Colorado’s fentanyl criminalization bill won’t solve the opioid epidemic, say the people most affected

Incarcerating people who use drugs is associated with increased overdose deaths after release and high rate of recidivism.

Katherine LeMasters, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
June 13, 2025 ~9 min

What makes people flourish? A new survey of more than 200,000 people across 22 countries looks for global patterns and local differences

A global study seeks insights into what helps people feel happy, healthy and satisfied – and what holds them back.

Tyler J. VanderWeele, Professor of Epidemiology, Harvard University • conversation
May 1, 2025 ~10 min


Can animals have mental disabilities?

Animals can be born with genetic or developmental issues that make it hard for them to live normal lives. They also can develop mental health problems in response to conditions around them.

Rachel Blaser, Professor of Neuroscience, Cognition and Behavior, University of San Diego • conversation
Feb. 24, 2025 ~8 min

I’m a neuroscientist who taught rats to drive − their joy suggests how anticipating fun can enrich human life

Equipped with a rodent version of a Cybertruck, these driving rats reveal that positive experiences may sculpt the brain just as powerfully as stressful ones

Kelly Lambert, Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Richmond • conversation
Nov. 11, 2024 ~11 min

Staring at an image of yourself on Zoom has serious consequences for mental health – especially for women

Mirrors, selfies and knowing other people are looking at you all cause people to think of themselves as objects. Video calls are all three in one and are likely increasing the harms of self-objectification.

Jamie Goldenberg, Professor of Psychology, University of South Florida • conversation
April 25, 2022 ~8 min

'Sex addiction' isn't a justification for killing, or really an addiction – it reflects a person's own moral misgivings about sex

'Sex addiction' isn't a diagnosable disorder, but the turmoil religious men feel over the disconnect between their sexual values and behavior can lead to real psychological distress.

Joshua B. Grubbs, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Bowling Green State University • conversation
March 20, 2021 ~7 min

When safety measures lead to riskier behavior by more people

Behavioral economists explain how widespread use of face masks, hand sanitizer and other preventive measures could counterintuitively encourage riskier behaviors around coronavirus.

Konrad Grabiszewski, Associate Professor of Economics, Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College (MBSC) of Business & Entrepreneurship • conversation
March 11, 2020 ~6 min

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