BehaviorMay 1, 2017
A Long-Running Study Finds People's Characters Don't Remain Fixed
Some aspects of personality may be subject to change throughout life
Stories by Melinda Wenner Moyer
Melinda Wenner Moyer, a contributing editor at Scientific American, is author of How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes: Science-Based Strategies for Better Parenting—from Tots to Teens (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2021). She wrote about the reasons that autoimmune diseases overwhelmingly affect women in the September 2021 issue.
CognitionMarch 1, 2017
The Serious Need for Play
Free, imaginative play is crucial for normal social, emotional and cognitive development. It makes us better adjusted, smarter and less stressed
CognitionMarch 1, 2017
What Science Says about How to Get Preschool Right
The push for rigorous prekindergarten education has overlooked the evidence on how young kids really learn best
BehaviorJanuary 20, 2017
If Trump Keeps His Promise on Paid Family Leave, Will Working Women Feel They Can Take It?
An analysis reveals that the percentage of new mothers who use family leave has remained flat since 1994
BehaviorJanuary 1, 2017
Tomorrow’s Criminal Justice
Untapped human abilities and new technologies could identify criminals and fight crime
Public HealthDecember 7, 2016
New Kind of Antibiotic Resistance Shows Up on a Hog Farm
Bacteria that fight drugs called carbapenems show how easily microbes pick up medicine-defying traits
Public HealthDecember 1, 2016
How Drug-Resistant Bacteria Travel from the Farm to Your Table
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria from livestock pose a deadly risk to people. But the farm lobby won't let scientists track the danger
BehaviorSeptember 1, 2016
What Science Really Says about Spanking
There’s little evidence that the punishment is useful, but debate continues
NeurologySeptember 1, 2016
The Hidden Risks of Poor Sleep in Women
Shift work and problems such as apnea may cause more trouble for women than men
MedicineMay 27, 2016
Dangerous New Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Reach U.S.
Woman infected with microbes that fight a last-line-of-defense drug; common infections could become untreatable
BehaviorMay 3, 2016
What Science Says—and Doesn't—about Spanking
Are kids being spanked for acting out or acting out because they’re spanked?
MedicineMay 1, 2016
Heartburn Meds Alter the Gut
Acid blockers reduce the diversity of bacteria in the intestines—and that could lead to trouble
BehaviorMay 1, 2016
Unstructured Play Is Critical to Child Development
Free, imaginative play is crucial for normal social, emotional and cognitive development. It makes us better adjusted, smarter and less stressed
NeurologyMarch 21, 2016
Controversial New Push to Tie Microbes to Alzheimer's Disease
A journal article says herpes virus and Lyme disease bacteria are behind the mind-robbing illness, but not all researchers are convinced
NeurologyMarch 1, 2016
A Safe Drug to Boost Brainpower
Rigorous analysis finds that the drug modafinil significantly enhances cognition during complex tasks
Mind & BrainMarch 1, 2016
The Sunny Side of Smut
For most people, pornography use has no negative effects—and it may even deter sexual violence
Public HealthFebruary 16, 2016
New Cause for Lyme Disease Complicates Already Murky Diagnosis
Scientists claim a novel bacterium causes some different symptoms, adding to the body of research showing the complexity of the disease
BehaviorJanuary 1, 2016
Eye Contact: How Long Is Too Long?
Research explores the factors that influence our tolerance for long mutual gazes
Mind & BrainNovember 1, 2015
Sex: Seniors Find Answers Online
Older adults are seeking support and carnal knowledge from peers
CancerOctober 7, 2015
Antioxidants May Make Cancer Worse
New animal studies explain why supposedly healthy supplements like beta-carotene could exacerbate a dread disease
HealthSeptember 21, 2015
Raised Hype about Lower Blood Pressure
The NIH has touted new health goals this summer without evidence for patient safety
Mind & BrainSeptember 1, 2015
Is "Baby Brain" a Myth?
Research suggests that the mental fog may be a matter of expectations
HealthSeptember 1, 2015
Lyme Disease May Linger for 1 in 5 Because of "Persisters"
A new theory about long-lasting Lyme disease symptoms suggests treatment options
Mind & BrainSeptember 1, 2015
Is Sensory Processing Disorder for Real?
A debate rages over whether doctors should recognize this common childhood condition as a distinct disorder