Feeling depleted? So is the planet. Here’s how to move from exhaustion to empowerment

A new book, The Exhausted Earth, outlines how capitalism leads to burnout - for people and planet. But regenerative solutions are possible if people focus on interconnectedness, not isolation.

Tom Oliver, Professor of Applied Ecology, University of Reading • conversation
April 8, 2024 ~8 min

How simple changes can open up Britain’s green spaces so everyone can benefit from them

This initiative could give more disabled and young people the confidence to explore more of Britain’s wild spaces and build a stronger nature connection

Anthony Maher, Professor of Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion, Leeds Beckett University • conversation
Jan. 29, 2024 ~7 min


How loneliness changes the way our brains process the world

Humans are social beings so it’s no wonder that feeling isolated can affect the way we think

Robin Kramer, Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology, University of Lincoln • conversation
Oct. 10, 2023 ~5 min

Overly flexible connective tissue causes problems in joints and throughout the body − and is often missed by doctors

Hypermobility can be painful and lead to frequent injuries and systemic health problems. Unfortunately, many doctors aren’t familiar with these conditions, and patients can go years undiagnosed.

Leslie Russek, Professor Emeritus of Physical Therapy, Clarkson University • conversation
Sept. 1, 2023 ~10 min

Laughter can communicate a lot more than good humor – people use it to smooth social interactions

Laughter is so fundamental that animals like chimps, rats and dogs share the ability with humans. But in people it serves more serious social functions than just letting others know you’re having fun.

Adrienne Wood, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia • conversation
July 25, 2023 ~8 min

In protecting land for wildlife, size matters – here's what it takes to conserve very large areas

Governments and wildlife advocates are working to protect 30% of Earth’s lands and waters for nature by 2030. An ecologist explains why creating large protected areas should be a top priority.

David Jachowski, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Clemson University • conversation
April 26, 2023 ~9 min

Are you a rapid ager? Biological age is a better health indicator than the number of years you've lived, but it's tricky to measure

Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Figuring out what influences longevity and how to identify rapid agers could lead to healthier and longer lives for more people.

Aditi Gurkar, Assistant Professor of Geriatric Medicine, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
March 15, 2023 ~10 min

Depression too often gets deemed 'hard to treat' when medication falls short

An overreliance on medication as the first-line treatment for depression can lead some people to be labeled with treatment-resistant depression when there are other viable alternatives for relief.

Jay Kayser, PhD Student in Social Work and Developmental Psychology, University of Michigan • conversation
March 15, 2023 ~12 min


This course teaches students how to connect with older adults to forge intergenerational bonds and help alleviate loneliness and isolation

Social isolation and loneliness in aging adults have been linked to numerous physical and mental health ailments. Teaching students how to listen deeply to older people can lessen those effects.

Jeremy Holloway, Assistant Professor of Geriatric Education, University of North Dakota • conversation
Dec. 20, 2022 ~7 min

Feeling connected enhances mental and physical health – here are 4 research-backed ways to find moments of connection with loved ones and strangers

Psychology researchers know what kinds of behavior enhance feelings of social connection.

Dave Smallen, Community Faculty in Psychology, Metropolitan State University • conversation
July 26, 2022 ~9 min

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