features

shiny head man

Humans

The Myth of the Moral Brain: Could a drug make us nicer people?

CultureLab

toast

Health

Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?

Features

Contrast-enhanced confocal image of the mouse dentate gyrus. Newborn cells are labeled in red

Life

Newborn neurons observed in a live brain for first time

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nudge

Humans

Wise interventions – when your brain needs a stronger nudge

Leader

brain power

Life

A mind trick that can break down your brain's barrier to success

Features

shadow

Health

I can tell you how to heal yourself with hypnosis

Features

pills

Health

Tap the placebo effect to unlock your body's healing powers

No side effects, non-addictive and makes you feel better. From IBS to insomnia, could the honest placebo be the treatment we’ve been looking for?

Features

Life

Anxious people hear some sounds as more important than they are

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Humans

The Persuaders: How we let the PR industry control our minds

CultureLab

Life

The crying game: How tears can work for you

Features

Space

Astronauts may respond faster to warning voices than alarm tones

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