human

Plant|Human Symbiosis and the Fall of Humanity

17 May 13 | Interview: Trevor Smith, Waking Times
Tony Wright’s research is outlining a radical re-interpretation of the current data regarding human evolution and, our recent degenerated state we call “civilization.”

Biochemistries in Love

25 Mar 13 | Barbara Fredrickson, Reality Sandwich
The “love hormone” oxytocin is actually more properly identified as a neuropeptide because it acts not just within your body but also within your brain. It has long been known to play a key role within social bonding and attachment.

Animal Spirits

19 Mar 13 | Stephen T Asma, Aeon
The more we learn about the emotions shared by all mammals, the more we must rethink our own human intelligence.

Tennis with Plato

25 Feb 13 | Mark Rowlands, Aeon
In play an adult can become like a child, fully absorbed in the here-and-now. Play, not work, brings us fully to life.

Pot smokers might not turn into dopes after all

23 Jan 13 | Arran Frood, Nature
Revisiting data casts doubts on link between heavy cannabis use and declining IQ.

A Bone Here, a Bead There: On the Trail of Human Origins

28 Jul 12 | Interview: John Noble Wilford, New York Times
Chris Stringer, author of Lone Survivors answers questions about the evidence of interbreeding between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens and the extinct species of little people nicknamed the hobbits.

Healthy Optimism

27 Apr 12 | Rebecca Smith, Telegraph
Having a positive attitude to life may reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, a major review of research has found.

What’s New?

9 Mar 12 | John Thierney, New York Times
Do you make decisions quickly based on incomplete information? Do you lose your temper quickly? Are you easily bored? Novelty-seeking is one of the traits that keeps you healthy and happy and fosters personality growth as you age.

The Hormone Surge of Middle Childhood

11 Jan 12 | Natalie Angier, New York Times
Around 5 or 6, children experience an endocrinological event that propels them toward the ability to control impulses, to reason, to focus, to plan for the future.

Ability to Love Takes Root in Earliest Infancy

3 Jan 12 | Science Daily
The ability to trust, love, and resolve conflict with loved ones starts in childhood – way earlier than you may think.

It Takes Two

21Nov11 | Science Daily
The brain was built for cooperative activity, whether it be dancing on a TV reality show, building a skyscraper or working in an office, according to new research.

Humans are less violent than ever

11Nov11 | New Scientist
We are much more peaceful now than we used to be, says psychologist Steven Pinker, a result of government, courts, policing, trade, the expansion of literacy, and the empowerment of women.

A next level of human evolution

Sociology professor Steve Fuller says we are moving away from seeing ourselves as ‘normal’ humans as we increasingly embrace technological and medical advances – if we can afford them. 5 Oct 11

Technological Transcendence

A host of transhumanist thinkers have explored the connections between transhumanism and spirituality, seeking to do so in a manner that pays proper respect to both. 25 Feb 11

Trust Your Gut

People who are more aware of their heartbeats can trust their guts when making choices, a study says. 23 Jan 11

Why Sleep Is Good for You

See-through fish are helping neuroscientists settle a scientific debate about whether slumber improves the brain’s performance. 23 Jan 11

The Human Animal

The special bond that often forms between people and both domesticated and wild animals may be, paradoxically, part of what makes us human. 7 Jan 11

Fighting Bullying With Babies

Imagine there was a cure for meanness. Well, maybe there is. 17 Nov 10

How Touch Helps Us Take Risks

Strong bonds between mothers and infants increase children’s willingness to explore the world. 13 Oct 10

Your Brain on Food

The foods you eat often affect how your neurons behave and, subsequently, how you think and feel. From your brain’s perspective, food is a drug. 9 Oct 10