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.
July 25, 2023 • ~8 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.
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.
March 15, 2023 • ~12 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.
July 26, 2022 • ~9 min
Social distancing increased over the course of human history – but so did empathy and new ways to connect
People have changed over time, growing ever more distant and isolated from others – while at the same time finding new ways and technologies that let individuals connect and feel with others.
April 8, 2020 • ~7 min
Can I complain about coronavirus? Why it is OK to vent, sometimes
With so much sadness and loss from COVID-19, some of us may feel selfish if we complain about relative inconveniences. But because humans are creatures of habit, changes are hard.
March 27, 2020 • ~8 min
Reaching out to isolated older adults is essential during coronavirus – here are 7 specific things you can do, just for starters
Look out for your elderly parents, family members, friends and neighbors. It could save their lives.
March 25, 2020 • ~6 min
Social distancing comes with social side effects – here's how to stay connected
Physically isolating yourself can feel psychologically isolating too. But there are ways to maintain connections in these crazy coronavirus times.
March 16, 2020 • ~9 min
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