Can simply believing a treatment will work actually help it work better? Surprisingly, yes. Researchers have found that your expectations can have a powerful effect on how your body responds to medication—even when the treatment itself hasn’t changed. ⁠https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/placebo-effect⁠ (more…)

Have you ever pushed on a door that was supposed to be pulled—or pulled when you should have pushed? It feels embarrassing, but don’t blame yourself. It turns out the problem usually isn’t you. It’s the door. ⁠https://uxdesign.cc/intro-to-ux-the-norman-door-61f8120b6086⁠ (more…)

What does it really mean to be successful? Most people would probably say it’s about making more money, climbing the career ladder, earning recognition, or becoming well known. But what if we’ve been measuring success all wrong? (more…)

Need a favor? The way you ask may matter as much as what you’re asking for. Researchers have found that a few simple changes in how you make a request can dramatically increase the chances someone will say yes—and most people overlook them completely. ⁠https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/francis-flynn-if-you-want-something-ask-it⁠ (more…)

Have you ever forgotten a phone number, birthday, or why you walked into a room because you knew your phone would remember it for you? Many people joke about “digital dementia.” While it isn’t a real medical diagnosis, researchers are becoming increasingly concerned that our growing dependence on technology may be changing how we remember, think, and solve problems. ⁠https://www.neurocenternj.com/blog/digital-dementia-how-screens-and-digital-devices-impact-memory/⁠ (more…)