The allure of the ad-lib: New research identifies why people prefer spontaneity in entertainment

Audiences love improvised, off-the-cuff entertainment, and new research suggests it’s because spontaneity seems to offer a glimpse of the performer’s authentic self.

Katherine Du, Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee • conversation
June 2, 2023 ~5 min

Poisons are a potent tool for murder in fiction – a toxicologist explains how some dangerous chemicals kill

From ‘Breaking Bad’ to James Bond, certain chemicals are popular options for characters looking to achieve nefarious ends.

Brad Reisfeld, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University • conversation
March 21, 2023 ~7 min


Interactive cinema: how films could alter plotlines in real time by responding to viewers' emotions

A new film changes its story based on the emotions expressed by the viewer.

Richard Ramchurn, Assistant researcher, University of Nottingham • conversation
March 20, 2023 ~8 min

Crucible: the science behind why watching others playing video games has become so popular

Surely, it can't be fun to watch others play games you can play yourself? The hundreds of hour people spend on live-streaming platform Twitch would suggest otherwise.

Craig Weightman, Lecturer in Games and Visual Effects, Staffordshire University • conversation
May 26, 2020 ~5 min

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